Fashion Investment Pieces: Statement Scarf
Every Tuesday, I feature a different “investment piece”, or timeless item that every girl should have in her closet. Last week, I featured the bandage skirt. This week, I’m going to focus on an item that you may not have thought would be considered an investment piece at all: the scarf.
Many girls (judging by your comments) feel that investment pieces should be something like a pair of jeans or a plain t-shirt that you could potentially wear every day with something different, and those girls are definitely right! Where would we all be without that pair of jeans that goes with sweatshirts and nice tops?
But investment pieces are so much more than that – they’re pieces that make or break your wardrobe, which means accessories can be investments, too. While a scarf may not immediately come to mind as a staple piece, I think you’ll see that a versatile, statement-making scarf can really shake up your entire closet and give you lots of bang for your buck.
The Investment Piece
Loop Scarf – Calypso – $150
I know what you’re probably thinking: loop scarves are a fad and aren’t worth investing in. But the loop scarf featured above is just an example, and your choice depends on your personal style. In general, a scarf of any type is definitely a necessity for many girls who are living in chillier climates (I’m from New York so I’m slightly biased). Even if you don’t live in a colder area, in recent years, scarves (not necessarily made from cashmere or another heavy material) have emerged as great accessories that can add impact to any outfit.
So, when viewing these outfits and reading through this post, keep in mind: you don’t have to invest in the exact scarf I would choose! The beauty of you being you (yes, you reading this!) is that you’re you! You can go out after being inspired by these outfits and pick out a scarf that suits you!
Outfit #1: Weekend Errands
T-shirt – James Perse, Cargo Pants – Old Navy, Bag – Aldo, Sneakers – Nordstrom, Ring – Topshop
This outfit is casual, doesn’t require much effort, but still looks put-together and stylish. Also, every piece in this set is comfortable, which is perfect, whether you’re going to breakfast after a long night out or running errands all day. James Perse’s T-shirts are the softest shirts ever created, the loose cargo pants won’t confine you. Finally, of course, the cashmere in our investment scarf is definitely going to keep you warm and cozy while adding a burst of color to your ensemble.
Outfit #2: Date
Body Suit – Oasis, Jeans – Debenhams, Pumps – Forever21, Clutch – Debenhams
Okay, I have a confession: I’m addicted to body suits. Ask any of my friends – I swear by them. They are so easy! No worries about tucking your shirt into your pants, and you look instantly sexy and slim. It’s also part of that 80′s throwback trend that’s so hot right now. This outfit is very casual yet date-appropriate. Both the floral shoes and bow clutch give a soft, feminine touch while the body suit keeps you feeling sexy without being revealing. And, of course, the scarf adds a dose of color and warmth!
Quick Tip: If you’re self-conscious about your middle area, you can still wear a body suit! Just opt for a high-waisted jean instead of low riders for a cute vintage look!
Outfit #3: Trendy for Work
Long Sleeved Top – Forever21, Bandage Skirt – Jane Norman, Bag – Nordstrom, Shoes – Piperlime
I love white in winter, so when I saw this skirt, I had to use it and pair it with a creamy off-white bag. This outfit is perfect for the trendy working girl. I especially love the palette of this outfit for the sheer reason that none of the main pieces are colored too excitingly; there’s navy, white and gray. But once you add the scarf, you’re immediately bright and colorful. And I don’t know about you, but when I’m colorful and looking great, I’m a happy girl.
Outfit #4: Edgy
Top – Topshop, Faux Leather Legging – Wet Seal, Clutch – Vero Moda, Ring – Music Bands, Boots – Forever21
When I started creating outfits for this scarf, I had no problem doing the other outfits you see here. However, I wasn’t sure how I’d do a slightly more night-appropriate outfit. But then I thought of my faux leather leggings, which I always pair with a basic white top and then accessorize like crazy. Well, now even I’ve inspired myself! Next time, I’m going to be accessorizing with a brightly colored scarf!
Outfit #5: Simple and On-trend
Top – Forever21, Jeans – American Eagle, Interlocked Bangles – Forever21, Aviators – Forever21, Boots – Forever21
One trend that I’ve noticed popping up everywhere lately is stripes. I was in Forever 21 today and they actually dedicated an entire rack to all of their striped clothing! This outfit is casual and put-together, perfect for having lunch with your boyfriend or just on a day you want to look cute and fabulous for class. I love everything about this outfit!
What do you think?
Do you think a nice scarf is worth investing in? Do you live in a cold area where you’d need a warm, cozy scarf, or in a warmer area where you could just use a scarf as a trendy accessory? Let us know with a comment!
Posted on on January 19, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, eternity scarf, infinity scarf, Inspiration, investment piece, Loop scarf, Outfits, Scarf, Scarves, Tips, Trends
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Christine
Scarfs are a really easy way for me to add color to a rather monochrome outfit without making it seem out of place. I love large knit scarfs that I’ve been seeing alot on lookbook but sadly those just look crazy because its never THAT cold in California.
Even though I’ve sworn off Forever 21 as a new years resolution, the heels in outfit #2 are so cute!
Coco
These are great outfits that I think almost anyone would feel comfortable wearing and the color of that scarf is so beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful post!
Maya
Oh God I adore adore adore those outfits. They’re all perfect, I really love your style! I could really immediately see some sort of image of how it’d look and the feel of it when looking at your matches. Can’t wait till the winter’s over to try some of those out.
Laurie
Wow….these outfits are amazing! I love how many options/occasions you list-I like to think I have good fashion sense, but sometimes don’t know which pieces would be appropriate for certain events, so your blog really really helped! :)
Nicole
This is so great! I love all of the outfits you paired the loop scarf with. It’s really hard to know what will look good until you actually put it on and these pieces show an easy way to wear a cute scarf!
Audrey - Ohio State University
Love this post! I adore outfits #2 (so simple but definitely sexy) and #5-perfect for lunches. I featured those same floral heels in my upcoming post. I love that floral shoes are in for spring!
Lindsay
I love, love, LOVE outfits #1 & #5. All of the outfits are cute, but those two are my absolute favorite and are definitely my style. It’s been amazingly (and surprisingly) warm up here in Washington the last couple of weeks and I’ve already been pulling out some of my spring pieces that I’ve been saving for warmer weather. Those outfits are perfect :)
Great post!
lalalina
I really loved outfits 1,3, and 5! I especially liked the one with the skirt! I do have to say that I disagree that a scarf is an investment piece. I do agree with you that accessories can make or break an outfit, but when I think of investment accessories I think of bags, shoes or jewelry. I think you can get a great scarf that is durable and defines you without breaking the bank. I am one of those girls who doesn’t understand the allure of the Hermes silk scarf. If anyone can tell me why they are such coveted things I would love to hear why.
Jess Tavesjnhasky
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE everything here, especially outfit n# 4, i just totally saw myself in this. I’ve been complaining forever how much Boston is freezing, and how I only end up using black, so this was a perfect idea! Really, love it too much!
p.s. the links aren’t working, i got a bit frustrated trying to click on them to see the pieces with price.
Elle
This may be a stupid inquiry, but I’m going to throw it out there anyway! I absolutely love the idea of wearing body suits, until I think of having to use the restroom… Too much effort! Right? Or do they snap like the little baby ones? I can’t be the only person who’s worried about/annoyed by this. :)
thisizkim
Scarves are the best accessories. I love ‘em. I have too many to count. They are just so warm and comfy. They’re perfect!
indigo
i agree with you lalalina, i’m the chick who has gotten great scarves from a dollar store and steals cute ones from my moms closet. in truth i don’t think i’ve ever spent more than $5 on a scarf. in fact i made a circle scarf out of an old shirt that had a cute pattern. also another idea is to go to a fabric store and pick out fabrics that have patterns you like and make a scarf, (i forget how much fabric costs, but i think it starts out at $1-2 per yard) thus saving yourself a bit of money.
Cam Mi Pham
i love scarves…..it is a piece that I can wear million way…can easily turn scarf to a top, headpiece…:)wrap around belt it…..
Need to save up to buy a Hermes scarf
Liza - University of Minnesota
I’m obsessed with these outfits, Sarah! They’re SO cute. The first and fifth looks remind me of something out of “Celebrities–they’re just like us!” in US Weekly–I can definitely see some Hollywood starlets rocking those outfits on their days off. Love them! Amazing post!
Alana @ The Good girl gone blog
Hmm I don’t know if I’d qualify a scarf as an investment piece…$150 for a scarf? I’d rather buy lots of fun scarfs for that much money. But hey, that’s just me! Your outfit choices are fab though :)
molly
hi i really liked this post. i just got a scarf as a gift (i’m not much of a scarf person) and i wasn’t exactly sure what to wear with it. I especially liked outfit 2 and 5, and I love body suits too!! great post! hehe
-moll :) xoxoxox
Jen
I love scarves! I really like the outfits you picked too! I would probably wear every single one of them.
S.
I also love scarves and as a montreal girl, I covet them – my favorite is a cashmere-pashima extra thick, paisley scarf I got in Egypt for just 10 dollars!
For cooler days, I love my silk red and black scarf; it looks sophisticated with everything.
having said, that, I have to say, I dont love the loop scarf trend. I feel like the same impact can be made with a regular scarf, without looking as trendy. Regular scarves also look more elegant, more timless, and less cheap. (sorry!)
is it just me, or does collefashion.net sell these scarves?? I have never been sold a fad product so hard in my life.
I understand one, or two posts on these silly loopy scarves… but they are constantly gushed about in every other post.
Enough with the loop scarves already, guys!
Bryannah
The scarf is gorgeous! (:
I love the color & material & the whole thing! =)
If I currently had $150 to splurge, I’ll definetly buy that Calypso scarf in a heartbeat. :]
I loved all of your outfits!
But I espcially liked outfit #3, trendy for work!
(: I think it’s very simple yet looks effortless, and is perfect!
My dream outfit!
Fantastic post Sarah! :]
xoxoxoxooxooxo
Candice
The outfits may be cute, but I don’t think this fits under “investment piece.” While I think a scarf–an outstanding one could warrant the $150 price tag investment price, I dont think the trendy one you chose that looks like it would make for a great forever 21 knockoff is a smart choice.
kaley
The outfits you chose are all amazing! Has anyone ever tried those forever21 riding boots? I wouldn’t mind putting out extra money for them not to look toooo cheap, but if the f21 ones are cute and don’t look too bad I also wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks!
Cathy
I have a question about Forever 21 shoes. Are they comfortable? I really like those floral heels but I have never purchased shoes from there. I tend to advocate buying shoes at a higher price because I find them more comfortable but for a pair of floral heels, I definitely don’t want to pay a lot of money. I’d appreciate it if someone who has owned Forever 21 shoes (preferably heels) can tell me if they were comfortable and last more than one or two wears.
On to the post. At this point in time, I can’t imagine buying an expensive scarf. My cheap ones are just fine! I would like to own a cashmere scarf one day though. I do like how you put together 5 outfits that each have a different look. You did a great job of showing how you can wear a scarf just about anywhere. :)
Rachel
I completely agree with your post! Scarves are such a fun addition to so many outfits, it’s especially nice to have a scarf with a crazy pattern to spruce up a plain tee with a cardigan and jeans. Oh also, it really can play down a large bust if you have one and would like to detract some attention from it, or it can disguise an unflattering neckline on a shirt. Scarves can work wonders.
I confess, I have an addict’s collection going on right now, a great tip I’d give is to look at your local vintage/thrift store. They have so many lightweight, trendy scarves or handkerchiefs. I bought my favourite patterned scarf for $1.99 at a thrift store. It’s worth a look!
Ps, your body suit outfit is amazing. I’ve always seen body suits at american apparel but I had no idea how i’d wear them…thanks for the inspiration Sarah!! :) The outfit is sick.
-Rachel
Julie
i was wondering about those f21 riding boots as well!
they’re exactly what ive been looking for, but not sure if they are cheap looking in person.
Anyone have any feedback?
Elle – i was wondering the same thing about those body suits!
Kristina
I really like this post and the outfits you created are very cute and definitely very wearable. It made me re-think ways to wear all my scarves. You even helped me figure out how to potentially wear my cargo pants! When it stops being freezing here in NYC, of course :]
Anna
I love these outfits, but I think considering a scarf an investment piece is a little silly when you can easily find dozens of options that are just as gorgeous at any consignment shop for under ten dollars.
Jasmine
I really love the outfits. Especially the “edgy” one. And I got to the same university as you. GO BEARCATS!!!
Steph
I want every single one of these outfits in my closet. Thanks for the great post :)
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In this season, passionate red stands on the fashion stage in its lofty stance. By ingenious collocation of red color’s proportion can build different model styles. Red, revealing itself so much, will make you glitzy in crowds.
aish
love the scarf
love the last outfil the most(love how u guys use tank tops, leggings etc to make a chic look)
hey can u do a post just on tank tops with diff lenghts, prints, cuts, colours.
i love them after looking through ur website
Sophia Maria
Just stumbled upon your wonderful blog and have to say that I am really impressed!! I love your posts – especially the one about online shopping. I have written a piece about the blog on my own blog – http://www.sophmar.blogspot.com – and have borrowed one of your pictures to promote College Fashion. I hope that is okay?
All the best, Sophia
Hannah
I don’t wear scarves often – for some reason, I can’t fold/wrap them right and they hang funny on me. This post makes me wish I could wear them. I especially love outfit #3!
Alexis
Please stop advocating wearing tights/leggings as pants. I’m tired of knowing what kind of underwear you have on.
Madeleine
I definately think a cozy and cute scarf is worth having in your closet but that being said I don’t think it’s wise to go out and blow $150 on one when there are many cute scarves out there for cheap. I live in Germany and it gets really cold here so I need a scarf in order to keep warm.
Melissa
while i cant quite afford this as an investment piece, i must say you are very talented at putting outfits together! very inspiring, i look forward to the next :)
maira
i think that a scarf can make a simple outfit great!! i like to add color with a scarf in my outfits!!! I also have to say that if you take a closer look in Nicole Richie’s style you can find many great outfits that include scarfs.she also wraps her neck with them in a very nice way.
jem
I am addicted to scarves, I’ve been wearing them for the last few years, way before they were a big trend. Buying a few scarves is deffently an investment peice, you can wear them for ever and try them with loads of different outfits. As for the loop scarf trend, its one of my faves in a long time. I have a super nice gray one which is really thick and looks awsome with everything! I would totally recommend knitting (a thick wool one) or buying one, you will wear it for years to come!
Jessica
I really liked the outfits you put together! Thanks for the great advice!
Julie
I would like to see an investment piece article on blazers, they are so cute and i have no idea what I’m doing when shopping for them
Jazmine
I love outfits #1 & #5, #1 looks comfortable yet casual; a very great alternative to sweats.
I love the stripes pair with the brown boots in #5! The whole look is great!
Kate
I’ve been stalking this great post for like a week now, and finally caved-i needed that gorgeous tangerine colored scarf in my life! and guess what? its now on sale for $99 instead of $150! and, if you sign up for Calypso’s mailing list you get 20% off your first purchase with code NEW FRIEND at checkout! so it came out to like 79 dollars and change! Ladies, if you’re lusting after this scarf like i was, you can get it and save 70 bucks!
Thanks for the great post and outfit inspiration! cant wait to come up with even more options : )
Meghna
Loved the outfits! I just bought a pale pink infinity scarf today, and this gave me some great ideas :)
Kim
Love the date night look!! It’s amazing how scarfs can make even a t-shirt look so chic. Oh and the body – suit is brilliant, it’s a very clean and polished, so much better than trying to tuck in shirts.
Anon
What is up with this series and date-night body suits? Both this and the “black heels” articles feature them. Seriously, do people wear these? I mean, nothing says “You’re not getting any” better than a body suit – and I can’t imagine that they’re more comfortable than the equivalent tshirt. It just reminds me of what we would do after dance recitals – slip on pants over our leotards to go out to eat. We all looked ridiculous.
ally
i love your post. thanks for sharing!
Pashmina
Love the boots, bangle and aviators in Outfit # 5, the tan of the leather goes so well with the jeans and the scarf. I think I’d probably wear them with a plain white t though rather than the black stripy piece.
Lindsb76
I really want the stripey top in #5 but can’t find it, can you help please
Lovin the styles :-)
Thanx