Peter WilsonIf you’ve been listening to the radio lately, you’ll know that it’s not just Lana Del Rey who has that summertime sadness. Those warm and sunny days we all got used to are most certainly gone and here at MFM we’re feeling the chill. For us, there is nothing better than a stylish scarf to finish off an outfit as well as to keep us warm during the colder months. My sister knitted me a scarf last year for Christmas and ever since, I’ve been going scarf-crazy. But now the time has come – scarf season! From multiple fabrics for any temperature, this piece is slowly becoming a staple in many men’s daily wardrobe choices.
While most of you may already be thinking how obvious it is to tie a scarf, there has been many a scarf, regardless of style, which has been wrapped around a guy’s neck without care or thought. This made us realise that there are a few rules when it comes to neckwear. We’ll first take a look at the different types of scarves you can wear this season, before looking at how to tie them correctly.
Scarf Types
For this time of year, you want something that will keep you warm yet stylish. There are a lot of names out there from the Arab-inspired Keffiyeh (square) scarf, to traditional wool scarves or skinny silk ones. And as there is so much to choose from this season, it can get confusing as to how to wear these differing styles. For autumn and winter, go for heavier fabrics such as wool or cashmere; unless you’re like me and want to wear the classic, albeit fine wool, signature Paul Smith scarf all year round (see below). And unless you’re hardened to the great British winter, we advise you to stay away from lighter fabrics like cotton or silk ‘cos baby it’s cold outside!
To stay bright throughout the colder months, why not turn to Liberty London which offers a wide range of colourful wool scarves from its own brand to named designers like Barbour and Howlin. From stripes to fairisle, simply tuck one of these scarves under a black or navy jacket and you’re good to go. And while you’re at it, why not treat yourself to a bit of luxury this season and choose a cashmere scarf. Our favourite is the iconic tartan check from Burberry Prorsum in shades of red, black and cream. Wear yours under a camel-coloured coat, such as a hooded duffle coat, this season for a timeless look.
How to
The industry, whether it is in magazines or on the internet, is full of countless ways to tie a scarf, from blogs to Youtube videos. At MFM, we don’t like to confuse our readers, so here is our top 3 ways to style your scarves this season.
1. The Classic Drape: Simply hang the scarf around your neck. This is by far the quickest and easiest way to wear this accessory.
2. The Ascot: Lay the scarf over your shoulders. Then, as you would with shoelaces, take both ends and tie them over and under. Finally, adjust the front to be smooth and tighten a little. But carefully does it, this style should never be tied all the way up to your chin.
3. The Once or Twice Around: This is usually used for medium to long scarves (approx. 150cm) where you take the scarf and, yes you guessed it, wrap it once around your neck. This should leave the two ends dangling in front. Or, for longer scarves (150cm+), why not try the Twice Around by wrapping the scarf around your neck again – the latter is particularly good for chilly mornings but should only be done with long wool scarves; you’ll be hard pressed to find a cashmere or silk scarf at this length!
Wrap it up
Rumour has it winter’s coming and, in true British fashion, we bet it’s going to be just as cold as ever. So with that advice, and this trusty how-to guide, you and your scarf will be ready for whatever Jack Frost brings this season. Just remember, it’s certainly not a fashion faux pas to wear light-weight scarves, but if you want style as well as function, go for heavier fabrics to keep you cosy until spring creeps over your windowsill.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to www.artofmanliness.com for the use of its images.