THE SCARVES
It’s a dark, cold winter where it gets harder & harder to get up and go about your daily life. And they call this the most wonderful time of the year?
The one thing that does make up for the cold weather is the fashion opportunities it brings. For example, right now we can wear sweaters and outerwear to stay warm. And speaking of Arsenal, well let’s move on to that.
We all have to wear one, and scarves are versatile enough that you can really get creative with style. However, there are some things to keep in mind when shopping for one, which we explore in our blog.
WINTER SCARVES BUYING CONSIDERATIONS
STYLE
Nowadays, a fashionable scarf is an important addition to any outfit. When shopping for them, you should keep practical things in mind – the material it’s made of, for example. “The first thing to consider is the purpose of your scarf,” says Matches Fashion Senior Style Editor Chris Hobbs.
“Do you want a scarf to keep you cozy on your morning commute? Is it more of a fashion statement, or do you need to add some color into your wardrobe?”
It stands to reason that when you’re looking at a clothing choice, there are lots of things to think about. But the one bit of advice I always offer is to be clear about what your objective is. For me, the reason I like a scarf is they have to be large enough to keep me warm – an essential part of any winter wardrobe.
If all of the answers to the above questions are “yes,” then you may want to consider purchasing a few different scarves for different purposes.
FABRIC
With so many styles of scarves available, the journey to finding your perfect scarf is an enjoyable one. With everything from woolen to cashmere wool being available, you’re spoilt for choice.
If search for a lifetime scarf, then wool or cashmere will be your best option. They’re: warm, breathable, sustainable and biodegradable. The only concern is looking after them properly.
“Most sweaters are made from wool and cashmere and can snag easily,” warns Hobbs. “Be careful about where you store them, and make sure to protect yourself against moths.”
COLOUR
There are no wrong colors for a winter scarf. This is not LA in the 1990s. – You won’t get mistaken as a Crip if you possess a navy scarf that your grandmother made, but it will look great!
But, just as with fabric considerations, if you’re looking for a scarf that will go the distance then it’s best to stick to neutral colours.
“Rather than spending your money on trendy items, invest in classic black, navy, camel or grey,” advises Hobbs. “These are fashionable colors that work well with any item of clothing and which will never go out of style.”
5 WINTER SCARF STYLES TO CONSIDER
EVERYDAY SCARVES
If you want to dress formally for work, look for a scarf in a dark color with a thicker knit. If you want to dress casually, choose a lighter color that’s less formal.
For a comfortable, sustainable and biodegradable sweater, look for something made from 100% wool.
LUXURY SCARVES
Today’s luxury scarf is either a beautifully soft, cashmere knit or a high-fashion statement. Both have their merits, it just depends on whether you’re looking for something to treasure, which you take out of the cedar chest every winter, or that have-to-have piece which, realistically, could be a one-season wonder.
OVERSIZED SCARVES
Don’t believe what people say, size does matter. And shape. A comically long and skinny scarf is of no use to anyone, but a wide, blanket-style scarf will always be practical.
When it comes to buying a scarf, don’t go for something too colorful. Find one in a neutral tone and it will work just as well as an everyday scarf. Plus, keep in mind that you can even use it as a blanket on especially cold flights if you have nothing else with you.
FOOTBALL SCARVES
Although it might not be the done-thing to wear your team’s kit on the terraces (for fear of having your butt handed to you after the final whistle), winter is a good chance to show your beloved team that you care. Don’t have a team? Either swerve this trend or go global and pick the scarf of your favorite country. Be warned, there will be a general expectation that you understand the offside rule.
PATTERNED SCARVES
Just like a Prince of Wales suit, the right patterned scarf is timeless. Quality wool or cashmere, in plaids like stripes or tartan, shouldn’t be difficult to find. It will have you looking good for years to come. Thomas Burberry was always a style icon and used this piece often in his creations
HOW TO WEAR A SCARF
Menswear has been in a state of flux ever since guys started pairing sneakers with their suits, meaning the rules that once applied now get a frosty reception. “Never say ‘no-no’ because we’ve seen everything from quilting and bright prints to fashionable versions of the humble football scarf,” says Hobbs.
The only style concern you ought to have is the dress code – if you work in the city and are expected to wear a shiny shoe then a Givenchy technical logo scarf might look a bit incongruous. Ditto, if you work on a building site, then a fine-knit cashmere scarf that could be snagged in a second probably isn’t the wisest of moves. Ultimately though, it’s like Hobbs says, “Anything goes, really.”
BURBERRY
From the brand’s vintage check to its reimagining of the football scarf, Burberry neckwear is iconic. Half a century after it first appeared, the reworked version of the British brand’s traditional style is still ticking all the boxes. “I like the vintage feel of the slightly padded, vintage effect Burberry scarf – it’s an original take on the classic Burberry check.”
RAEY
Exclusive to MatchesFashion, Raey creates expertly crafted scarves that you’ll be able to pass on to your grandchildren – supposing the world hasn’t heated up to the point that they’re rendered redundant. Snap up one of its feather-light cashmere styles for something that will pair effortlessly with a suit.
ACNE STUDIOS
Acne Studios is the first port of call for (very) elevated basics. Its pieces aren’t cheap, but the selection is superlative and the quality is assured. “Acne Studios always creates great scarves – its ‘Canada’ style is really wide and a favorite of mine,” says Hobbs.
FRED PERRY
A Mod-favourite, Fred Perry recently collaborated with Nicholas Daley, a designer famed for his celebration of British manufacturing. And when you look at Perry’s scarf selection, you can see that their Venn diagram has a fair bit of crossover with its tartan scarves woven in Scotland and the archival logo scarves made in Leicester.
WEEKDAY
Crafted from ultra-soft wool, Weekday’s handsome selection of shawl-style scarves belies their more than reasonable price tag. From rich greens to classic shades of taupe, black and grey, this Swedish brand takes a typically Scandi approach, offering premium quality, for the many.
JOHN LEWIS
With shelves that ache under its impressive range, high street stalwart John Lewis is always a good starting place when scarf shopping. As well as its impressive roster of brands – Jigsaw, Mulberry, Paul Smith – the department store also houses exclusive collaborations with the likes of It’s All Good Folk, a sustainable spin-off label from British brand Folk.
SPORTING KICKS
You could get a designer version of a football scarf. Or you could get an actual football scarf. Sporting Kicks has one of the best selections online with International scarves like World Cup Winners France and World Cup Style Winners Nigeria to local teams like League Two’s Carlisle United.
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
In 1797, while George III was lounging on the throne, Mr Johnston founded his now celebrated textile brand. Crafted from the finest cashmere and merino wool, scarves by Johnstons Of Elgin are so luxurious that they’ve attracted the royal seal of approval from the next in line to the throne. And if it’s good enough for the Windsors.
