Scarves

Scarves, believe it or not, come in many different guises and can give off a variety of impressions. You can make any scarf look funky - or Meals on Wheels.

The answer to good scarf-wearing lies in the way it is tied. A silken square knotted far back under the chin can immediately turn a young woman into a zimmer frame-pushing old dear who smokes 50 fags a day. The very same scarf knotted ON the chin belongs to a county hooray whose fashion role model is Princess Anne. If this same silken square is worn as a wide headband from the hairline back, around a pair of jeans, or tied to a Marc Jacobs-style bag next to worry beads or a cool key ring, it suddenly becomes non-stereotypical and rather hip.

A few hints on scarf wearing:

• Look out for unique scarves in vintage stores.
• A Missoni scarf can teach you about colour because this design house really understands
how to combine complementary hues.
• If you are short and yearn for a long scarf, don't be lured into wearing one in a thick knit; opt for a light-weight material or woven silk.
• A scarf is fab worn as a belt with jeans.

• If your hair needs a wash, cover it up in a scarf worn hair-band style à la Elizabeth Taylor
in the sixties.
• Short necks must wear scarves wrapped round the neck to create an elongating polo neck effect.
• Long necks can wear scarves looped and tied.

• Scarves folded in a triangle and placed over the shoulders like a cowl are very Bus Pass.
• A cotton kerchief tied round the neck and worn with a T shirt makes for a fresh French feel that works for all ages and is a nice alternative to the hideously tied Sailor Boy knot.
• The scarf worn like a choker is the saviour of wrinkly turkey necks.