Chic and Playful Ways to Style Scarves After 50

Scarves are one of those magical timeless accessories that never go out of style in my opinion. Whether you’re slipping on a silk square, a cozy wrap, or tossing on a fabulous rectangle, scarves can instantly add personality and polish to the simplest outfit. After 50, they’re not only practical for a little extra warmth , but they’re also a fun way to show off your creativity and style. Let’s chat about some chic and playful ways to style scarves after 50 that will keep you looking fresh, sassy, and effortlessly stylish.

I’ve had my share of outfit wins and misses, but this knitwear look is a favorite. The scarf was an eBay treasure, the sweater a gift from Margaret O’Leary, and the rest straight from my closet. Proof that sometimes the best looks come from shopping your own wardrobe first. You will be surprised what you can put together especially with the addition of an interesting scarf. You can find a similar dress at Talbots here, you can find the hat here, and the boots here.

Chic and Playful Ways to Style Scarves After 50

Why Scarves Are a Wardrobe Essential After 50

If you have been following along here for long you know I am a certified scarfaholic. There isn’t a more versatile accessory for mature women in my opinion than a scarf. It can add a pop of color, sophistication, and pattern to a simple outfit or column of color. A well-chosen scarf can balance your proportions and showcase your own unique style.

Here I am wearing a lovely alpaca wrap from Overland Sheepskin Company, the Rag and Bone Miramar jeans I have long been coveting (they are terry not denim and oh so comfy), a denim shirt, vintage silver brooch, Gentle Souls booties and Wyeth hat.

I have been a fan of the common bandana since I cannot remember when. Here I styled a red bandana with the Banana Republic black denim shirt (which you saw featured here) the Ann Taylor faux leather skirt, Ariat (from Zappos) cowboy boots, and my beautiful concho belt inherited from my mother-in-law.

Chic and Playful Ways to Style Scarves After 50

Choosing Scarves

Thankfully scarves are having a moment again. Honestly, I’ve never cared whether they’re “in” or “out”.I love them no matter what. The nice thing about a trend is that it brings so many more options to the table. Right now, silk neck scarves are especially popular. They’re not my personal favorite (I’m still trying to warm up to them!), but give me cashmere, wool, linen, cotton, or any lovely blend of those, and I’m a happy girl.

I am not a huge fan of the burgundy hue that is so popular right now (only because it is not that flattering on me). However this “iris” version from J Crew I am loving. I am wearing their high neck cashmere v neck and kick flare sweater pants on super sale with my splurge Pierre Louis Mascia scarf and my trusty Artemis Design Co slippers. FYI I ordered the J Crew oversized cashmere wrap , a solid color scarf in the same Iris hue (on sale currently). I love it so much.

I love this Banana Republic denim shirt jacket, scarf from Crimson Cashmere (not currently available), jeans from Chicos and mules from Etsy. I love styling accessories in unexpected ways. I anchored this scarf with a necklace I designed and made years ago from vintage native american beads.

Chic and Playful Ways to Wear Scarves After 50

Square scarves tied at the neck are very au courant right now, but I’ll take a beautiful shawl or wrap any day of the week. A little square scarf knotted on a handbag is another chic touch I love in the Spring and Summer. And let’s not forget the long rectangular scarf. Longer scarves can be styled so many different ways. In the end, it’s all about what feels right for your style.

Love this beautiful long line blazer from Ann Taylor, favorite AYR jeans, Gentle Souls booties & Madewell bandana.

Styling Tips for an Ageless Look

Choose scarves that reflect your personal style, but keep the look effortless. There’s no need to master complicated knots or fancy ties. Wear hem in a favorite way that feels natural to you. For me, that usually means the simpler, the better.

These Madewell jeans (on sale) are very similar to the Frank and Eileen jeans that I love, love their penny loafers (wide enough to accomodate my bunion) and hat, and this great sweater from Banana Republic. The MET scarf is the icing on the cake.

This beautiful cashmere sweater is from Estheme (Ambiance Paso), Talbots has a very similar sweater for much less here the faux leather skirt from Ann Taylor, cowboy boots from (Ariat) Zappos, older scarf no longer available but similar here. Sunnies from Caddis here.

You can shop all of my favorite fall scarves in every price range here.

Scarves really are the little style secret that can take any outfit from simple to fabulous. Whether you prefer a timeless silk square, a wonderful rectangle, or a cozy wrap tossed over your shoulders, there’s no wrong way to wear them. What is important is if it feels like you! After 50, style should be about confidence, creativity, and joy, and scarves are a beautiful way to express all three. I hope you’ll experiment with a few of these ideas and discover new favorites. I’d love to hear about your chic an playful ways to style scarves after 50.Do you have favorite scarves that you wear again and again? Be sure to share your faves in the comments to keep the conversation going.

You might enjoy my other scarf related posts here:

How to Transform your Look Simply with a Scarf

The Oversized Scarf Trend -9 Big Ways to Style Them

Eight Stylish Ways to Style a Scarf

Editors Note: Carole asked about scarf storage, so I thought I would share this post:

Organize and Store your Accessories with these 5 tips