How to Style a Statement Scarf

One of my favourite outfit-building exercises is to take an accessory and create a look around it. I often used to be stumped with how to style statement pieces like this new-to-me Alexander McQueen scarf, and it would become one of those "I love it but I don't know what to do with it" things.

The easiest way to incorporate a statement piece is to match to the colours in the print. My favourite prints are ones that have 3 or more colours in them, as that gives you the most options for playing off other colours in your clothing.

• Blazer - InWear; last worn here in November 2021 with urban camo
• Lace top - VanessaVirginia, consignment; last seen here in July 2021 with blush ruffles
• Trousers - Cartonnier, thrifted; last worn here in November 2021 with touches of turquoise
• Shoes - Groovy Aubrey, Fluevog; last seen here a couple of weeks ago with my rainbow skirt
• Coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here in February

Two colours means you only have 3 matchy options (one, the other, or both), but once you are into three or more colours in a print, matching potential opens up! Of course, you could just wear white or black, but that's so not me.

The scarf colours are cream, orange, burgundy and turquoise, so I have oodles of choices. I could pick clothes to match any of those colours solo, or a pair of them, or even more.

I chose to match all four. I have orange in two shades with the blazer and shoes, red (the lace top has a burgundy camisole underneath, which helps it cooperate with both orange and burgundy) and turquoise in the plaid trousers, with a bit of tonally-adjacent green in my outerwear. I even had a bit of cream in the sleeve cuffs. 

Compared to yesterday's blazer, this one is a stunner. It fits better, it's a great colour and the proportions are much more flattering. 

I initially attempted to make a jaunty angle with the scarf (second picture), but ended up scooching it around so that I could show the fancy-schmancy designer name. 

I adjusted to the "cowgirl" drape - it's folded into a loose triangle and knotted at the back of my neck. I could pull it up over my nose and rob a bank! Heh, not that I would...

Masked up. 

Another matching opportunity with some turquoise!

Outerwear - it shouldn't come as a shock that I match my accoutrements too. 

I am the Mayor of Matchytown, after all. 

Accoutrements:

The big silk scarf has green and burgundy, but it's covering the little McQueen scarf, and it goes well with my green coat. 

• Scarf - Pierre Balmain, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Gloves - Echo, consignment
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

I'm kind of saving my new shoes for later in the week - it gives me something to look forward to. I do love these orange ones, an excellent purchase last fall. 

Matchy bling: 

Did someone say turquoise? Of course, that led me to my copper jewelry, although most of my turquoise/copper pieces are in my spring/summer jewelry collection (yes, I swap my jewelry too). 

• Scarf - Alexander McQueen, consignment; purchased here for $79.00
• Turquoise/copper cuff - Bell Trading Post, vintage 60s, consignment, Powell River
• Copper/enamel cuff - Matisse by Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage expo
• Brooch/earrings set - Matisse by Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair

Copper tones so well with oranges and reds - any excuse for me to wear some of my vintage pieces! 

While I was building my outfit last night, Vizzini kept trying to sneak under my dresses and sleep on top of my spring/summer clothes that are bagged up underneath. Finally, I had to firmly push him out of the closet. 

"Fine! I will sit here then!"

Such a silly boy. I like that you can see the little white blaze on his tum.