I know scarves aren’t “in” currently but I don’t think there is a more versatile accessory for women our age. A scarf is undoubtedly one of the simplest yet chicest of all accessories. I have been a fan of scarves for years and I don’t plan on changing that because they may be “out”. They can add color and pattern to a simple outfit. Let’s talk about How to Transform Your Look Simply With a Scarf. I will share my favorite sources for scarves as well at the bottom of the post.
I am partial to the long rectangular versions because I consider them more versatile for styling. I never got on board with the blanket or infinity scarf craze from a few years back. It is easy to tie your rectangular scarf and create that same look.
I kept my outfit simple and used the same scarf and styled it twelve ways.
In this photo, I pinned my scarf on one side for a more dramatic look. I accessorized it with native American Jewelry items from my collection and one of my favorite hats. All items (or similar are linked at bottom of the post). My hat was purchased locally at Anbe Boutique in Paso Robles.
I have heard this called a french knot and many others. You can watch my video for instructions on how to do it. For those of you interested in collecting native American sterling bangle bracelets, you can find them on eBay here. My earrings are from Don Lucas and are over 20+ years old.
Why not create a little interest at the waistline for a more unusual spin?
Here I styled my scarf simply as a wrap thrown over both shoulders.
I sometimes forget about this one. I attended a tea hosted by my friend Karyn the other day and a very stylish lady from our neighborhood was in attendance. She sparked my interest in creating this post. She was dressed in black knit (just as I have here). She had a gorgeous scarf thrown over both shoulders like this and beautiful artistic earrings. She looked stunning.
I call this style the jacket. I have a video on my IG page explaining how to do this here
I like this look “over the shoulder and belted”. I also like a scarf around the neck and belted as I shared in this post How to Make Your Style your Own With Accessories.
You have seen me style a large rectangular scarf like this many times before. I think this one is big on style because it looks more like a statement jacket.
This is probably one of the most often spotted styles. You just loop it around the front and bring the tails back to the front.
I love this look too with the shawl wrapped over one shoulder. Sometimes I anchor it with a pin to keep it in place. This style is great for Summer evenings too when it gets chilly.
Last but not least, what I call the knot. You wrap the scarf around your neck until you just have two small tails. Pull one side under and over and pull the other side over and under. Simple as that. I switched my sweater out to a v-neck for this one. I don’t like this style with a turtleneck it is too restrictive. It works better with a crew or v-neck. Pop over to my Instagram where I will try to video the more difficult versions. If you aren’t following me on Instagram you can do so here.
I intended to use this pretty Echo Scarf in the photos but it just got here today, and it is raining again so the light is terrible! I am wearing my beautiful gifted monogrammed Birdies with the outfit.
You might enjoy my post Eight Stylish Ways to Style a Scarf here where I share a few others that I did not feature here, or My Favorite Ways to Style a Shawl. If you have been reading CHD long you know I am all about accessories and scarves in particular.
SHOP THE POST
SHOP MY SCARF PICS ON EBAY, ETSY & ELSEWHERE
Here are a couple of articles you might find helpful as well:
Cosmopolitan UK 10 Expert Styling Tips on styling a Scarf
Masterclass-How to Wear a Scarf
Thanks for reading How to Transform your Look Simply with a Scarf. Thank you to so many of you for filling out the survey on what you would like to read more about here in 2023. If you have trouble just leave a comment. It is so helpful to me for planning the coming year. I want to cover topics that you are most interested in.
Thank you for this timely post, Cindy. Getting ready to leave on a trip to Israel in a few weeks and this has really helped me to brighten up my wardrobe without adding a lot of bulk. I really like the red/black strip you are modeling. Do you know if it’s still available? Thanks so much, love all you do!
Hi Penny
That scarf is so old. I honestly can’t even remember where it came from. I remember wearing it in D.C the year my daughter was a college intern there. I won’t tell you how many years ago that was. I intended to style the Echo scarf but it did not come in time. I really like that one and it is a great price point as well.
I don’t have a waist, can I still wear a belt? I usually wear a long top to cover my waist.
Hi Bernie
I don’t have much of a waist lately either. I try to create the illusion of being thin. I certainly am not at the moment. On Tuesday Kim and I will be sharing leisure/workout wear. I like a tunic length that covers the bum and the heaviest part of me (my bum & thighs). I think that is what we all strive to do, camouflage our weaknesses and accentuate the good.
Cindy, it is so funny to see what is in and what is out. I don’t think anyone told the heritage brands like Hermes, Dior, Burberry, Barbour, Ralph Lauren that scarves are out.
I guess this is all the more reason to follow our own path and wear what we like and suits our style and likes.
You look beautiful in every outfit.
Hi Eliz
I completely agree. I follow trends extremely loosely. If I like something I could care less if it is considered in. It just makes it harder to find the items we love when “they” decide they are no longer in. The beauty of nearing 70….is we know what we like and are comfortable with it.
This is so educational…and inspiring. Howard and I had a couple of trips in the works and I will definitely bring a scarf or two!
Hi Mary Ann
I bet you do have some trips in the works you lucky duck!!
Hi Cindy,
The ribbed black turtleneck did show the price on my device, however it took me no where. I think maybe I need to do something in my end to get what is referred to as a “widget.” I believe it’s my issue not yours.
I’m not a computer wizard like you. My brain is not wired in that direction. My hubby Bear is so I can get his help hopefully to resolve my speed bump.
Hi Katherine
The exact turtleneck that I am wearing came from Anthropologie a few years ago. Here are the two that I linked to that are very similar on the blog:
https://rstyle.me/+vLDr-cqXOft1qvsfnqnEkw
https://rstyle.me/+c6r43afDClMAU8r1ipvmNQ
If you are getting the price you just need to click harder to get to the actual item. I hope this helps!
Cindy
Fun fun fun post! Traveling with a few scarves gives you an almost endless wardrobe with your basics. Big fan of the scarf and your ideas.
Hi Leanne
Couldn’t agree more. Can’t think of a more versatile accessory!
I like all the ways you’re wearing the scarf but last photo with hat you look marvelous!! Hats look great on you!
Hi Nancy
Thank you so much. I can only wear certain hats. Anything without a brim doesn’t work we all know our limitations, right?
Cindy,
One of the best things about being a little older is I no longer worry much about “trends in fashion”. I enjoy wearing what suits me. You’re ideas always help me branch out a bit. I love scarves and have learned how to wear them in a variety of ways, but you had a few ideas that I hadn’t seen before. Thank you.
Karen B.
Karen my point exactly. Thank you for punctuating it. We wear what we love and what feels good. The beauty of aging.
Scarves are never really “out” but the fashion industry may like to declare it so for their own purposes. In the time while Scarves are “out” only the really good scarves are available….which is nice because it makes them easier to find. After a bit of nary a cheap scarf in sight the fashion industry can bring them back and declare them “in” and flood the market with mostly cheaply made stuff….and people who need the industry to tell them “in” from “out” will buy them up.
A good scarf is easy to spot because they are finished well, have better colour/dyes, better designs, etc. And, yes the cost more but they are an investment like a good coat….amortize their price over the years that the scarf is worn and it really is not that much per year…..well worth saving up for
Hi Lauren
The beauty of being my age 68 is that I no longer let the fashion industry dictate what I love and feel comfortable in. Am I interested in following what is in style? Of course. Do cropped sweaters and instant fashion work for me? Of course not. You have made some excellent points.
Cindy,
Thank you for your lovely blog. I enjoy reading and seeing your photos so much! I’m only 54 but I’ve worn scarves forever. I took note of you ladies using your scarves in unconventional ways (such as tablecloths) and am branching out. I’m learning. So much fun to be had, thank you!
Tamara
Hi Tamera
I remember 54…let’s see…my oldest son was 28 and my daughter 25. If you look back on the blog (waaay back you can see both weddings) yikes how could that be…) I am always so grateful when I hear from someone your age or even several who are in their 40’s that enjoy the blog. I think the goal for all of us is to be ageless and enjoy where we are in our lives. Style is ageless simply put.
Hi Cindy,
Happy healthy New Year.
Loved all your ideas on styling scarves. I think they are always in style. I don’t follow fashion trends for the most part.
We hosted our daughter-in-law from Spain and our two teen age granddaughters over Christmas. Silvia gifted me a gorgeous hand woven scarf she hand crafted on her loom. I’m not a blue person however I want to wear it. I really like the black ribbed turtleneck you modeled with the scarf. I hit on the link and it did not take me anywhere. Hmmm.
Hi Katherine
I don’t follow trends either. I listen and I learn and use what I like and toss what I don’t. OMG your new daughter in law sounds wonderful. I will check the link so sorry
Thanks for great scarf ideas. I agree with you, who cares what “ they” say. I love scarves and really don’t care when others say, out of style”! This is my choice, not someone else’s. 😊. Hint for infinity scarves. I have taken the seam out and created some lovely new scarves. Thanks again 😊
Hi Jes
Great tip for the infinity scarf that one no longer wears! Thanks Jes!
You are so clever the way you come up with so many looks from basic black and your scarves. I find that when I wear a scarf, I end up fussing with it because it feels like it doesn’t stay in place and that is especially true with the bigger shawl-size scarves. I especially love the look with the hat, amazing Native American jewelry (those earrings!), scarf over one shoulder.
Hi Wren
You need to anchor it with a pin pal!! Let’s talk about that over lunch next week!
Love the way you style scarves. I rely on scarves to keep my neck warm and they’re easy to take off if I get warm. I live in Southern California and even wear scarves on cool summer evenings or to protect myself from aggressive a/c. I’ve been collecting scarves for 50 years. I too find the rectangular scarf most versatile. I love buying them at museum shops, they’re my favorite souvenirs from trips I’ve taken.
Hi Cindy Lou
I have told you this a million times but every time I see Cindy Lou it brings back old memories of my best friend from high school that called me that. You are right about the museum shops. They do have the most lovely ones!!
Great scarf options Cindy, and you make them all look beautiful! I’m like you – I wear what I want and am so happy when it comes into style! 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovey new year so far!
Hi Barbara
Kudos to you Barbara you know yourself and your own style! Happy New Year Friend!
Very cool! Beautiful scarf!! So glad you are true to your signature style.❤️
Hi Janelle
I take note of trends that work for me but I don’t think any of us should be a slave to fashion. Wear what you love and feels good.
I will NEVER GIVE UP my scarves, etc. franki
Hi Franki
I LOVE the capitals…nor will I!! Maybe it will be on my grave stone
YOUR POSTS NEVER DISAPPOINT! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR STYLE AND THINK THAT STYLE IS THE KEY, NOT “WHAT’S IN STYLE.” TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT TRUE STYLE LASTS FOREVER. THANKS FOR BEING SUCH AN INSPIRATION!
Hi Sabrena
I agree it is all about personal style. Be creative, make it personal. You ladies are truly my inspiration.
I loved the reminder of Echo – they make the best scarves. I have SO MANY great scarves and I NEVER wear them. I need to start. I also like to wear a column of black with a fun, bright coat! Great Post! Happy
New Year pal.
Hi Gray
Echo Yes!! A Column of black with a bright coat so good..you got it girl!!
Great post. I feel that even if something is “out” – it’s by “whose standards that it is out” and therefore if “I” feel like it looks good on me or makes me feel good then I wear it regardless.
Hi Sharon
ABSOLUTELY well put. That is the beauty of our age. We know what works.
Hi Cindy,
I also am a big fan of scarves! I was so excited to read your post on styling with scarves and
I always look forward to your instagram posts!
I notice you like the native American designs and would like to see more of this also in interiors.
Always,
Elsa
Hi Elsa
Thank you so much. I love anything ethnocentric in my home and fashion. My home is a mix of that.
I have always loved scarves & can’t I,agité giving them up. Thanks for all your ideas.
Hi Janet
Nor will I. I was noticing that they weren’t as available as the last few years. That is what sparked my post.
you look absolutely stunning in all the photos- especially the last with your cheeky black hat!
Thank you for the inspiration
Hi Dianne
I try my best to inspire you all that inspire me so much!
Cindy, thank you for the post update for 2022, it was inspirational. Please advise me how to find the list of flea markets on your blog, I lost it! It is a rainy day on the Central Coast, just perfect to take extra time reading your wonderful blogs. Nancy
Hi Nancy
Oh dear I do not remember doing a post about flea markets but what a great idea. I will work on that.
It’s funny, I didn’t realize scarves weren’t “in,” but your comment reminds me that Eileen Fisher no longer makes all those gorgeous silk and cotton handwoven scarves of years past. Now, that makes sense (but I still don’t approve!). I think scarves are essential and I will always wear them. For the larger rectangles with texture, my favorite style is the draped-over-one-shoulder style, as it adds both warmth and interest, and the texture keeps the scarf in place, for the most part. For beautiful silks and lightweight cottons, the simpler the wearing style, the better. I don’t like wearing belts and try to keep the focus off my waistline, so having a scarf near my face and shoulders really helps.
Hi Annie
Exactly suddenly we are noticing that the lovely scarves aren’t appearing on websites that we love…Great suggestions thank you so much for weighing in.
Hi Cindy,
All great scarf ideas. I’m wondering if you could possibly include a video, on your blog here, for the one that you call The Jacket? I don’t do instagram. I thank you in advance.
Hi Jill
I probably need to do youtube videos I am such a reluctant persona to all this. It really is so not me. I am gradually crawling out of my comfort zone.