Scarves: Traditional Style, Contemporary Look
Men Score High Fashion Points with the Simple Scarf
The fashion world has allowed men today to dress without regulation, with men’s scarves being the perfect partner to add vibrance and verve to any wardrobe.
— Anne Harding, founder of The Stanley Lewis Collection, a men’s clothing accessory line
Fashion accessories have long been the domain of women, who layer a number of different looks to capture a new style. That has been less so for men, who might accent with a hat and possibly a coat, if weather permits.
Current trends, though, have provided men with new avenues for fashion expression. One of these trends is the simple scarf, which can range from the affordable to the luxurious and from the practical to the playful.
Scarves Step Out
It is not your father's world any longer. The workplace features a wide spectrum of dress codes, while evenings out can be no more formal than a ballgame.
And with that also comes the freedom to dress in ways that previously may have been out of place but now are just how it's done.
“The fashion world has allowed men today to dress without regulation, with men’s scarves being the perfect partner to add vibrance and verve to any wardrobe,” says Anne Harding, founder and director of The Stanley Lewis Collection, a men’s accessory brand.
That vibrance and verve have been enhanced by a number of celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Jay-Z, Kanye, Johnny Depp and David Beckham, all of whom regularly sport scarves.
And that has had a major trickle down effect.
“The men's scarf is much more than just a functional accessory these days; designing men's scarves is now big business," says Jennifer Burton, a men’s wardrobe consultant based in Chicago. "And because today's man wants to look sophisticated, unique, as well as add balance to his wardrobe and make a personal statement, it is important to get the look right.”
So depending on the season, budget, clothing style, trend, specific occasion and personal statement (intended or not), where does a man begin in selecting a scarf to add to his wardrobe?
No Need for Sticker Shock
Depending on the retailer, fabric and blend, you can get a scarf anywhere from $10 to $1,200, with the finer yarns coming from Spain and Italy. Certainly you will pay for the label -- Burberry, Barneys and Avon Celli offer high-end scarves.
The wide offerings in scarves also extend to the materials, which can include cotton, silk, linen and wool blends, and with patterns -- printed or plain, checked or floral.
But for the man on a budget, there are ways to be practical and stay in style.
“Go for the best quality you can afford, but there is no need to buy a $500 scarf,” Burton says. “You can find a really good-quality scarf for $150 that is cashmere-wool blend that will serve you well for a very long time.”
Ilaria Urbinati, style consultant and co-owner of Confederacy, a clothing boutique in Los Angeles, suggests places to shop.
“Scarves don’t have to be expensive," says Urbinati. "There’s plenty of cheaper cashmeres and cable knits you can find at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, and so on.”
While price is one factor, another is the occasion, and there really isn’t just one fabric or pattern that covers everything you wear or do.
Where to Wear
For traditional business wear or more formal affairs, opera scarves in silk or a silk and wool combination help achieve a refined look.
With a more casual outing, a relaxed fabric such as linen is the better pairing with jeans or chinos. For warmer weather, cotton comes in a number of patterns, and for colder situations or climates, thick wool blends are the way to go.
For those trying to stay warm while skiing, climbing, ice skating or other winter activities, there are some specialized scarves from outerwear manufacturers such as Columbia, Patagonia and North Face that use microfiber material to help with both wicking and insulation.
Perhaps the areas in which most men can use some expert tips are matching scarves to wardrobe, understanding current trends and simply the effect this accessory can have.
“Let the scarf do the talking -- when worn correctly, it can be a great feature without being overpowering,” Harding says.
Scarves add a dash of color, as most men wear dark, solid coats. Generally less expensive than a jacket, you can use several scarves to vary the look.
“Think of your coat as a blank canvas and have fun with your scarf,” says Burton. “Take more risks with colors and patterns that you’re not entirely comfortable with. It is small, and you can take it off and put it back on anytime.”
Adds Harding: “There are no hard and fast rules and regulations -- it is what suits you. The key to success in wearing a scarf is confidence.”
- Photo Credit Carlo Allegri/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
