Scarves are the ultimate in summer holiday chic. Worn wide-spread over the ears, or folded down as a preppy-style band, the scarf is guaranteed to give an edge to any summer style.
Not to be restricted to the head, scarves can be used to pep up any outfit. For a kooky, retro look, choose patchwork or print and use as a belt round battered jeans, or for something more romantic, choose tasseled crochet, slung low at the hips.
If you can only afford to make one choice purchase though, it's got to be chiffon. Buy in miniature and drape round the neck or the wrist or do things with grandeur and wear as a Giselle-style top. This will look stunning worn over a delicate bra and tied round the back, but for a touch more elegance, wear diagonally across the body and knotted at the shoulder. Alternatively, the fabric can be pinned into place with an antique brooch.
For the best from the high street, East, Accessorize and Oasis come up trumps. But for something a little more unique, scour 2nd hand shops and vintage markets; Portobello is particularly good. Finally, for the very creative, John Lewis and Liberty both stock a beautiful range of fabric that could be easily customized with a bit of appliqué and hemming.
Perhaps it shouldn't be the only item in your suitcase, but one scarf will prove a great asset to your holiday wardrobe
For store locators, see:
Accessorize:
www.accessorize.co.uk
020 7313
3000
East: No
website
Call Regent St branch for enquiries - 020 7734 6874
Oasis:
www.oasisstores.co.uk
0115 955
1616
Portobello Market: Ladbroke Grove/Notting Hill tube, London. Saturday, from 8am onwards
