by Nanya Konwea

In a nutshell, a typical scarf is a simple rectangle of fabric – although nowadays they vary shapes and sizes, as well as thickness – whose functionality as well as style is ever lasting; all depending on you.

Simply put, scarves are awesome! I really do not know how many people share this view, but there is no better way to start this than the one word – awesome! I love scarves.  I love the way they dress up an outfit at a fairly inexpensive price.  I love the way they take a normal, everyday drab look into something enviably stylish. I love that regardless of the weather or the occasion, there’s someplace for it. From silk to cashmere, linen or wool, a scarf is a way to spice up a boring look anytime; or if you are having a terrible wardrobe day, a life saver. The trend of the now is such that allows lots of new ideas and styling tricks, and using a scarf is just one of them- well only that the scarf craze isn’t new. Scarves have been around for such long time really, but just like many fashion accessories and items, its been in and out of style. We love to use them as a hair piece, tied to a handbag, in the place of belts and even with shoes *wink*.

In a nutshell, a typical scarf is a simple rectangle of fabric – although nowadays they vary shapes and sizes, as well as thickness – whose functionality as well as style is ever lasting; all depending on you.

When people think of scarves, they think it only applies to women. Yep, I bet I can hear some bloke saying ‘what is she all about, a scarf is all girl’, well that’s totally wrong. While women use them more often, men do too; in fact men’s scarves have been around for hundreds of years. From time immemorial, women have worn scarves as fashion statements. That changed when scarves became part of sweat clothes, military rank designations, and outdoor clothing as men began wearing scarves as part of their clothing accessories in the late 19th century. As opposed to women, men wear scarves that tend to be more understated and subdued – well, that alright I think, we wouldn’t want men taking the glam from us now, would we? Many guys are not sold on the idea of wearing men’s scarves for style due to the perception that men’s scarves undermine their masculinity- you think? Uhh  look around bro! Well a scarf does not make the man, it’s the other way around actually; and anyway there isn’t a gender intervention thing going on here, so back to the accessory.

One thing I am so sure about is this; Nigerians sure know how to rock styles. This piece is one you probably already have in your wardrobe, and oh, well if you don’t, just buy one- they are quite inexpensive.         

General rules:

• Make sure you love your look: alright so there are Arab looking ones, pashminas, checkered, and so on trending now; but  buy only scarves that strike you, and that you absolutely love!
• Keep it simple yet stylish :  Its meant to give your outfit some flair, its not a neck support, so don’t bunch it all around your neck.
• Keep the rest of the outfit simple – You do not want them all screaming for attention.
• Know what is for you.  Be free to experiment with colors and styles; females can go all the way, but oh  no, not you guys.Unless of course you wish to invite ridicule upon yourself, or become the road stop sign, stay OFF glaring pink colors or designs that are uniquely feminine. Conservative and strong masculine colored and designed pieces will do handsomely for you as a modern cosmopolitan man.

 

You want to keep them long?

• Washing your scarf by hand is always preferable for every type. Leave them to soak for a while in COLD water and swish them around to take out any dirt. Do not wring, just hang them loose till they dry.
• Treat your scarves kindly will you? Keep them arranged in a drawer, hanger or a rack behind your door; neatly folded or stacked so you can see them all.

If you have been skeptical about incorporating them into your wardrobe, you could start now. There are uber-cool ways to use your scarf- with an amazing blazer, a pair of jeans, your formal wear, you name it. If you are not a scarf fetish as I am, you might want to take it one scarf, one style, one idea at a time. You can look up ways to do different knots (be it Ascot, Keffiyah or a simple drape) and all the works on different fashion blogs, magazines or from people around you. These are more reasons to values that piece of fabric and its about time, I’d say!

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.