by Patricia Bunch

Created on: March 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 27, 2009

Having a stash of brightly colored scarves in different lengths and geometric shapes adds an endless array of color and interest to different areas of an outfit. Scarves are not just for the neck and shoulders anymore. Scarves can be found in organza, silk, linen, beaded and sequined. Some scarves are made of cotton broadcloth and are very functional and beautiful wore in the right application.

Starting at the top of the head, adding a scarf into ones hair either tied around the head or tied around a pony tail can extend the outfit one is wearing on up into the hair adding color and interest. A beautifully colored square cotton scarf folded into a triangle, laid over the top of the head, right above the forehead and tied under the hair line at the nape of the neck can cover a bad hair style, or keep ones hair out of the way on a day out on a biking trip or other outdoor activity.

Scarves of every make and size can be worn around the neck. There are endless ways to tie a scarf at the neck. For the super long scarf, fold in half and place around the neck. At the loop of the fold put the loose ends through this loop to secure the scarf around the neck. Long scarfs can be wrapped around the neck and the ends left to hang loose for a nice look. A scarf tied in a bow may be appropriate for some outfits. Some square or rectangle scarves can be rolled and a knot tied in the center of the roll. This knot is the vocal point which is placed at the front of the neck and the scarf tied in a smaller knot at the back. This has a necklace look. A linen scarf can be folded in a triangle and placed at the neck with the knot tied at the back of the neck letting the fold of the triangle be at the top closest to the face. The scarf will lay in graceful folds in front on the bust line. This is particularly pretty with a scarf with fringe around it.

When wearing a scarf with a jacket and blouse it isn't always necessary to tie the scarf, but only to drape it over the shoulders and place around the neck so it shows when the jacket is placed on over the blouse and scarf. The scarf borders the neckline of the jacket and gives color for interest. A scarf wrapped around the neck is a good way to conceal to much skin showing and avoid wearing a blouse under a jacket. If the scarf is of a fabric like silk which wouldn't stay in place unless it is secured, tuck it into your under garment to hold it in place, or wear a broach if appropriate.

Large scarves can be worn as belts, tied in knots, bows, or they can be secured with scarf holders one can buy at the jewelry counters at discount stores. Long scarves are good as belt and big square squares work well folded or rolled and worn as a belt. A large square can be worn around the waist and fastened with a pin to add some hip to a plain pair of pants.

Scarves come and go in and out of fashion. Never discard your scarves. Collect scarves and store them in a plastic storagebox for the next time they come into fashion. In the winter, they always are necessary to wear with a coat; that's always been in vogue, and every few years, scarves come back in style with a bang. Collect plenty of beautiful, bright colored, different fabrics and shapes and be ready. This year scarves are very in.

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