The natty silk neckerchief for an instant outfit boost — That’s Not My Age

 

Are you leaning in to spring, right now? It’s tempting to pack away the Goretex trainers, rain coat and cashmere but it’s too early to go casting clouts. While a variety of influencers and publications are promoting ‘drapescaping’ or wearing your jumper over your coat, this seems like a bit of a faff, if you ask my opinion. What if your sweater gets caught in the ticket barrier? When you get to your final destination do you take your coat off and put the jumper on? What happens if it’s raining? So many questions…

We haven’t talked about Scarf Action in a while. For fans of pared-back style, a colourful, silk scarf is an instant game-changer. An easy way to perk up a basic ensemble (and its wearer according to fashion psychologists). And the good news is, you probably already have a drawerful of foulards, an abundance of bandanas, waiting to be tied up in knots.  I’m here for the effortless spring update. Aren’t you?

 

 

 

 

 

Having dallied with the sexy, skinny scarf for a while, I’ve come back to the reliable old neckerchief. This versatile scarf is a great way to liven up simple sweaters, shirts and outerwear; and I do like the contrast of a beautiful, patterned silk square with a sturdy utility jacket or faded denim. Whether you loop one around the neck like a boy scout, neatly fold it up into a choker-style or wear it with the point at the front and the knot at the back like The Clash:

 

 

One small accessory, one outfit-enhancing winner.

 

 

Some of my favourite neckerchiefs have been picked up in charity shops, at our local market or on the high street, so there’s no need to fork out a fortune. Madewell has a reasonably priced, oversized silk bandana available in a range of colours HERE (I like the Old Mahogany but there’s a lime green if you want to pack a juicy punch). And for cheap-as-chips cotton squares go straight to Seasalt.

The silk bandana I’m wearing is a beauty from Laslett England, screen printed and hand-rolled in the UK. (Don’t forget my collaboration with Melanie from Laslett England, we still have a couple of Seaside Vintage long scarves available HERE). Another TNMA favourite, accessories designer Mimi Berry has recently stepped into the silk scarf arena.

One of my friends highly recommends the French label denovembre. I’m into Toteme’s oh-so popular (and widely copied) graphic scarves, and this blue design from Soeur. Meanwhile on the other side of the Atlantic, Kate Spade has a snazzy selection and Ralph Lauren showed a silk foulard over a beaded necklace on the runway for spring ( less of a faff than a jumper over a coat). Last and certainly not least, Liberty is the home of the Lovely Silk Scarf.

 

 

Grab yourself some natty neckwear; and there are lots of scarf-tying tutorials on Liberty’s website HERE and at Hérmes HERE.

 

 

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