If you are looking for a new way to style your warm-weather wardrobe, consider summer fashion ideas with scarves. While these lovely neck adornments are considered a must-have during winter months, over the past couple of years they have cropped up on fashion runways and on Hollywood starlets as simple pieces that add a sexy-chic look to any outfit.
Summer scarves are not only perfect for throwing in your handbag as last-minute protection against chilly air-conditioned offices; they also frame your face, and can help highlight your best features, or hide flaws.
What to Look For
When choosing the perfect summer scarf, there are a few key things to ensure that you will get the most mileage out of your purchase. Think of it as an accessory, just like a pair of earrings or a necklace. You may even want to buy two or three to go with various outfits for different occasions.
Texture
From a plain, flat cotton scarf to a slinky silk version, the texture of the scarf defines its purpose. For day, consider a light, airy cotton version. For night, think bright and silky. Even though it is summer, a feather-weight cashmere scarf is perfect for breezy nights or air-conditioned restaurants.
Color
Daytime begs for light colors and neutral basics. Instead of white or cream look for minty green, powder blue, pale pink, or faded lavender. Nighttime calls for bright, jewel-toned hues such as a shocking raspberry pink silk, a jolt of red chiffon, or an elegant emerald tissue pashmina.
Finishing Touches
Tassels, beading, sequins, and embroidery, the devil is in the details for summer scarves. Think of your wardrobe and your personal style to decide which will fit best with the clothes in your closet.
- American Classic-- look for timeless stripes, or plain colors finished with a delicate fringe
- Boho Chic-- experiment with wrinkled cotton, fun patterns, lots of tassels and funky colors
- Ethnic Goddess-- browse eastern Indian shops for scarves finished with shimmery beads, mirrors, metallic embroidery and rich colors
Summer Fashion Ideas With Scarves
There are endless ways to wear a scarf during the summer months. Yes, you can wrap it around your neck, but think outside the box and experiment. You will find that the scarf is one of your most versatile accessories, serving as a head wrap; a belt, a shawl, and even a beach cover up.
Around the Neck
- Drape a long scarf around your neck and let it hang loose and free. This style elongates your frame, and adds an extra light layer to help disguise a few pounds around your middle.
- Wrap loosely around your neck and tuck the ends in the back. A pretty color will frame your face and make your features pop.
- Tie loosely so the knot sits about mid-chest for an office-friendly look.
Creative Uses
- Wear around your shoulders as a shawl, particularly when you are dining outside and the evening gets a little chilly.
- Thread through your loops as an eye-catching belt.
- Channel Marc Jacobs' Spring collection and wrap obi-style around a long tunic or cardigan (this is an excellent way to define your waist).
- Wrap around your head to keep your hair out of your eyes, or as an alternative form of sun protection.
- Bring a scarf to the beach to tie around your waist as a quick and cute bikini cover-up.
Where to Find
There are so many summer fashion ideas with scarves, so search for the best versions that will work well with your wardrobe. Most women's clothing chains carry some version of the summer scarf, but also look for them at local boutiques, online shops, farmer's markets, and vintage stores.
