You are never fully dressed until you have an accessorized outfit. The skinny scarf has got you covered.
When I wear a silk scarf I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman.
Audrey Hepburn
The most common accessories may be gold hoops, a pair or loafers, or a leather handbag. However, there is one accessory that has been around since the 1970s but dips in and out of season trends over the years: the skinny scarf.
When did the skinny scarf originate?
Ancient Egypt: Queen Nefertiti wore a scarf under her jeweled head piece
19th century: cashmere shawls took over as a prime accessory
WWI: knitted goods like scarves were sent out to troops at war
Silk was also very important during this time
1937: Hermès imported silk from China and weaved it in to square scarves
WWII: Women were sent to work in factories and had to wear scarves around their head to keep their hair away from the machinery
Post World War II in the late 1950s, scarves became an important accessory seen worn on magazine covers
1967: The Burberry scarf was created
Now that designer brands were adopting this accessory, it is given a global presence
1990s: scarves became a fad and people wanted to try new accessories
Hermès’ Twilly Scarf grew in popularity and this inspired other designers like Burberry to also make such accessories
The Twilly Scarf
Hermès originally invented the Twilly Scarf in the late 1930’s but gained popularity towards the end of the 20th century because of the many tweaks the scarf had along the way. Twill is a “versatile fabric weave” known by its diagonal lines (Masterclass, 2021). This is a specific type of weave used for textiles.
Sofia de Aros shared in a Preview article that the twilly is “idiosyncratic,” which gives the consumer an individualized shopping experience (de Aros, 2021).
As seen in the image to the left, these scarves can serve many purposes. Here, she is modeling it around her wrist; however, Hermès Twilly Scarves are also popular for being wrapped around handles of hand bags.
Additionally, they can be worn around the neck as a tight neck scarf or even as a long thing scarf. The designer brand offers an array of different sizes to choose from so each size can have more flexibility as to what kind of accessory it can be.
Not quite the Twilly Scarf
After Hermès released their Twilly Scarf, Burberry joined as another designer creating this version of a scarf. Although the original Burberry scarf was put on the shelves in 1937, it took years for the silk skinny scarf to make it into consumer’s hands.
Just like Hermès, the Burberry scarf is 100% silk twill. Each brands have their own designs that make the scarves so unique.
Burberry in particular has their checkered pattern skinny scarf that has is a very classy look. I bought this specific skinny scarf when I was in Italy, and found many different ways to wear it.
The Burberry Skinny Scarf is also an accessory worth investing in because it works with trends during any season. The picture on the left is me pictures in Italy over the Summer as I use the scarf as a headband to keep my hair out of my face on a hot day. In contrast, the picture on the left in me in the Fall wearing the scarf around my neck to accessorize my plain outfit.
Why spend the money on a skinny scarf?
Both Twilly Scarves and Skinny Scarves cost somewhere in the $200 range. These are two companies who are known for the quality and famous look of their scarves. And although they are popular designers for scarves, it may also be the cheapest item they sell in the store. This item is perfect for consumers who are not financially stable enough to buy a large designer item, but wants to make an exciting purchase and also show forms of self-expression.
As a college student, the Burberry Skinny Scarf was the only item I could afford, yet appreciate, in the store. I am able to make my outfits fun and mature with the look of the Burberry checkered pattern. Elaine Stone and Sheryl A. Farnan share in their textbook The Dynamics of Fashion, that less expensive accessories are still purchased when there is price resistance to costlier items of apparel (Stone & Farnan, 2018). This proves that I decided to make my purchase of this specific accessory based on the affordability, style, color, and freshness it provides to my wardrobe.
Every time I wear my scarf, I am able to accessorize it in a new way that I haven’t before. It gives me a lot of freedom in the way I design my outfits and makes me feel the most confident.
The skinny scarf seems to be an overlooked accessory because they do not always seem to be in style; however, it is one of the most stylish and easiest ways to add a flare to a boring outfit.
References
Aros, S. G. (2021, June 08). What Is the Hermès Twilly Scarf and Why Do Celebs Love It? Retrieved from https://www.preview.ph/fashion/what-is-the-hermes-twilly-scarf-a1994-20210613
Is the Skinny Scarf Making a Comeback? (2022, October 19). Retrieved from https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/is-the-skinny-scarf-coming-back/
Satenstein, L. (2021, November 01). In Praise of the Thin Useless Scarf. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/thin-useless-scarf-kate-moss-lenny-kravitz-gap
Skinny scarves.: Blonde girl, Fashion 2000, Girl. (2014, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/253397916508437733/
Syrett, A. (2022, August 12). Scandi Girl Style Has Never Looked Like This Before. Retrieved from https://www.thezoereport.com/fashion/copenhagen-fashion-week-spring-summer-2023-trends
Textiles / Textile Definition: Definitions for the Clothing & Textile Industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.apparelsearch.com/definitions/fabric/textile_definition.htm
What Is Twill Fabric? Definition and Characteristics of the Popular Twill Weave – 2022. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-twill-fabric-definition-and-characteristics-of-the-popular-twill-weave
Gabriella Marinelli 