The Fashion Scarf

With a fan-base ranging from the Boho-queen Sienna Miller, the dreamy cool Johnny Depp and your dear old lavender-scented Nan, the simple scarf is the fundamental all-purpose accessory. While headscarves might be associated with fishwives with no teeth and neck scarves with oafish footy fans, the humble scarf actually comes in many forms and fabrics, styles and guises to fit your fashion fetishes. Yup, that little whiff of silk, cotton or wool can funk up an outfit instantly. 
  
The head scarf is a great accessory to complement your modern ‘mod’ look. Teamed up with a hot smock and boots, a wide band will frame your luscious Twiggy lashes and poker-straight hair. Nicole Richie is a headscarf addict, wearing them tied over her ears and across the back, hippie-style, with man-hole cover sunnies. This style is great for that day you should have washed your hair but couldn’t really be bothered. Or, like Nicole, perfect if your hair is so ravaged that you can see the straggly bits where your extensions are coming away.

You can buy specially made narrow long-banded headscarves in a range of fabrics - from pure silk to cotton blends. Chain stores often have a collection of reasonably-priced scarves in the accessory racks, in a range of seasonal shades. My current fave has a subtle metallic stripe running through that caters for evening looks. These longer scarves can also work looped through pants as a make-shift belt, or as a wide band tied under the bust to accentuate your glorious décolletage.

The neckerchief is a diverse little piece which can be worn in multiple ways for every season and mood. For that jaunty nautical look, a little tie to the side sets off those pirate stripes. Or if you are looking for French socialite chic, a carefree splash of scarf oozes sophisticated indifference. Wear a scarf with dark sunglasses next time you are at an airport and watch the paparazzi flutter. Winter is the most fitting time to bring on the scarf, but these woolly wonders can be matched to an outfit just as well as your little Jimmy Choos. From elegant cashmere and mohair, uber-cool Burberry, Houndstooth and tartan, to vivid crotchet patterns, the scarf can be more then a mere neck-warmer.   

Johnny Depp has taken his legendary piratical portrayal onto the red carpet, making the man scarf a major man-cessory. With a funky vest or a plain crew–shirt, the neck scarf is making a comeback for the menfolk without compromising their, ah, manliness. Rock Stars - like the boys from Jet and Silverchair – have also embraced the man scarf to heroic proportions.

The most glamorous number is the famous and exclusive Hermes silk scarf. From the very first design in 1928, the French company has produced a limited collection of two designs a year. Made from the cocoons of 250 mulberry moths, the scarves are created using dozens of silk screens with hand-stitched hems in a process that takes up to twelve months. Priced at over $300 US retail, you might not see your local fishmonger wiping his sweaty brow with the latest Hermes. Famous devotees include HRH Liz, Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Sarah Jessica Parker. Rip-offs can be found at every shady market and sold illegally by peddlers outside every famous European monument - although no cocoons were harmed in their making…

If you are not in the market for Hermes or Louis Vuitton (Real or close-enough), the best place to source a scarf is in a second-hand wonderland. My favourite scarves were found at the Salvation Army near my Mum’s house. They are often as cheap as chips and cool to boot – or you can raid your Nana’s dress-ups instead for another source of amazing hidden treasures. 

Like every great accessory, there are several ways to wear a scarf unsuccessfully. Wearing your head-scarf like a do-rag is okay if you want to pay homage to Tupac or Snoop Dog. Wearing a scarf as a top is fine if you are a professional lap dancer. Supporting your favourite team in the stadium is done no better then with the finest of footy accessories, the club scarf, but looks a little naff on the dance floor. Finally, matching your scarf with your pet is one of those fashion crimes only Paris should be jailed for.      
   
From pirates to prima-donnas, AskBronny thinks the scarf is a multi-functional piece of fashion genius. Throw one on yourself and your man as you head out to face the fashion police…

Here's a tip check out google images and search for a scarff - you might just find one you like!