After yesterday’s post on the transitional piece, Nicole and I have one more fall favourite to tackle: the cool weather accessory. And here, truly, the possibilities are endless. Fall is all about accessories; the temperature is cold enough to justify everything from tights to hats to gloves, but not so cold that style has to completely cede way to practicality. (Rarely do the two meet, at least in my neck of the north.)
For me, though, it’s all about the scarf. I’m not someone who is instinctively drawn to them; I don’t like feeling all bundled up around the neck, but … I love what they bring to an outfit. Namely, colour.
This should not come as a surprise. I’m a colour addict. As much as I have been working on classing up my sartorial predilections (fewer obnoxiously loud prints, for starters), colour is one thing I just can’t quit. The brighter, the better. Scarves offer an easy way to inject a dash of colour into any outfit. What colour? I usually take one of two approaches: pick an accent colour in the same family, or a contrasting one.
Here’s a casual outfit that illustrates the first approach. Yes, it’s the same outfit as yesterday. Yes, I’m that lazy. It’s a cute outfit. Don’t hate me.
And here is a work outfit that illustrates the second approach.
Bright orange and teal are an audacious pairing, but the two neutrals in the mix (black and white) make it look less absurd. I think the kids call this colour-blocking.
When it comes to picking fall scarves, I usually go for lightweight, smooth cotton fabrics and generous yardage – basically, my ideal scarf is one of those fake pashmina thingies you can find in a dozen stores at every mall for under $20. The extra length allows for creative tying techniques (on which, um, I’m still working), and the extra width brings the coziness factor. That type of fabric is also easy to dress up or down, so it can pull double duty at the office and after hours.
What is Nicole’s pick for a cool weather accessory? Click over here to find out. And thanks for checking out our little series – hope you enjoyed it, and maybe picked up some inspiration for your fall style.
the brooch on the scarf!!! i always think of this in the summer and then forget by fall/winter. i’m going to do it this year and it’s going to be sparkly and wonderful. i can’t get over how amazing that teal color looks on you. i mean, you obvi know, but still. and i really like it with the coral (orange?) skirt! that’s definitely the kind of pairing i would do. and you’re right, first outfit IS still cute and i’m happy to see it again.
xo nicole
Thanks, lady!
I’ve been neglecting my brooches all year, and I just remembered that I have a million of them. Better put them to use!
It’s funny, I’ve never been a fan of true teal, but this greenish version is another story. Love it.
Love your scarf! The color is gorgeous and just pops! I always reach for a scarf when the weather cools!
~Sara
Thanks 🙂
I love colour too. I keep thinking maybe I need to dial it down & start buying more neutral coloured basics / classics but it’s just not me! That’s why your blog immediately caught my attention I think, a colour sister!
yes – colour addicts unite! It’s another reason why I admire the minimalist aesthetic from afar. I can’t give up my colour!
Scarf and brooch! Love that idea. Totally going to steal it.
Do itttt! It can be a fun alternative to a statement necklace come fall/winter – with the added bonus of being somewhat practical too.
I love the bright colors in the work pairing! Also, those shoes are great
The shoes are pretty sweet, aren’t they? One of my fave thrift store score 🙂
I’ve been shying away from really bright colour pairings lately, but this reminded me of how much fun they can be.
I’m into scarves too, lately! Love the outfits – especially the work one. It’s given me some good ideas for colour blocking – the black and white really makes the outfit. I’m going to look in my closet for some similar pairings. The skirt reads red on my computer – where did you get it? I’m looking for a similar kind of skirt in red.
The skirt is from Value Village. It’s a J. Crew skirt, and they do really vibrant colours every year. If you catch them on the clearance rack, they’re fairly reasonably priced. They also carry petite lengths, which might work better for you, although those are usually only available online (where things always cost more than in store). Anyway, worth checking out if you’re looking for something similar.
First of, those MB shoes are gorgeous!
Second, I’m wondering if you can show us how you wrapped the scarf in the first outfit.
Thank you! Honestly, I’m probably the worst person to do any sort of tutorial, but I can give it a shot if you guys are interested. Let me see what I can put together 🙂