Super Scarf Style!

This spring is the reason I hate spring. well, not specifically this spring, but ones like it. Ones when we're all supposed to be wearing our summer clothes with a light cardie or jacket, but when in actual fact, the rain is falling like sheets in the wind. The whole gamboling lambs thing is a fallacy, all the lambs I've seen this spring were huddled underneath their mothers, looking damp and grey.

However, for the thrifty shopper, there is fun to be had. Spring lends itself to accesorising, even if we can't crack out our summer wardrobe yet. One garment in particular may be picked up cheaply and worn right now- the scarf. Whether you favour slick city-chic, boho, vintage or blingy-bold, scarves of every style are out there for you right now. Winter stock, yes, but an all-year-round wear which comes into its own during changeable inter-seasonal weather. Reduced on the rails of the high street, piled high in charity shops by premature spring cleaners and of course online.

Because of course the only photo I could find
for this post is one of me looking geeky next to a
giant prawn.

Scarves come with a variety of uses. For most, they go around the neck- as above- or the head for a demure vintage style (as explained by Retrochick here). If you are lucky enough to find an affordable second hand Hermes, or indeed, let's face it, any no-brand big old silk scarf... you can do more. Once summer comes, your scarf becomes a halter top, sarong - so many options. Youtube is a good place to search for inspiration:

A range of wearable accessories with a scarf top.

A range of holiday styles (which I would adapt to day wear by layering
over basics, leggings and so forth).

This one's slightly foxier...I would combine it with a halter-dress to make it

'everyday life appropriate'!

Indeed, entire forums have sprung up about the myriad ways there are to wear a Hermes (or, for we poorer types, proprietry branded) large scarf! If, like me, much of your work wardrobe involves easy-to-wash neutrals and monochrome, and you work both indoors and out, scarves are a godsend. The right colour, position and knot can adjust a neutral outfit to fit a wide variety of vintage and modern styles. For example, with a LBD a small scarf sharply folder into an 'air hostess' neckerchief hints at 70s-80s chic, whereas having a fringed woven scarf loosely draped and knotted at the back gives the same basic outfit a more modern, bohemian look. Not to mention their ability to keep you warm or cover your hair in an instant.

So now you know how useful they are... how to find them cheaply. Aside from charity shops and rummaging the sales, there are many to be found online. An easy search is placing 'scarf' into either the vintage or second-hand modern clothing category of Ebay, with an upper price limit of £5, £4 or even £1! You'll be surprised what designs you can pick up.

Alternatively, at this time of year there are many reductions to be had via online shops and boutiques. Here's a small selection of what I discovered online:

Tie Rack, that old 80s staple, still stocks a great range of reasonably priced
 scarves.This one, with a certain 70s charm, is only £6.99

Have you tried Amazon for accessories? There are bargains to be
 had; this warm stole is only £9.95 from The Scarf Shop.

If you have more money to invest in a classic item, try TK Maxx for something top-end.
This Galliano scarf  is £49, however that's a 60% reduction in the RRP.

What is your favourite accessory for in-between-seasons?