The truth about your scarf collection

Over the last 16 years of supporting women with their personal style and wardrobes, I’ve lost track of the number of pretty scarves I’ve cast my eyes over. 

Almost every one of my clients has shown me their scarf collection, telling me they never wear them because they don’t really know how to tie them or what kind of outfits they work for.

I then break the news that it’s highly likely that the reason they aren’t being worn has nothing to do with how to tie them and everything to do with some other very important things!

So, if you too have a collection of barely worn scarves, read on!

1. Proportions matter

Firstly, consider your body shape. Do you have ‘space’ for a scarf?

Sometimes the reason someone can’t get on board with a scarf is because they feel too ‘bulky’ with extra fabric around their neck. The people who wear scarves well have ‘space’ for them. 

It might be that they have a long neck or a small chest. If your neck is shorter and/or you have a large bust, it can feel like there just isn’t enough space to add a scarf. Scarves add interest to your outfit but they also add bulk. If you already feel ‘bulky’ on top, you might not feel good adding more.

If you realise this is an issue for you, try wearing a thin scarf around your neck and leave it loose, hanging in two vertical lines down your torso. This can be super-flattering and is a way to add interest without bulk.

2. What does the colour do to your complexion?

Whatever you wear closest to your face has a big impact on how healthy you look. 

If you’ve ever had your colours analysed, you’ll know the exact shades and tones of colour that light you up and make you look your very best. And you’ll also know which to avoid like the plague.

If you’ve never experienced a colour analysis, try standing in front of a mirror in good lighting (bare faced is best) and see which of your scarves makes your features more defined and your skin healthy and glowy. Some might be more obviously better or worse than others but trying this might help you to discard some of your collection. And as I’m forever saying… the less you have, the more you find to wear. So if you only end up with three scarves that you recognise really suit you, you are more likely to bother to wear them than if you have 20 that you aren’t sure about.

3. Does the print work for you?

There is a LOT to consider when you are deciding which prints work for you. This is the kind of thing I teach in The Style Plan and to my private clients.

For today, I think it would be helpful to take just one of the key factors into consideration: the size of the print matters. Some of us suit small prints, some large and some of us suit medium sized ones. I suppose it’s a bit like the three bears!

When you are going through your scarf collection, notice what size print they have. And then, which feels best to you. This can be tricky to discern for yourself but if you suit small scale prints and wear one that is too large, it can overwhelm you and your face will be hidden behind the print. And if you try to wear a print that’s too small for you, it can look fussy and even make you look bigger than you are.

Be careful when you are checking this to be sure whether it’s the colour or the print that is working / not working.

Working through your scarf collection with these three tips in mind will help you to gather clues as to what works best for you and what you can let go of.

I hope you found this useful. Let me know how you get on by leaving me a comment below.