There are many different stylish accessories used to make any outfit more attractive and original. Especially successfully cope with this task are the various types of scarves present in the wardrobe of every fashionista.
A bit of history
Thanks to archaeological excavations, it was found that the first prototypes of this accessory appeared in China, where warriors wore a small piece of fabric around their necks to protect them from wind and cold. Roman legionnaires put scarves under armor, leaving for Germany. Gradually, this garment gained popularity in the Romanian and then in the Croatian regiments, which, having arrived in Paris in 1648, aroused great interest in their scarves from the French king. On his initiative, such an accessory became a sign of belonging to the nobility.
In the XX century, different types of scarves gained a new wave of popularity thanks to the Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni. In Russia, they were worn mainly by women and children. These were most often warm winter scarves. Only with the beginning of the XXl century did this accessory take its rightful place on all the fashion catwalks of the world. Today, in any collection of famous designers, there are always scarves in a variety of variations.
Stylish accessory
All models are based on a classic scarf, which is a piece of matter of not very long length and width. It can be made of a wide variety of materials - silk, knitwear, cashmere, as well as knitted from various types of yarn. From this basic model, other types of scarves appeared - stole, snud, pareo, arafatka, boa, etc.
Thus, this garment has become a stylish and fashionable accessory. Scarves are worn not only on the neck, but also on the head, on the shoulders and even tied around the waist or hips. Great opportunities for the implementation of various design ideas and gives a variety of colors. Especially popular are bright, contrasting with basic clothes colors - red, yellow, blue, green and others.
Stole
It is a large rectangular cloak, the width of which is usually not less than 70 cm. The stole can correspond to the size of the collar or look like a long scarf that can be used to cover the entire body. This version of the scarf gained popularity at the end of the XVll century and had the primary task of protecting a woman from the cold. Therefore, they were mainly made of fur or had fur trim. Today, a huge selection of scarves from a variety of materials and designed for any time of the year is offered.
Snud
This is a rather original kind of scarf, covering both the neck and head from the cold. It is most often made of warm fabrics - it can be woolen or knitted. The fringe around the edges on some models helps create a more laid-back look. Snud looks voluminous and, thanks to the connected ends, looks like a ring, for which he received another name - a circular scarf.
It can be worn by wrapping several times around the neck or by additionally throwing one of the turns on the head. Suitable for women and men.
Pareo
Being an element of everyday wardrobe among residents of southern countries, pareo won considerable popularity among western fashionistas. They most often use this light scarf as a beach dress. Tied in the form of a skirt or dress, it also performs a protective function, protecting the skin from sunlight. In addition, the pareo perfectly conceals the flaws of the figure. Designers created original types of scarves, made not only of silk, chiffon, but cotton or linen, resembling summer sundresses.
Pareo is able to become not only the subject of a summer wardrobe. Tied with skillful hands, this rectangular piece of fabric can turn into a toga, a vest and even an evening dress.
Arafatka
The arafatka that came from the east is a neck scarf, which at first was made only of silk, linen or cotton. Today, such a scarf has become especially popular, and models have appeared from warmer materials, including cashmere, as well as knitted from thin yarn. In Europe, it is most often called a Palestinian scarf and is used as an ordinary warm scarf.
Arafatka is quite universal and is in demand not only among urban fashionistas, but also among fishermen and tourists. It perfectly protects from mosquitoes, branches, cobwebs, etc. The basis of the arafatka ornament is a cage. There is another variation of this accessory - skate. Its middle part is wider and has a transverse section. But this model is not widespread.
Sling scarf
Its functional purpose is the carrying of young children from birth to one and a half to two years. In ancient times, pieces of cloth used to wrap the body were used for this purpose. Later, such a device could often be seen in gypsies. Today, the sling has gained popularity among many mothers who use it to transport the baby.
In many ways, this attribute resembles a kangaroo backpack, but in contrast to it, it is much more convenient, since the load is distributed evenly over almost the entire body, so the back is less tired. In addition, the sling scarf can be thrown from one side to the other. The child in it takes the most comfortable and natural position.
Today, many mothers prefer this time-tested accessory and on the city streets of European countries, you can increasingly meet women carrying their babies in a sling.
How to choose a scarf?
Choosing this wardrobe item, first of all, you should pay attention to the functionality of the model. It largely depends on the shape of the scarf, because having certain properties, it is able to change the appearance. If you want to create an extension effect, you should give preference to models of a rectangular shape. A square or circular scarf will help round the face and visually reduce the neck.
Of no less importance is the material. So, for example, silk, chiffon shawls and scarves are associated with the warm season and perform mainly an aesthetic function.
Long models made of warm fabrics are more practical and are suitable for winter or autumn wardrobe.
The color of the scarf should be selected in accordance with its own color type, because otherwise, even the most fashionable accessory will play a cruel joke, changing the complexion of the face for the worse. Full women are recommended to purchase models with a large pattern, and miniature girls are more likely to wear plain scarves or with a small pattern.
What to wear scarves with?
Modern fashion allows you to experiment, complementing the outfit with accessories, without adhering to classical canons. For example, knitted winter scarves will look great not only with a coat or jacket, but also with a denim suit or even with a dress. It is recommended only to wear narrower and thinner models in this case.
A refined stole will be a great addition to the evening outfit, and the arafatka is perfect for a club party. A circular scarf will look good with a voluminous knitted sweater or coat. Complementing any outfit, he is able to create a laid-back and very pleasant image. For the cold season, a long scarf is most suitable, which can be tied in a variety of ways or even just wrap around your neck or throw over your shoulders.
Almost all models of scarves are very popular, and with the right choice, each of them can become the key to a stylish look.