Learn to Layer: The Scarf
The next installment in the layering guide is a little advice on the use of scarves. Perhaps the first thing you’ll notice is that the images chosen may not be the kind of scarves you’re most used to. We’re all familiar with collegiate striped scarves, tartan ones, and the classic solid wool and cashmere, but don’t forget that they come in all shapes and sizes. While the scarf pictured above may scare some of you, it’s worth recognizing the interesting color and pattern that it brings to an outfit featuring a fairly simple sport coat. Yet the best part about this look is the way the scarf is actually tied. This is the way I wear my scarves in the fall and winter as it provides the most warmth and has a very cool visual effect, as well. Just fold the scarf in half, throw it around your neck and slip the ends through the loop created. It’s as easy as that.
To take a step back in the level of warmth provided, you can look into the very simple “shoulder toss” style of tying. Exhibited here, it requires nothing more than flipping on end over the opposite shoulder so that there is a bit of extra protection on your neck, but not as much as in the first method. This is ideal if you want to wear a scarf with a shirt or a sweater–in the case that it’s too warm to be wearing outerwear. Again, I love the fair isle scarf as it adds something a little more out of the ordinary to a a clean and simple look.
Finally, we see the most simple of all the scarf tying methods in this last look. Now, if you’re trying to figure out the functionality of this one, I’ll have to admit that it’s not doing much to keep this man warm. A little extra layer on the neck does a bit to help, but this is much more about adding another layer aesthetically. Some of you may be function before form all the way, so you may not be the biggest fan of this, but I enjoy what it does for the eye and support it for that reason. You’ll want to think about the length of your scarf here so that’s its not hanging too low. Of course, like the other looks, consider what the scarf does for your look in terms of color, pattern, and texture and don’t be afraid to experiment. Being bold in any of these three categories shouldn’t be too radical when you let the scarf hang under a jacket, as only a bit of the scarf will actually peek out. Maybe go and get yourself a great orange or yellow solid scarf and have some fun letting the color really pop. Overall, accessories are the best place to experiment with your style so don’t be afraid to push your comfort zone here.
A pen in a jacket pocket is like a plastic pocket protector on a short-sleeved dress shirt with a tie and no jacket; just about as wrong as you can get, and with a pocket square? Puleeze!!! BTW, love the scarf and the jacket.
I’m actually a huge fan of that, especially with a good vintage fountain pen or a nicer pen generally. It’s a great way to add something functional and stylish to your life, all the times you have to jot down a quick idea or sign one of endless contracts and waivers in life… Wrong as you can get is digging in the pocket of your tailored suit for a 25 cent plastic BIC.
Great article. Very helpful to us guys who don’t really know how to pull off scarves. I know there has to be a lot more ways to wear them than this. What if the scarf is short? I have a shemagh from when I served in gulf and would like to include it as a sartorial accessory but without wearing it like a terrorist.
I find that a lot of my clients are very intimidated by wearing scarfs when they are utilized as an accessory, and not just functional. A lot of them tell me that only Europeans can pull it off! I hope American men embrace it more because it is classy and utterly sexy.
Actually, the second picture and the third picture are much more functional than the first. When you are cold, you wrap it around like in the second picture, only tighter. When you are hot, you hang it down like picture three. Since during the winter you often go from warm building to cold sidewalk to warm train, hanging it loose and tightening it like pictures two and three are much more functional than picture one.
I love scarves. They effortlessly add so much style to any look. The scarf in the first photo is definitely my favorite. The scarf is definitely out there, but what is fashion without taking risks?
Scarves really adds more style, even if you’re wearing simple shirt and jeans. It adds sophistication into any outfit., The best thing about it is, you can wear scarves in so may ways and still adds that sophistication.