Scarves, the Easy Outfit Transformer

[ASOS Knitted Leopard Snood, $35.94]

A scarf can be an easy outfit lifesaver. Too easy, perhaps; all you have to do is grab it and toss it around  your neck for instant effortless chic. This simple addition can update and transform any look, from the most basic, to a 9-5,  to an evening ensemble.  Plus, who says there is anything wrong with wearing scarves with  gym clothes on a chilly day?

The details and texture of the scarf are up to you, from patterned, solid, silk, chunky, ruffled, hooded, infinity, snoods (yes even Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry use this term for the hooded scarf option), pom-pom detailing, sequins… you get the point. Every woman should own a scarf, if not two or three!

Part of the beauty of it is that this item can be found at relatively low prices, so anyone can easily participate in this trend. What’s more, they are versatile enough to work in every season! Chunkier, woolen knits will keep us warm right now, while silk varieties spruce up a basic tank or blazer in the spring/summer. Channel your inner “model-off-duty” look ladies, and embrace that scarves are here to stay!

[AllSaints Alexi Snood, $33 (originally $110!)]

[Kimchi Blue Rustic Floral Eternity Scarf, $29, at UrbanOutfitters]

Ah, the incessant issue of how to tie a scarf (for 25 options check out this video posted by ISPYDIY )has finally ceased to exist thanks to the incredible eternity scarf; with this, all you  need to do is pull it over your head, possible wrap it twice, and you’re done- no loose ends are left to tie.

[DKNY Ruffled Scarf, $125 via Bloomingdales.com]

[Free People Druki Pom Pom Scarf, $78]

Oversized, Long

These super long options offer great versatility — there is no need to wrap these around your neck over and over again. Let them hang long and low. I LOVE the idea of wearing a solid version with a skirt and flat boots so the scarf reaches the bottom of the hemline.

[AllSaints Ikat Scarf, $57.50 (originally $115)]

Patterned

Here is where the scarf gets really fun! Add a patterned scarf to a basic tee or even try mixing patterns to create a look that is truly your own. Scarves come in sooo many patterns, and for this fall/winter 2011 season, you really can’t go wrong. See FPD editor, Julia D., wearing a plaid one here!

[Marc by Marc Jacobs Lee Lee Fur Pull Thru Scarf,$168 via Shopbop.com]

[ASOS Faux Fur Red Scarf, $35.94]

(Faux) Fur

Rock star meets ski bunny. Not only do I want to wear a (faux) fur scarf, but I doubt I’ll ever want to take it off. Who wouldn’t want one of these draped so warm and cozily around the neck?!

[JCrew Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, $75]

[Forever 21 Light and Easy Scarf, $7.80]

Silk, Light

Wear these again and again — a silk scarf paired with a sweater dress or lbd makes an ideal holiday or office look. Yet, carry this accessory through to the next season and give it some casual flair with jeans and a tee. Silk scarves also look celeb-esque worn as a head band or cleverly tied to the straps of a handbag. Get creative!

-Alana Quagliariello

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