I was shopping today and noticed some very nice scarves in the stores. Scarves can really dress up an outfit and can be used in many different ways to accessorize. While I usually think of them as tied around the
neck in some configuration, I have seen them being worn as belts, headbands, pareos, bras, and tied onto handbags or around wrists. Scarves are an excellent way to add color to a drab outfit, and a dark
suit’s look can be changed dramatically by adding a colorful scarf to the neckline.

Scarves come in many different fabrics and price ranges, and many prestigious manufacturers make scarves of such quality that they will last one’s lifetime, or longer. Burberry, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dior
and other designers all make distinctive scarves, and Hermes scarves are known worldwide for their beautiful designs; artists chosen by this firm design 12 new scarves each year. The company has been making scarves since 1937, and vintage scarves from prior years are highly sought after.

I think all French women have a collection of Hermes, and they are very inventive in devising clever and unusual ways of tying the scarves. While in Paris once, I happened to see a scarf-tying demonstration in
Galleries Lafayette; I purchased a scarf ring after seeing what seemed like hundreds of different ways to arrange a scarf. Of course, after returning home with my new scarf and ring, I was all thumbs; I didn’t
have the French scarf knack at all, but I do still have a lovely scarf.

Scarves aren’t just beautiful accessories; they can be very practical in winter. Winter scarves made of cashmere, pashmina, fleece, wool, or knitted or crocheted yarns can be very warm and fashionable as well.
Anyone who has learned to knit or crochet has probably made a long winter scarf; long scarves can be wrapped around the neck several times to provide extra warmth.

Collecting scarves can be as fun as collecting jewelry or shoes. Two of my favorite types of scarves are silk escape map scarves and souvenir tourist map scarves. The escape maps were given to pilots and
soldiers in World War II and Korea; they served as actual maps in case they got shot down or lost behind the enemy lines, and the scarf maps were easily concealed, quiet when being unfolded, waterproof, and very
durable, unlike paper maps. It’s nice to think that a scarf you have once saved someone’s life. Souvenir map scarves are still made today, and serve a purpose; you can wear your map around your neck! The
vintage map scarves are fun; many were made around the middle of the 20th century and have kitschy designs.

Head scarves are also useful, and are worn by many to conceal a bad-hair day or for religious reasons. A scarf over the hair can be elegant, worn Jackie O or Grace Kelly-style; celebrities often use a scarf worn over the hair and large sunglasses to escape recognition when out in public. A scarf can show respect or modesty when worn for religious reasons; the majority of Muslim women wear scarves and Catholic women up until recent times wore head coverings in church. Head scarves have become somewhat of a political issue and are seen by some as subjugation of women; the wearing of scarves by Muslim school girls in France has been banned, for instance.

Scarves will always be stylish since they are practical as well as decorative. Every woman, young or old, should have a collection of scarves to dress up her outfits, and many scarf styles are attractive and useful for men too.