Winter: If it’s not here already, you’ve heard enough about the snow from your friends “up north” that it’s coming. Believe it or not, after a summer spent in gloriously sunny San Diego, I was actually pretty stoked to move to across country to Virginia where, I have been told, we can expect a smattering (or two) of snow in the coming months. “Great!” I thought. “Scarf weather!”
Summer clothes are great and all, but everyone knows that fall and winter is where style gets really fun. You can play with boots, jeans, jackets, hats … and scarves. And understandably, scarves were a huge feature at the fall/winter 2014 catwalks.
Of course, we can’t all head out and buy entirely new wardrobes every time a new fashion season hits, but it’s easy to keep up with the swing of the seasons even on a small budget; the key is accessorizing. Adding one simple accessory to your outfit is the perfect way to tip your hat to the runways … and no accessory is more versatile, more transformative, than the humble scarf.
So raise a toast to your wardrobe’s most underrated BFF. Here are 19 ways to add a little something extra to your outfits this winter without breaking the bank.
We’ve all got a ton of random old scarves floating around our closets, but if you’re feeling stuck in a bit of a wardrobe rut, then this video is the business. Drag out those old ones you wore to death in freshman year and give them a new lease of life!
Alternatively, of course, a scarf is a relatively inexpensive way to update your wardrobe and bring it right into the new season. Here are three chic styles to watch out for when you’re tripping over your heels into Macy’s on Black Friday!
Make a cape.
Coats and jackets seem like the uninspired woman’s choice this year; capes were the cover-up of choice for fall/winter 2014. From trench coat-style ponchos at Burberry, to boxy, cropped numbers at Dion Lee, the cape is an easy, chic way to stay warm during the winter months. And while designers will clearly be making a pretty penny selling their Clark Kent-esque wares this season, it’s easy to recreate some of the voluminous, shawl-like capes seen at Chloe and Gareth Pugh with a big, blankety scarf draped delicately over your shoulders and secured in the middle with a cute pin. Et voila, an instant fresh-off-the-runway look for the new season.
Add some (faux) fur.
Fur touches – collars, snoods, linings – were everywhere for winter this year. Adding a simple furry scarf is an instant, cheap wardrobe update; wear it over your favorite coat or jacket for a fur-collar effect, or wear it loosely for a fabulously easy take on winter chic.
Layer and cinch.
While researching top trends for fall/winter 2014 a couple of months ago, I stumbled across Burberry’s gorgeous floral scarves cinched at the waist and couldn’t wait to try it … and then Jennifer Garner wore it on the cover of InStyle, and I fell in love. Equal parts sophisticated and bohemian, this look is super easy and will give you an instant stylish edge for day or nighttime looks. Just grab a loose, silky scarf in your favorite pretty print, tuck it through a skinny belt, and you have yourself a glorious, low-budget bit of fresh-off-the-runway chic.
Got any more scarf ideas for us? Tweet us @litdarling!
