For example, a great scarf can take any outfit and make it fashionable, by adding color, texture and interest to whatever you’re wearing. They can also help keep us warm and cozy when the winter wind blows as well. But thirdly and most importantly to those of us “treasure hunters” at Goodwill Retail Stores & Donation Centers, they are definitely one of the most affordable fashion items to collect and use in your daily life. The variety is literally endless! So let’s run down the types of scarves you should have in your wardrobe, and how to wear them all year round.
There are a couple of basic scarf types: the knit winter scarf and the woven fashion scarf. They can come in lots of different lengths and widths, and a good accessory wardrobe features a mix of all different kinds. What you should always look for when buying any scarf whether at Goodwill or not, is the type of fabric it’s made of. Because it will be next to your skin, it should feel comfortable and not at all scratchy or unpleasant. Next, you should be sure that the color, texture and type of your scarf would fit your personal fashion philosophy.
Good bets for scarf success are quality fabrics like silk, cotton, wool and cashmere. There are great synthetic fibers out there as well, but I highly recommend skipping the fleece, and going more natural with wool, cotton, mohair and cashmere, or at the very least go with a blend. I always look for designer names and I’ll often not buy a scarf that doesn’t have a tag on it. I like to know what kind of fabric I’m wearing and what company or designer made it!
Look for interesting patterns in lightweight cottons and sheers for summer and spring, and knits and heavy woven pieces for fall and winter.
Relatively new to the scarf scene are what I call the infinity scarves that are more like a long continuous circle, or what a scarf that had both ends sewn together would be like! In some cases they are done in a hand crocheted look, and in others the weave is more reminiscent of that of a sweater knit. These always look cool and can add so much drama to a plain coat or jacket.
There are a couple of ways to tie a scarf: the simple once around the neck with the ends trailing in front and back of you and the hacking knot, which is where the scarf is folded in half lengthwise and then put around the neck, with the ends pulled through the resulting loop. David Beckham has worn this type of knot frequently.
No matter how you tie your scarf on, absolutely everyone on the planet should own at least three or four of these fashion wonders for each of the seasons! Every good fashionista should have at a well-rounded variety at their disposal throughout the year! Are you lacking in the scarf department? At the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you there are lots for you to add into your fall and winter fashion mix, but if you see a perfect summer weight scarf you should snap it up and save it for another time! So what are you waiting for? At prices like these, they’re the best fashion investment ever!
Next week, I’ll show you a simple way to repurpose an old sweater to make a brand new fashion statement!
