The bridging scarf, muffler style
September 3rd, 2008Scarves are a fabulous transitional accessory as your look moves from Summer to Autumn. I see scarves more than any other accessory whenever I’m in Europe. For me they are a wonderful colour vehicle and a way to keep warm in a chilly climate (I’m also never without one on a long flight).
Tying a square scarf “muffler style” is hot this season. But instead of tucking the ends under, it is key to leave them exposed on either side of the shoulder. I like the look and I’ve seen several women sport it successfully. The appearance is relaxed and makes quite a statement. It’s especially flattering on women with shorter necks because the cowl effect creates the illusion of a longer neckline.
The muffler style doesn’t look great on me because my giraffe neck needs shortening as opposed to elongation. The scarf also doesn’t stay put because there’s no knot tying involved, and I don’t like to fuss with my outfit during the day. So I’m sticking to the Euro loop. The scarf doesn’t move and I love the vertical appeal.
Give scarves a bash if you’re not in the habit of wearing them. They are practical in transitional weather and can bring new life to an unexciting outfit.
Scarves don’t need to be woolly. Cotton and linen scarves are an ideal option if you live in a warmer climate, or run hot quickly. They’ll give you an appropriate Autumn look without the warmth.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 am
I like the look! I think I will be trying it as soon as the weather starts to cool here in Virginia. So, you don’t tie the scarf in the back? you just try to keep the ends to the sides? That can be a bit fussy to maintain, but it’s worth a try!
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
This is one way I haven’t tried when wearing scarves! I can’t wait to try it. I even like the fringe when worn that way. The weather has turned cool temporarily thanks to Gustav and many at the mall were sporting cotton and linen scarves. Wonderful advice for transitioning to fall, Angie.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:34 am
I like the look, but am not sure I will weat it, for the same reasons as you Angie ( I also have a very long neck and hate to fuss with things). But ‘ll keep wearing my scarves looped.
Maybe I’ll try it at a a certain point just for fun. I assume that this look requires a square scarf, or it is not necessary?
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 am
Let us know if you like the look Munequita and Joy.
Quite right, Tanya. You need a large SQUARE scarf.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 am
It’s not quite cool enough for scarves here yet, even in very early morning, but when it is, I plan to try some of these different ways of tying them. I don’t think I can do the cowl described in this post because my square scarves are all too small for it, plus I’m also a long-necked person. I’ll probably stick with the ones described in the older post. I bought 2 long skinny rectangle scarves this summer in a sale that are of a relatively thin fabric–can’t wait to try them out!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 am
I don’t like it as much as the loop. Fianlly it’s cooling down at night here so I’ve been wearing them more (and in chilly restaurants)- in the hot summer I must say it felt very restricting, too hot and silly. But now IS the perfect time. I like how the fringe ones look in the pictures.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 am
I like wearing scarves this way. I’ve found that a lighter cotton scarf that is fairly long stays put pretty well.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 am
I have a short neck but personally don’t like this style on me because I think it overwhelms my short stature, and makes me look like a line backer. Then again, maybe I haven’t found the right scarf yet! I much prefer the Euro-loop - or some version of it - even if my neck is short.
However, today my DD15 is wearing a scarf exactly like this - muffler style. With a tank top and mini denim skirt.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
I love wearing scarves as a statement accessory. I’m not sure about the muffler style. I like the look okay, but I am petite (5′0″) with a short neck and I too feel the look might be overwhelming.
I have mostly rectangular silk scarves and I need to find some new ways to wear them. I would like to explore getting some in different materials and lenghts for transitional pieces.
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
I haven’t quite bought into this manner of styling a scarf … but I have so many squares and am plum sick of tying them in dippy little knots. So maybe I’ll give it a whirl …
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
not sure i’m feeling this look yet - it sort of reminds me of a cowboy.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Yay! Love scarves and have many. I live in southern California where the style is casual and the days are sunny, so scarves I wear most are long cotton jersey ones, which American Apparel has a ton of and Gap also has a few at the moment. I got a purple one and a teal one at the Gap, they go with everything, even slightly more dressy ensembles.
The square muffler look Angie showed has indeed been hot as I’ve seen many fashionistas (or wannabes) in Los Angeles wearing them with plain tees and jeans. The look is wonderful on the right person and being a wannabe myself of course I tried it on first thing. I have a short neck, full bust and a squarish torso and did not like the look on me as the scarf adds bulk to my chest. Boo.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
I spent some time today playing with my scarves and this look. I think it’s best with a scarf with at least a little fringe on the edges to get the contrast of textures. With the corners showing coming around from the back, a scarf with a border and no fringe is more difficult to pull off in this look (or maybe I’m too picky).
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 am
I looove scarves and am always excited to try a new style. I just bought a black and cream houndstooth one at a yard sale (for 50 cents!) but it might too small to wear like this. Most of my scarves are either small squares -for the little neckerchief look- or oblong. But I shall experiment and possibly add to my collection. Scarves are such a great way to add color and pizzazz to an outfit for little money!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I think I’ll stay with the looped deal. Like the scarves, not the bib-look though. Might come in handy robbing the stage coach!! Kidding.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Today I’ve wished that I had my scarves unpacked already. With our moving a couple weeks ago we still haven’t dug them out. I’ll be sure and do that asap. This rainy weather is chilly, and I love my scarves. I’m not too fond of the mufler look though, so I’ll keep wearing mine with just a knot.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I have a lot of silk square scarves so I tried this look with each of them. Only a few that drape well worked and I found that tying it one loop on the back helps the sides stay put.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Hmmm. I always stick with my scarf making a vertical line. This kind of just looks like a bib to me. Or a cowboy bandana.
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I like the “muffler style” a lot. I see a lot of girls at my school sporting that daily. It’s a great way to change styles without hurting your budget.
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Shiny, your line-backer perception might have to do with the actual scarf, but I see your point.
Emily Kate and Julia, good info and thanks for sharing your tips. Joy, you have a point about the necessity of fringe to complete the look.
Nan, Kelly and Shell, I’m with you about the “cowboy thing”. The look is better with the ends of the scarves exposed though. When they’re tucked away, I see stage coach bandit for sure.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Angie. I am obviously way behind the times but what IS a euro loop?
September 4th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Anne, if you click the link “traditional accessory” in the first line of the blog post, you’ll see a model wearing a scarf that’s knotted in a “Euro loop”. I’m sure you’ve seen that before, but did not make the connection!
September 4th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Love the look. I have done this with both fringed and silk scarves, mainly under a jacket which helps it stay put.
I also love the loop.
I plain love scarves. They are one thing I have always kept, in various shapes an sizes. Even when they are not quite in style I visit them in their drawer for a burst of happy color. I think I have close to 50 at last count.
And check out the Hermes website for scarf tying tutorials!
Shari