It is December and there is a slight nip in the air, so you know winter has arrived. It is my favourite season with its misty mornings. Winter also means that I can bring out my scarves and stoles.
A scarf is one of the most versatile accessories to own. It speaks of elegance. A woman wearing a scarf in the right way is immediately recognised to be style conscious. You can dress up or dress down an outfit with a scarf.
Myriad choicesWe are spoilt for choice with a myriad of textiles that our country has to offer. A handwoven linen or a cotton scarf is as luxurious to wear as a printed silk or a Pashmina one. It is indeed a blessing to live in a country like ours where each region has its own unique weave.
Kovai is famous for its cotton handlooms. A Kovai scarf or a stole can be spotted from a distance by its temple borders and traditional colours. The sheer lightness of the fabric makes it wearable throughout the year.
The Maheshwari scarves from the banks of Narmada are known for their sensuous texture and signature geometrical motifs. The Pashmina scarf is a legend by itself. It embodies elegance and luxury. The Pashminas are hand spun from fine wool and hand embroidered in Kashmir.
The Pashmina is to the Kashmiris what Kanjivaram saris are to us in the South. Pashmina scarves and shawls are a must have in a Kashmiri bride’s trousseau.
Multiple looksThere are several ways that you can wear a scarf. There are enough youtube videos out there to help you do that. For work, pairing a handwoven linen scarf with a shirt and a pair of jeans instantly adds that extra bit of style quotient to your otherwise ordinary outfit. In the evenings, you can wear a vividly printed silk scarf to keep you warm and at the same time fashionable. Stoles can be paired with a tunic to give you that oomph factor.
Enjoy the winter season experimenting with scarves and a hot cup of chai!
