2008 Woodie Awards
Q. Couture - Transporting trends to the college campus
Scarves Unwrapped
Stephanie Kruzick
Issue date: 10/14/08 Section: Life & Styles
Scarves solve the cold neck crisis and come in handy to warm that last inch of skin that too-short turtlenecks and hoodies don't quite cover. Regardless, many have decided that this is a trend that can pass from season to season and one often sees people walking around in thin cotton T-shirts, denim shorts, and a torso-enveloping scarf.
But what's the point? Well, it looks pretty awesome.
Scarves are a good tool for maintaining your dignity during a meeting with a professor and hide your neck if, for some odd reason, it needs to be covered. It's a quick, easy, and (usually) cheap way to make the difference between looking like you've just rolled out of bed and being perfectly put together.
Interestingly, the scarf trend was picked up last by the U.S. after it circulated around Europe and Asia. Known as a "keffiyeh," a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, Yasser Arafat used to wear a black and white version of the scarves now found in Urban Outfitters. Arranged in the shape of a triangle, the scarf's structure resembled the outline of Palestine's territory. The political trend was quickly picked up by Easterners, and later became a staple in Western films portraying people in the Middle East. In the early part of the new millennium, individuals adopted the trend as either a show of support, or simply a new style. The trend spread like wildfire, and the designs transitioned from the traditional black and white check to a variety of patterns and colors, that can be found in stores today.
Thanks to places like American Apparel, scarves have trickled down from being a cold weather accessory to an everyday statement. Now almost a staple in "the scene," scarves are seen in bright colors and patterns, adding punch to any outfit whether just a plain white tee, or a completely chaotic ensemble. If you've never heard of M.I.A other than "Paper Planes," and you don't own a pair of Nike Dunks, don't fret. The scarf trend expands beyond "hipster" revolution. Open up any magazine and see a celebrity donning a scarf fit for a silver screen actress of the 1940s.
There are numerous ways to wear a scarf. Whether you're channeling Marilyn Monroe, by throwing on a pair of sunglasses and wrapping it around your head, or finding new ways of draping, tying, and knotting it around your neck, a scarf will always look stylish and chic.
Fashion aside, one can't forget the original function of the scarf: warmth. With the temperatures dropping daily, a scarf can be the difference between frozen and toasty. Knit styles are cozy and cute, and can be found almost anywhere. For the crafty crowd, knitting a scarf can be a rewarding and cheap alternative, and as an added bonus, yarn comes in countless styles, textures, and colors. For those who wouldn't know knitting needles from chopsticks, there's always TopShop, whose grand opening in New York City is scheduled for sometime this October. TopShop is sure to be filled with cozy and chic scarves for all styles and tastes.
Christian Lacroix's spring 2009 ready to wear runway, to the sweaty guy doing the running man at a Girl Talk show, it is clear that scarves have really broken fashion boundaries. The one size fits all gender-neutral trend is the perfect accessory for anyone.
Spotted!
Name: Jessica Kenney
Year: Sophomore
Major: Communications
Why she wears the trend: "When I first bought this scarf, I didn't buy it to go with an outfit. I just liked it, so I wound up buying an outfit to match the scarf instead of the other way around. I like to accessorize a lot, and scarves are a nice way to do that. It's a nice switch-up from constantly finding the right necklace to go with something. Plus, depending on what type of scarf you're wearing, you don't have to compromise your fashion for practicality. If you can match it with the right outfit, scarves can really bring your look up to the next level."
Why she's chic: With her peacock-hued Urban Outfitters scarf and matching Macy's shirt, she incorporates not only this fall trend, but colors as well. Her outfit is simple, yet she will definitely stand out in the crowd.
What others think about her style: Junior Rebecca Smith says, "Scarves are very 'in' this season. They're fashionable yet functional, and there are so many colors and styles to choose from. Whether you pair them with a plain white tee or your favorite jacket, they are one of the best accessories."
But what's the point? Well, it looks pretty awesome.
Scarves are a good tool for maintaining your dignity during a meeting with a professor and hide your neck if, for some odd reason, it needs to be covered. It's a quick, easy, and (usually) cheap way to make the difference between looking like you've just rolled out of bed and being perfectly put together.
Interestingly, the scarf trend was picked up last by the U.S. after it circulated around Europe and Asia. Known as a "keffiyeh," a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, Yasser Arafat used to wear a black and white version of the scarves now found in Urban Outfitters. Arranged in the shape of a triangle, the scarf's structure resembled the outline of Palestine's territory. The political trend was quickly picked up by Easterners, and later became a staple in Western films portraying people in the Middle East. In the early part of the new millennium, individuals adopted the trend as either a show of support, or simply a new style. The trend spread like wildfire, and the designs transitioned from the traditional black and white check to a variety of patterns and colors, that can be found in stores today.
Thanks to places like American Apparel, scarves have trickled down from being a cold weather accessory to an everyday statement. Now almost a staple in "the scene," scarves are seen in bright colors and patterns, adding punch to any outfit whether just a plain white tee, or a completely chaotic ensemble. If you've never heard of M.I.A other than "Paper Planes," and you don't own a pair of Nike Dunks, don't fret. The scarf trend expands beyond "hipster" revolution. Open up any magazine and see a celebrity donning a scarf fit for a silver screen actress of the 1940s.
There are numerous ways to wear a scarf. Whether you're channeling Marilyn Monroe, by throwing on a pair of sunglasses and wrapping it around your head, or finding new ways of draping, tying, and knotting it around your neck, a scarf will always look stylish and chic.
Fashion aside, one can't forget the original function of the scarf: warmth. With the temperatures dropping daily, a scarf can be the difference between frozen and toasty. Knit styles are cozy and cute, and can be found almost anywhere. For the crafty crowd, knitting a scarf can be a rewarding and cheap alternative, and as an added bonus, yarn comes in countless styles, textures, and colors. For those who wouldn't know knitting needles from chopsticks, there's always TopShop, whose grand opening in New York City is scheduled for sometime this October. TopShop is sure to be filled with cozy and chic scarves for all styles and tastes.
Christian Lacroix's spring 2009 ready to wear runway, to the sweaty guy doing the running man at a Girl Talk show, it is clear that scarves have really broken fashion boundaries. The one size fits all gender-neutral trend is the perfect accessory for anyone.
Spotted!
Name: Jessica Kenney
Year: Sophomore
Major: Communications
Why she wears the trend: "When I first bought this scarf, I didn't buy it to go with an outfit. I just liked it, so I wound up buying an outfit to match the scarf instead of the other way around. I like to accessorize a lot, and scarves are a nice way to do that. It's a nice switch-up from constantly finding the right necklace to go with something. Plus, depending on what type of scarf you're wearing, you don't have to compromise your fashion for practicality. If you can match it with the right outfit, scarves can really bring your look up to the next level."
Why she's chic: With her peacock-hued Urban Outfitters scarf and matching Macy's shirt, she incorporates not only this fall trend, but colors as well. Her outfit is simple, yet she will definitely stand out in the crowd.
What others think about her style: Junior Rebecca Smith says, "Scarves are very 'in' this season. They're fashionable yet functional, and there are so many colors and styles to choose from. Whether you pair them with a plain white tee or your favorite jacket, they are one of the best accessories."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Sarah
posted 10/14/08 @ 1:40 PM EST
Loves it! I fell in love with scarves when I was in Ireland..they are perfect for traveling-- planes/trains/horseback whatever. Instantly chic and perfect for covering your face if you want to nap on the plane. (Continued…)
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