Jessica's article on Examiner: Miami fashion summer staple: Head scarf not just for Kate Moss

There is no accessory that can spruce up a wardrobe, add a dash of sophistication and is economically viable as this seasons hottest trend and perennial fashion fav– the headscarf. From the runways of Burberry, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana to Proenza Schouler, the headscarf is the must-have accessory for every fashionista.

The scarf been around for more than a hundred years; comes in many colors, patterns and fabrics styles from thin silks to knitted, bulky winter yarns all of which, add an exotic or glamorous accent to nearly any look.

One of the ways to use your scarf is by making it a hair accessory. In fact, its one of the best solutions to keep hair in order, that can easily be spoiled by typical muggy and windy summer in Miami.

Ways to tie your headscarf:

Headband

For a glamorous look, ala Brigette Bardot, a scarf folded into a narrow band can be worn like a headband. Fold it into a long thin piece or strip. Place the center of the scarf over your head. Gather the ends of the scarf at your nape and tie both ends together.

This look is perfect for capturing the hippie chic look of the 60s and 70s.

Ponytail wrap

Replace an ordinary band with a scarf for a more stylish look. Tie your hair into a ponytail. Gather a scarf at the base of a ponytail and tie it over the ponytail covering the band and fluff out the ends of the scarf or twist the ends of the scarf around the loose hair of the ponytail. Then you have a look worthy of Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn.

Bandana

Look bohemian with this style.  First, tie your hair into a ponytail. Fold a scarf into a triangle and place the widest edge of the scarf on your forehead, just above your eyebrows. Put the ends at the back of your head just under your ponytail and knot them together. Let your hair loose. You can also try this method with your hair down. Just tuck other loose ends of the scarf under the knot at the back of your head and let all the ends of the scarf hang loose.

The Kelly scarf

This scarf head-wrapping style is named after Grace Kelly, actress in “To Catch a Thief” and princess of Monaco. Fold a square scarf into a triangle and wrap it around your head with a bow under your chin. This scarf-wrapping method is great to keep a hairstyle while traveling. Fold the scarf diagonally into half to form a triangle. Put the widest part of the scarf over your head. Bring the ends under your chin, cross them and bring the ends at the back of the head with each end at each side of the neck. Tie the ends at the back and tuck the other loose corners of the scarf at the back of the head under the knot. Put on a big pair of sunglasses and you’re good to go.

Crown

This style is elegant-looking. It is named as such because the scarf actually forms into a crown over the head. Start with an oblong or rectangular scarf.  Drape the scarf over your head and hand the ends down the body with one end longer than the other. Meet the two ends at the nape and cross them just behind your head. Now twist the longer end so that it will look like a ‘rope’. Then lay the twisted end at the top of the head approximately 1-2 inches from the front edge of the scarf. Meet the twisted end to the shorter end of the scarf at the back of the head and make a knot. You can tuck the ends under the scarf or let the ends loose to drape at the shoulders.

 

Scarves are practically the most versatile fashion accessory there is.  On days you’re not in the mood to wear it around your head, the headscarf can be transformed into a necktie or bow for a chic and classic look, worn around your waist to capture the Russian rocker look, or tie it around an old bag to transform it into a hot new piece.

For a certain "ladies that lunch" group, whether in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s or through this first current 21st Century decade, the scarf has always been a de rigueur element of fashionable attire.

Immortalized by historic icons like Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jean Shrimpton.

Today its been adopted by Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton.

"The headscarf is intimate, personal, an accessory you have a relationship with, in the way a woman doesn't even have with a pair of shoes," says Bali Barret, art director of Hermès' silks, who counts 200 among her personal stash and never leaves home without at least two in her bag. "It's very feminine, textural, carries your fragrance, allows you to wear colours and patterns that you might not dream of wearing in your clothes. Its association with style icons makes it almost mythical."

Fear not fashionista, it is never too late to invest in this stylish yet timeless wardrobe staple. The versatility of this must-have piece makes it perfect for a woman with a budget; a scarf should be everyone’s go-to accessory!

To purchase a new one go to Bella Racquella for a collection of headscarves designed by Coconut Grove resident Jill Fistel.

If you have a fashion related question or need advice contact: Jessica Rae Anderson.

For live article go to Examiner.com



Comments

[childrens clothing]

I love the collection. Head scarf is in this summer. For protection of your head from the summer heat.