Wednesday, March 16, 2022

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. 

29 comments:

  1. Well done working the scarves into your wardrobe.

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  2. Spring! This outfit says Spring! I find the colors, proportions, textures and patterns to be a perfect combination. Gets me smiling. :) I bet any coworkers you saw took similar enjoyment from the klassy colorful combo!

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  3. To think, I just throw scarves on to hide not really accessessorize. I do have many, so I need to look differently how I use.

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  4. That's such a cute photo of Vizzini, he looks thoroughly dejected!
    I do love a scarf - I haven't worn one in ages. They're a great way of pulling an outfit together, aren't they? You've done a blinding job with your, like Laurie says, the outfit just screams Spring. xxx

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    1. He's such a ham!

      I do too - I like that they keep my neck warm! Thanks, Vix!

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  5. Never try and push a cat, it just makes him hold on more firmly. Kind of like a wood tick. Love, love, love the shoes.

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    1. Ha, so true, Kim. Thank you!

      I adore my Fluevogs - these are so comfy.

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  6. I don't think I've ever built my outfit around an accessory, but perhaps I should try it. I do love a scarf and have boxes full of them, but do I wear them? Err, not often enough, that's for sure. I would have opted to match all four colours too, and you did that brilliantly. And you're right, that orange blazer is so much better, in shape as well as in colour. But surely, these days you don't need to pull up your scarf to rob a bank :-))
    And look at Vizzini looking all dejected. Silly and naughty, just like our Bess! xxx

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    1. It's a fun exercise, Ann, especially for pieces that you've bought and they're still sitting there.

      Vizzini looks very rebellious to me - gosh, they are such funny creatures!

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  7. Love your shoes! Are John Fluevog shoes comfortable? I haven't owned any because they are a bit out of my price range. I have big feet (size 11), narrow heels and calves but a wide toebox. Was wondering if his shoes would work for me. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, they are comfortable, but it really depends on the shoe. I would strongly recommend that you go into a store and try some on - do not order them online without trying them on first. They do a "layaway" system for shoes that might be out of your price range.

      In my opinion, they're worth it - but I advise you try them on.

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  8. That's a great outfit and you have prepared a masterclass in scarf matching, oh illustrious Mayor Matchy!
    I love the Fluevlogs- they are gorgeous and cheerful! The accessories and encoutrements are super too!
    Poor Vizzini- how DARE you turf him out!x

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    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie!

      Ha ha, he is always trying to get in the closet, and gets very grumpy when I kick him out.

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  9. You are definitely a matching queen and I love seeing what you come up with!

    Oh, poor Vizzini looks so offended!

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    1. You can't go wrong with matchy, Laura!

      Vizzini is always looking annoyed, but he'll get over it. :)

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  10. Love the colour combinations Shiela, this outfit shouts ‘goodbye winter!’
    I don’t tend to wear scarves, but like how you have used yours to pull the outfit together.
    Gorgeous Vizzini as always. xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Phyl! I am ready for spring and bright colours!

      I love scarves - they are snuggly warm and feel very luxurious.

      He's a pretty boy, and he knows it. :)

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  11. Nice. We've discussed this idea in the past and I adopted it as fun.

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  12. Very pretty scarf and I love how you built your outfit around it.

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  13. Great tip to build some outfits around a printed scarf, lots of possible colour combos and fun!. You rock this ensemble, love those orange and turquoise and plaid and Fab Shoes!.
    Really lovely to see the copper jewellery too!
    besos

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    1. I really love this scarf - it's actually far more versatile than my big pink and yellow McQueen scarf. Thanks so much!

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  14. That's very useful advice - I have lots of scarves and never wear them as I never know what to do with them. Starting with the scarf and building ouwards sounds like a good plan.

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    1. It works for any piece that you want to be a focal point - a big necklace, a pair of shoes, etc. Thanks, Mim!

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  15. Such timelessly beautiful mid-century copper pieces. I adore copper jewelry as well. Both for its own many design and durability merits, but also because it often (not always, but frequently) nickel-free, which is such a huge advantage for those like me who are super-duper allergic to this all too common metal.

    Naturally, I'm wild for that awesome skull print scarf, too. Whether intentionally or not, it channels such a great "Halloween 365" vibe, which of course makes my October adoring heart extra happy. :)

    Big hugs & the sunniest of weekend wishes,
    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

    PS: I am going to be doing my best today and/or in the coming days (if I don't get to them all this evening) to catch up on your latest blog posts. Please - as I know what it is like to be on the receiving end getting of multiple comments on older posts all at once - do not feel obliged in any way to reply, my dear friend.

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