One woman, two scarves: Jane and I ponder the trend
Jane in London wondered what I think of this look, which seems to have gained neck share in colder climates right about now.
I don't usually wear two scarves, because that would add even more visual clutter to an already pretty busy face and neck: a watch cap, glasses, earrings, mask, and a head of spoingy curl that is a permanent 'accessory'. That's a lot going on over only 35cm or so!
Occasionally, I'll wear an indoor-weight scarf and wrap a big muffler over that for walking outdoors. The muffler obscures whatever's under, not the effect Jane had in mind.
But on others? It depends on their build, the length of the neck, and how the whole ensemble reads.
The art of composition
The photo below is of an anonymous woman trying the look. To me, this is a case of two nice scarves that clash when worn together; the combination of warm and cool palettes have no dialogue with one another. And I never thought I'd write this phrase, but the bright white pearl torsade looks off too.
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| Photos: maitaispicturebook.com |
Easing in
One need not venture into hallowed Hermèsland to play with double scarves. Here's an example of two long scarves, a plaid and a solid pashmina. Jane mentioned she's worn a pattern with a coordinating solid and I thought I could try that.
Another ease-in is wearing a "tucker" or pochette size at the neck, just peeking from a larger second scarf. I couldn't find an example on line so shot myself in a cashmere-silk pochette worn 'cowboy style' and a large cashmere and wool blanket-size wrap. I liked this, and it extends the utility of a small scarf.
The look without the homework
Jane's London winter climate is milder than that of Montréal, but indoors can be chilly in both places, so here are two options that will work both indoors and out.
In a fine hand-washable wool, look for one like multi-patterned "Celeste" scarf from Princesse et Dragon. Price, $CDN 140; available in several colourways.
If you enjoy the exuberance of pattern-mixing but not the sorting out, a double-sided scarf, such as the silk kantha, does the mixing for you. The stitched silk is warm, light and snuggly. Shown, kantha sari wrap scarf in aqua and deep pink; price, $US120 from House of Wandering Silk. (See post on choosing good kantha here.)
Austere or audacious?
Any accessory in multiples—whether necklaces, scarves, rings or bags—requires more thought. The anticipation of this effort transports me to age fifteen, trying to dress for a party: This? That? Where is my blue skirt, dammit? I hated it. But I saw how combining scarves can be fun, even for a minimalist like me who believes, at heart, that a beautiful scarf should be given its dedicated place.
But should I spot a couple of scarves worn in an arresting mix, say houndstooth with an oversized floral, I will appreciate that passing Bird of Paradise, especially in dark December. I might nod hello in that pochette-plus-wrap, and thank Jane for her openness to exploring new ways of working with what we have.
Comments
LauraH: I wear my kantha as an outer wear scarf to around -12C or so, because two layers of silk feel surprisingly warm, and they are washable. But when wind chill hits -15C on goes the thick muffler that wraps around a couple times and crosses the chest for extra warmth.
Mary: My experiment is courtesy of Jane's lead; she has worn a silk scarf and a pashmina. I like filling in a neckline with a small silk scarf.
I'm not so sure about the two-silk-scarves-together route, though perhaps if one has Mai Tai's extensive collection and sure eye...
Thank you again!
Jane in London
Hummingbird5: I imagine you could carry one of the double-sided (if not too bulky) or mixed-pattern designs if you wished. Here, I see many petite women in big blanket scarves and they look great but then they are wearing only one.
Carol in VT: Hi, neighbour! The other thing about that small scarf at the neck is that it's so comforting in our cold winter, stopping that wash of cold air on the neck.
Mardel: The pochette size works really well simply rolled and knotted inside a shirt, too. They can look skimpy with a jewel neck but sit nicely inside a collar.
Jane in London: This really is why I write Pdesp, to share ideas and reflect on the passing parade, Thank you again for your note. MaiTai has an astonishing collection but mixing just one with a solid would also work well.