Women who want to pack light, fit in with the European locals, or just look hotter than their fellow travelers, should consider packing one or two long lightweight scarves in face-flattering colors. Gauzy, sheer scarves weigh absolutely nothing and are easily stuffed into carry-on bags or travel purses.
Most women, who like to read packing lists, have probably heard about bringing a large square scarf to wear in European cathedrals (or to drape over their booties while walking along the beaches of Hawaii). That is an equally important, but different, type of scarf.
Extra Long Lightweight Scarf
This style of scarf is for beauty. This is a fashion scarf. This little scrap of fabric is something to bring light to a woman’s face, so she doesn’t look old and over 40 or 50, even if she is. This is not your mother’s scarf. And, this article is written by someone who seldom wears scarves when back home in The States.
Casual Chic
A super handy-dandy all-purpose specimen of lightweight fabric is what chic and skinny Parisian women wear, instead of jewelry, when out on the street. On the other hand, some Parisian silk scarves, like Hermes, cost as much as a small gold bauble. The right scarf will look mix-and-match Bohemian in London. And, the right piece will have Germans and Italians saying, “Bonjour, Madame.”
How to Wear a Scarf
Throw away the Boy Scout knot-tying handbook. The best and easiest look is done by Braille, with no mirror, where the scarf is worn with artfully messy flair. The ends should not end up the same length when done. Natural twists and turns are good, and the full effect should be a casual chic elegance.
The secret to looking like a local, rather than a nimrod, is by purchasing the right summer scarf in the right (lightweight or sheer) fabric and, of course, in the right flattering color. When browsing online, check to see if the scarf looks like it has good drape or if it hangs stiffly from the model’s neck and shoulders. If it is stiff, it will look awful and it will not stay put. And, if the item for sale does not look good on a 12 y/o Russian beauty, it’s certainly not going to look any better in real life.
Best Summer Scarf
Firstly, mademoiselles should look for a color, or background color, that they really love, because it has been said that people (with any experience) are naturally and subconsciously attracted to colors that look good on them.
Secondly, when shopping online, women should read the description of the garment and look for words like:
- Loose Weave
- Gauze
- Lightweight
- Featherweight
- Sheer, Semi-sheer
- Cotton, Linen, Silk, Wool (extremely thin)
- Silk (or one of the above) Blend
- Italian Fabric
- Dimensions and Shape (similar to) 42”W by 66”L, 22”W by 72”L, or 1.5ft by 6ft.
On the other hand, some scarves made out of fine, sheer polyester can be amazing, so a gal should go with her instincts. And, why must a scarf be so long? Because, the easiest casual look is achieved by wrapping and twisting a scarf until it looks fabulous.
How to Tie a Scarf
Here is a good video that shows simple ways to tie a scarf (or not tie a scarf). The model uses winter-weight fabric, but a gal can come up with more interesting twists using gauze-like summer scarves. When in doubt, play with the scarf just enough so that it doesn’t fall off, and go out the door.
Notice the color that is added to this woman’s all-black outfit. She should have shown how the scarf could be tucked into the neckline of a jacket, as well. Scarves are becoming chic in The States, as globe-trotting celebs bring the look to LA, so stock up. When in Paris, try one of the Diwali Stores for lovely, inexpensive scarves.
Remember that Parisian women don’t opt in to fads. They assess their physical appearance with a sharp, but not overly-critical, eye. Then, they find tricks (like scarves) to steer viewers towards assets and away from flaws.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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