The Princess of Wales recently showcased a simple outfit for her birthday, prompting thoughts on adding flair to similar looks with accessories, specifically scarves. A checked scarf can revitalize standard attire by introducing color and texture. Scarves serve not only for warmth but also as a stylish tool for enhancing outfits, particularly for those over 50. Key recommendations include opting for lightweight, modern geometric prints and tying them skillfully to avoid outdated styles. Investing in quality scarves can transform a wardrobe and encourage experimentation with patterns and colors, making them valuable fashion pieces for any season.
Normally I wouldn’t guess what the Princess of Wales was thinking, but when she posed in a white shirt, jeans and jacket for a photo previously posted on her 43rd birthday, I’m sure we have a good idea what was going through her mind this month. This requires something additional. Something to lift it up and add flair. What about scarves?
And the scarf changed everything. That length of checked fabric around her neck – similar to M&S (£15; marksandspencer.com) – a moderate amount of unexpectedness. We’ve disrupted her old uniform of blazer, shirt, and jeans and added a bit of graphic print to make it look fresh.
It’s not a particularly special scarf. Personally, I don’t really like checking. However, it’s good to remember that it’s very easy to reboot your look.
Besides adding a little color, pattern, texture, or all three where you need it most, scarves can transform an outfit into another gear or add a touch of French chic flourish. I think it’s time to start paying more attention to their potential, and not just because I feel like my bare neck peeking out from crew-neck sweaters and round-neck tops is horribly exposed these days. The right scarf is a handy style hack and your best friend to camouflage your neck for anyone over 50.
The Princess of Wales posed in a white shirt, jeans and jacket for a photo posted on her 43rd birthday earlier this month.
Toast has a smart ribbon print, midnight blue cotton bandana (£49, to.ast) and ocher trim
Scarves also serve as a warm-up this time of year – head to Uniqlo if you still need them – but it’s best to wear silky square scarves (if you want the exact terminology) that are light and small enough to fold. is a “scarf”) and tie a knot at the base of the neck (a large handkerchief, not scarf size). This looks increasingly like a smart move.
The idea is to step out of your comfort zone and experiment.
Scarves are a great way to inject a little color, but just as importantly, they can also complement other colors (lilac and jade, ocher and red). Simple prints in two or three colors work best, florals and primary colors are best avoided, as well as iconic headscarf patterns. I love classic Hermès scarves with horse paraphernalia prints, but they only work on young kids and puppies.
Opt for a modern geometric print in olive green and cherry to herald the new season (£12.99, shop.mango.com) or cream, apple green, orange, brown irregular stripes, mango (£7.99).
Other stories (stories.com) has a huge selection starting from £29. A scarf like this can add a retro feel to any plain top and liven up an old sweater.
How you wear your scarf is important. Never let it hang below the jacket collar. Avoid draping it in a deep V in the front, cravat-style, or wrapping it around your neck and letting it hang on either side.
I usually say wrap your scarf however you like, but it’s these details that make the difference and keep you from slipping back into 1980s Sloan Ranger territory. For those of us who remember what he looked like, it has definitely aged.
A silky scarf can be folded like a bandana and tied slightly off-center in a relaxed knot so it looks soft and undone, rather than as neat as a bandage.
Cotton can be rolled or twisted to create a more scrappy look, making it suitable for polo V-neck sweaters and shirt collars.
Mint Velvet Paisley Cotton Square Scarf (£35, johnlewis.com) and Rory’s Laundry’s sandy red dot print scarf with yellow trim, £25, also from John Lewis, will give you a color boost while blending with everything.
Toast with smart ribbon print, cotton bandana (£49, toast) in midnight blue with ocher trim, but even better is the Silk Square (£65) in an abstract print of brown and gold on teal.
Spending this much money on a scarf may seem crazy, but if you love it and can reinvigorate your old wardrobe, it’s not. These are on the small side, but that’s a good thing. Wearing a large scarf will make you look like you have a neck problem.
Another benefit of a good scarf is that it encourages you to experiment more with patterns and colors. Spots are a great way to create beautiful stripes. Irregular stripes break up the color-blocked outfit.
The white and navy paisley pattern is perfect for refreshing your neck in winter. I’m trying out a cream satin scarf with seashell print and coral border (£9.99, hm.com). When you catch a glimpse of it in winter, you can feel the signs of spring just around the corner.
