Scarves Determining what scarves look best on you

[AnnaE]

-I look best in bright/jewel tones, nothing pastel. So no pastel scarves for me no matter how beautiful they might be. The brighter the color, the better. I particularly love yellow and fuschia.

-I love scarves that have a bright contrast hem. This is something Hermes does so well. It's unexpected, it immediately captures the attention and adds pizzazz to an outfit.

-At the beginning of my H journey I bought a couple of classic designs with borders: Double Sangles and l'Ocean (vintage). Oooooh boy what a mistake. My clothing style is very casual, tomboyish and modern. Those classical designs clashed completely with everything I was wearing and aged me, I felt. Whenever I try to wear something more classical I feel like a little girl playing dress-up in her mother's closet. I'm 37 but I still feel like there will never come a day where I will look put together enough to carry off a classic, feminine outfit I still struggle with wearing 90s for this reason, as I can't find a way to make them seem casual. So lesson: no borders, no classical designs. I think I'm finally learning my lesson because I've only bought one 90 this season and it's to frame, not wear!

-I've discovered I actually love the way abstract or graphic patterns look on me: anything with stripes, polka dots, bandana prints... Hermes makes many many beautiful designs that are like paintings, but the truth of the matter is, when they're folded and tied, you can only see bits and pieces of the design. That bugs me somewhat. But it's not an issue with anything abstract or all over graphical. (Also, those kinds of designs match better with my casual wardrobe than, I dunno, imperial French carriages or noblemen or whatever.)

-This seems to be a general rule: If you're petite, avoid large patterns. And I'm only 5'1! So I could never wear something like the Three Graces CSGM with its enormous giraffes. I'd get lost.

-Hermes scarves are the best way to jazz up plain, neutral outfits in brown, grey, black, white... I love to use them as a pop of color. You can even do this with twillies!

-I like to wear earrings that match or complement the scarf in some way!

-In terms of formats, I like the ones that are longer/thinner rather than square: maxi twillies or losenges. A square is kind of a weird format for a scarf, you end up with extra material bunched up around your neck and I don't like the cowboy knot (just looks like a bib to me). I still have 90s and CSGMs, but they're never as easy for me to wear as the other formats.

A few illustrations:



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Your selections are really lovely. I really love the red/black scarf with a black sweater and the second image (blanking on the scarf name... is that something Pegasus?) Curious what your own favorite scarves aee

I’m so glad you joined in, Anna.
You definitely are the queen of red silks and look outstanding in them! Have you done any musing as to why (hair color & skin tone I’m guessing)? I love that your DH provides honest scarf feedback -my limited SA experiences were less than stellar and the most my DH will say is “nice scarf.” I remember you were on the fence about a non-red selection in SOTD not too long ago, but forget the details...

I appreciate your input on my shared pics and fully agree with you. I haven’t figured out how to wear those cooler, grayed tones near my face with success...

I *do* own non-red scarves, contrary to popular belief. But for me it’s like red lipstick, it’s more psychological than anything else.
Although I tend to wear warm, orange-based reds. I can pull off an occasional burgundy given a good lipstick and lots of under eye concealer, but not reds work well.

I have always gravitated towards color... I just like red more than other colors

If one follows the Color me Beautiful concept, it works and there will no longer be those instances where a scarf c/w does not work. iIf there is a dress or top that is not in your color scheme, using a scarf that is in your best colors will magically make the item come together. Hth

See, I have never found it that intuitive. I went on their website when I read your post. They have photos of Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon to illustrate their methods; and I much prefer the ‘worse’ option for both of them

It's a bit like the rules that (good) stylists give:

1. There is a shade/tint/hue of most colours that someone can wear. Make sure you select the right one for you.

2. Know your face (even body) shape, shapes of patterns should echo, not compete.

3. Like 2, check whether you have high contrast, mid-contrast or low contrast colouring between features.

Silk reflects so make sure the reflective tones compliment your colouring too (and not just the flat colours of the scarf.

@turfnsurf I would guess that your colouring is probably more harmonious with rich, bright, clear tones (colour) geometrics and strength of features (hence good with wide border and bold pattern as in e.g. scarf 1) whereas perhaps less successful with muted tones and a melange-type pattern (e.g.2.)

I would add to all some tips I picked up through make-up artists (talking about wearing colour rather than makeup):

4. Try not to wear your shadow colour (the colour of your natural under-ye (mine is a red/ble mix that looks like a greyed-purple from a distance).

5. You can also treat scarves as makeup. E.g. wear your most natural blush or complimentary (opposite) colour as pick-up colour. If you blush pink (or look good with pink blush) go for pink or green (as strong or as subtle as your colouring) orange/peach go for peach/orange or blue, very golden go for gold or purple and so on.

6. Scale is also really important.

Can you come style my wardrobe and go through my makeup while you are at it?

I have dark blonde hair, a light neutral skintone (typically the lightest or second lightest "N" shade in any US-brand foundation, or a light to mid-range Asian-brand foundation), and dark brown eyes.

Ex: I chose a blue cw of Artisans even though I thought I'd prefer the red. It's not necessarily noticeable in this lighting/pic, but the red close to my face just didn't seem to work as nicely. I think that because I'm so fair, sometimes rich colors in certain tones can overpower me, the lighter pinks and blues seem to add some warmth and life to my skin.

Similarly, I really liked the light blue Plumes en Fete on me, and I figured the light pink Into the Canadian Wild would also suit me, given the similar color palette. It gave me the confidence to buy the ItCW blind, without the possibility of a return, and it worked out!

My totally unsolicited opinion without seeing the rest of your face, I really like the red (orange?) Les Artisans, and the pink-ish Into The Canadian Wild. I think they all work though, you clearly have a great sense of color.

 

[papertiger]

Your selections are really lovely. I really love the red/black scarf with a black sweater and the second image (blanking on the scarf name... is that something Pegasus?) Curious what your own favorite scarves aee


I *do* own non-red scarves, contrary to popular belief. But for me it’s like red lipstick, it’s more psychological than anything else.
Although I tend to wear warm, orange-based reds. I can pull off an occasional burgundy given a good lipstick and lots of under eye concealer, but not reds work well.

I have always gravitated towards color... I just like red more than other colors



See, I have never found it that intuitive. I went on their website when I read your post. They have photos of Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon to illustrate their methods; and I much prefer the ‘worse’ option for both of them



Can you come style my wardrobe and go through my makeup while you are at it?



My totally unsolicited opinion without seeing the rest of your face, I really like the red (orange?) Les Artisans, and the pink-ish Into The Canadian Wild. I think they all work though, you clearly have a great sense of color.

How could I improve upon perfection?

 

[gladhwen]

I recently discovered Hermes and went on quite the online bender after I got home from buying my first scarf... and turns out I suck at picking out scarves for myself. I know I can't afford to keep all of them anyway, but I thought every single one looked wrong somehow. Too busy, bad colors on me, etc. I absolutely love my Les Artisans D'Hermes, which I picked out in person. I'm not even sure it's quite the right colors for me but I love it so much that my pure unbridled joy helps me pull it off

The store "near" me is a few hours away, but maybe it's worth another drive so I can work with the SA to determine the best colors/styles for me. I was there helping a friend pick one out for herself, so I didn't even try any on. Just couldn't resist Les Artisans.

 

[turfnsurf]

I recently discovered Hermes and went on quite the online bender after I got home from buying my first scarf... and turns out I suck at picking out scarves for myself. I know I can't afford to keep all of them anyway, but I thought every single one looked wrong somehow. Too busy, bad colors on me, etc. I absolutely love my Les Artisans D'Hermes, which I picked out in person. I'm not even sure it's quite the right colors for me but I love it so much that my pure unbridled joy helps me pull it off

The store "near" me is a few hours away, but maybe it's worth another drive so I can work with the SA to determine the best colors/styles for me. I was there helping a friend pick one out for herself, so I didn't even try any on. Just couldn't resist Les Artisans.

I’m glad you found your ideal Les Artisans!
I’d love to see a mod shot and possibly any others you’d like to share that aren’t working for you. If you travel to H it’d be interesting to inquire if they have any tips to share for us online scarf buyers.

 

[gladhwen]

I’m glad you found your ideal Les Artisans!
I’d love to see a mod shot and possibly any others you’d like to share that aren’t working for you. If you travel to H it’d be interesting to inquire if they have any tips to share for us online scarf buyers.

I already packed up the scarves I'm sending back, but I think I determined that mint/teal/pale yellow/magenta don't look right on me. And if the scarf is very busy (e.g. Exposition Universelle), maybe I should try more monotone patterns. I absolutely love looking at them, but they looked juvenile on. And as much as I love the idea and softness of pastel, they're just not me. I keep trying to tell myself there's a difference between appreciating art vs wearing it, and just because I love the story behind the scarf doesn't mean I'll like the scarf itself (or that I need to own it). I plan on taking a trip this weekend to get some tips and will post after that

In the meantime, here’s pictures of my Les Artisans quarantine looks from this week.

A bit busy paired with pjs, but I really like this knot (kudos to MaiTai and her amazing Scarf Art app).



I wear this sweatshirt most wfh days too.


And my personal favorite, the head scarf. It’s cold here, plus I can wear it while I eat without worry.

 

[turfnsurf]

I already packed up the scarves I'm sending back, but I think I determined that mint/teal/pale yellow/magenta don't look right on me. And if the scarf us very busy (e.g. Exposition Universelle), maybe I should try more monotone patterns. I absolutely love looking at them, but they looked juvenile on. And as much as I love the idea and softness of pastel, they're just not me. I keep trying to tell myself there's a difference between appreciating art vs wearing it, and just because I love the story behind the scarf doesn't mean I'll like the scarf itself (or that I need to own it). I plan on taking a trip this weekend to get some tips and will post after that

In the meantime, here’s pictures of my Les Artisans quarantine looks from this week.
View attachment 4931692
A bit busy paired with pjs, but I really like this knot (kudos to MaiTai and her amazing Scarf Art app).

View attachment 4931685

I wear this sweatshirt most wfh days too.
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And my personal favorite, the head scarf. It’s cold here, plus I can wear it while I eat without worry.
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Great scarf! That red does flatter you... and I love it with the light blue. It’ll be interesting to hear about your trip; wishing you luck in finding some perfect scarves.

 

[textilegirl]

Great scarf! That red does flatter you... and I love it with the light blue. It’ll be interesting to hear about your trip; wishing you luck in finding some perfect scarves.

I agree, fab cw for you @gladhwen!

 

[millivanilli]

What an educational thread!

So, how do I choose...? Let me say, that this is one of the sad things in my life, that things I really like won't suit me, no matter how.
I love pastell colors, I love small patterns, I love anything girly, I love lace, I love pearls, I love gold. Wearing only one of these I'll look petty bourgeois...

In my younger years I had only small money but always wanted to look good - even though my derriere would make Kim Kardashian crawl under a rock. (my body type ist liker hers waist down. waist up: Charlene v. Monaccho) and only slim figures were en vogue. So I had to do a lot of reseach, which helped me a lot later on.

I figured out the undertones of my skin (Lord, that was a long journey, I still don't understand it, so I asked for help). Obviously I am "deep winter" who can wear those extrem bright and extreme colors pretty well. Remembering, that when wearing all black, people were complimenting me on my style helped feeling secure about that. Actually my wardrobe contains black and white, that's it. (I would LOVE to wear a brown Max Mara coat but... well)

Next step was choosing the material that works best for me - for me it's heavy fabric, nothing too silky (hear hear) or girly. So these boho-chic dresses- not for me, sadly.

Next step was thinking about the "cut" of my clothes. Clean cuts work best for me, nothing too girly (again) no ruffles, no special things, just clean, straight clothes.

Next step was thinking about patterns in general. I am a darkhaired, darkeyed tall person with very ... wide hips. Everything on me is tall and not delicate, when slim, I appear athletic(The typology of Kibbe helped me A LOT!)
So unfortunately, I need big patterns. Big, bold, clear patterns, geometric patterns would be best. Houndstooth pattern - designed for me. Little flowers, small items, delicate patterns- nope.

Are you still with me? Yes? Ok, now let's sum it up:
I need clothing in bright, deep colors, nothing girly or playfull, clean cut.

So if I look for a scarf, I only pick:
Scarves, that have mainly "my" colors, big patterns, best are CSGMs (because of the fabric and the length) that complement my clothing style.

And this is why, ladies and gentlemen, a hanging system moved in pretty fast, as the scarfs I like are sadly the ones that won't do anything for me. So I'll hang them on the wall.

Edit: you asked for a few mod shots, I'll insert only one I already have (full face, sorry) with a "perfect for me" scarf. Sorry, feeling a little bit under the weather today, so I would look terribly with any scarf on - will try when feeling better, if you want me to

 

[gladhwen]

What an educational thread!

So, how do I choose...? Let me say, that this is one of the sad things in my life, that things I really like won't suit me, no matter how.
I love pastell colors, I love small patterns, I love anything girly, I love lace, I love pearls, I love gold. Wearing only one of these I'll look petty bourgeois...

In my younger years I had only small money but always wanted to look good - even though my derriere would make Kim Kardashian crawl under a rock. (my body type ist liker hers waist down. waist up: Charlene v. Monaccho) and only slim figures were en vogue. So I had to do a lot of reseach, which helped me a lot later on.

I figured out the undertones of my skin (Lord, that was a long journey, I still don't understand it, so I asked for help). Obviously I am "deep winter" who can wear those extrem bright and extreme colors pretty well. Remembering, that when wearing all black, people were complimenting me on my style helped feeling secure about that. Actually my wardrobe contains black and white, that's it. (I would LOVE to wear a brown Max Mara coat but... well)
View attachment 4931961
Next step was choosing the material that works best for me - for me it's heavy fabric, nothing too silky (hear hear) or girly. So these boho-chic dresses- not for me, sadly.

Next step was thinking about the "cut" of my clothes. Clean cuts work best for me, nothing too girly (again) no ruffles, no special things, just clean, straight clothes.

Next step was thinking about patterns in general. I am a darkhaired, darkeyed tall person with very ... wide hips. Everything on me is tall and not delicate, when slim, I appear athletic(The typology of Kibbe helped me A LOT!)
So unfortunately, I need big patterns. Big, bold, clear patterns, geometric patterns would be best. Houndstooth pattern - designed for me. Little flowers, small items, delicate patterns- nope.

Are you still with me? Yes? Ok, now let's sum it up:
I need clothing in bright, deep colors, nothing girly or playfull, clean cut.

So if I look for a scarf, I only pick:
Scarves, that have mainly "my" colors, big patterns, best are CSGMs (because of the fabric and the length) that complement my clothing style.

And this is why, ladies and gentlemen, a hanging system moved in pretty fast, as the scarfs I like are sadly the ones that won't do anything for me. So I'll hang them on the wall.

Edit: you asked for a few mod shots, I'll insert only one I already have (full face, sorry) with a "perfect for me" scarf. Sorry, feeling a little bit under the weather today, so I would look terribly with any scarf on - will try when feeling better, if you want me to

View attachment 4931984

This looks amazing on you! Totally worth the effort of finding your palette
And you really have your best style nailed down. Love it

 

[millivanilli]

aww thank you dear! That is so kind of you, though I am not totally ok with my style - too boring.

Did you keep les artisans? It looks SO good on you! And I love the headscarf, really chique!

 

[gladhwen]

aww thank you dear! That is so kind of you, though I am not totally ok with my style - too boring.

Did you keep les artisans? It looks SO good on you! And I love the headscarf, really chique!

I definitely kept it - I love it sooo much! Now I just need to figure out what I like about it so much vs what I hated about the other ones I picked out.

And your style isn’t boring at all! I sometimes wish I could pull off more delicate looks too, but whenever I buy things like that they sit unworn until I eventually pass them on. It’s so much more important to feel confident in your clothes, and we can appreciate the delicate looks on others

 

[AnnaE]

I already packed up the scarves I'm sending back, but I think I determined that mint/teal/pale yellow/magenta don't look right on me. And if the scarf is very busy (e.g. Exposition Universelle), maybe I should try more monotone patterns. I absolutely love looking at them, but they looked juvenile on. And as much as I love the idea and softness of pastel, they're just not me. I keep trying to tell myself there's a difference between appreciating art vs wearing it, and just because I love the story behind the scarf doesn't mean I'll like the scarf itself (or that I need to own it). I plan on taking a trip this weekend to get some tips and will post after that

In the meantime, here’s pictures of my Les Artisans quarantine looks from this week.
View attachment 4931692
A bit busy paired with pjs, but I really like this knot (kudos to MaiTai and her amazing Scarf Art app).

View attachment 4931685

I wear this sweatshirt most wfh days too.
View attachment 4931686

And my personal favorite, the head scarf. It’s cold here, plus I can wear it while I eat without worry.
View attachment 4931690
View attachment 4931691

Les Artisans certainly works for you! Do you have a trusted friend (who will tell you if something doesn't work for you) or a family member to help you shop? I ask my husband and my best friend sometimes -- they don't always agree in their opinions, but it's helpful to have someone you trust.

If you develop a good relationship with SA (I know you said it's a drive for you, but can you maybe text her / facetime her), many are quite honest about what works you and what doesn't. My SA has told me before if she thought something wasn't right for me.

 

[gladhwen]

Les Artisans certainly works for you! Do you have a trusted friend (who will tell you if something doesn't work for you) or a family member to help you shop? I ask my husband and my best friend sometimes -- they don't always agree in their opinions, but it's helpful to have someone you trust.

If you develop a good relationship with SA (I know you said it's a drive for you, but can you maybe text her / facetime her), many are quite honest about what works you and what doesn't. My SA has told me before if she thought something wasn't right for me.

Great idea! My husband can barely tell colors apart haha, but once travel is easier and my mom can visit, we plan on taking a field trip together. She won’t hold back In the meantime my SA can help. I plan on going this weekend because I have zero patience.

 

[Langsam]

What an educational thread!

So, how do I choose...? Let me say, that this is one of the sad things in my life, that things I really like won't suit me, no matter how.
I love pastell colors, I love small patterns, I love anything girly, I love lace, I love pearls, I love gold. Wearing only one of these I'll look petty bourgeois...

In my younger years I had only small money but always wanted to look good - even though my derriere would make Kim Kardashian crawl under a rock. (my body type ist liker hers waist down. waist up: Charlene v. Monaccho) and only slim figures were en vogue. So I had to do a lot of reseach, which helped me a lot later on.

I figured out the undertones of my skin (Lord, that was a long journey, I still don't understand it, so I asked for help). Obviously I am "deep winter" who can wear those extrem bright and extreme colors pretty well. Remembering, that when wearing all black, people were complimenting me on my style helped feeling secure about that. Actually my wardrobe contains black and white, that's it. (I would LOVE to wear a brown Max Mara coat but... well)
View attachment 4931961
Next step was choosing the material that works best for me - for me it's heavy fabric, nothing too silky (hear hear) or girly. So these boho-chic dresses- not for me, sadly.

Next step was thinking about the "cut" of my clothes. Clean cuts work best for me, nothing too girly (again) no ruffles, no special things, just clean, straight clothes.

Next step was thinking about patterns in general. I am a darkhaired, darkeyed tall person with very ... wide hips. Everything on me is tall and not delicate, when slim, I appear athletic(The typology of Kibbe helped me A LOT!)
So unfortunately, I need big patterns. Big, bold, clear patterns, geometric patterns would be best. Houndstooth pattern - designed for me. Little flowers, small items, delicate patterns- nope.

Are you still with me? Yes? Ok, now let's sum it up:
I need clothing in bright, deep colors, nothing girly or playfull, clean cut.

So if I look for a scarf, I only pick:
Scarves, that have mainly "my" colors, big patterns, best are CSGMs (because of the fabric and the length) that complement my clothing style.

And this is why, ladies and gentlemen, a hanging system moved in pretty fast, as the scarfs I like are sadly the ones that won't do anything for me. So I'll hang them on the wall.

Edit: you asked for a few mod shots, I'll insert only one I already have (full face, sorry) with a "perfect for me" scarf. Sorry, feeling a little bit under the weather today, so I would look terribly with any scarf on - will try when feeling better, if you want me to

View attachment 4931984

Brava, you know your style and you look fantastic!

 

[turfnsurf]

What an educational thread!

So, how do I choose...? Let me say, that this is one of the sad things in my life, that things I really like won't suit me, no matter how.
I love pastell colors, I love small patterns, I love anything girly, I love lace, I love pearls, I love gold. Wearing only one of these I'll look petty bourgeois...

In my younger years I had only small money but always wanted to look good - even though my derriere would make Kim Kardashian crawl under a rock. (my body type ist liker hers waist down. waist up: Charlene v. Monaccho) and only slim figures were en vogue. So I had to do a lot of reseach, which helped me a lot later on.

I figured out the undertones of my skin (Lord, that was a long journey, I still don't understand it, so I asked for help). Obviously I am "deep winter" who can wear those extrem bright and extreme colors pretty well. Remembering, that when wearing all black, people were complimenting me on my style helped feeling secure about that. Actually my wardrobe contains black and white, that's it. (I would LOVE to wear a brown Max Mara coat but... well)
View attachment 4931961
Next step was choosing the material that works best for me - for me it's heavy fabric, nothing too silky (hear hear) or girly. So these boho-chic dresses- not for me, sadly.

Next step was thinking about the "cut" of my clothes. Clean cuts work best for me, nothing too girly (again) no ruffles, no special things, just clean, straight clothes.

Next step was thinking about patterns in general. I am a darkhaired, darkeyed tall person with very ... wide hips. Everything on me is tall and not delicate, when slim, I appear athletic(The typology of Kibbe helped me A LOT!)
So unfortunately, I need big patterns. Big, bold, clear patterns, geometric patterns would be best. Houndstooth pattern - designed for me. Little flowers, small items, delicate patterns- nope.

Are you still with me? Yes? Ok, now let's sum it up:
I need clothing in bright, deep colors, nothing girly or playfull, clean cut.

So if I look for a scarf, I only pick:
Scarves, that have mainly "my" colors, big patterns, best are CSGMs (because of the fabric and the length) that complement my clothing style.

And this is why, ladies and gentlemen, a hanging system moved in pretty fast, as the scarfs I like are sadly the ones that won't do anything for me. So I'll hang them on the wall.

Edit: you asked for a few mod shots, I'll insert only one I already have (full face, sorry) with a "perfect for me" scarf. Sorry, feeling a little bit under the weather today, so I would look terribly with any scarf on - will try when feeling better, if you want me to

View attachment 4931984

So thoroughly & well articulated! You look amazing. Hope your feeling better soon & I look forward to any other pics or insight you care to share.