Today's style challenge has been submitted by SSJD via blog comment, on the
Capsule wardrobe #104-105 post
A new challenge for you, talented MaiTai:
Lately I find myself trying to use my scarves as a border, base, or underlayer
for my clothing. For example, peeking out from the boat-neck collar of a dress,
lining the front lapels of a blazer, or providing coverage and warmth under a v-
neck (a/c is cold in corporate America!). This is a departure from the knot-tying
I have learned so well on your site. It requires a new skill that is related to
folding, layering and placing the scarf just right, so that it peeks out without
bunching, moving, or becoming uncomfortable. I do not know if I am being
clear, nor whether this challenge is compelling, but I thought I would share it,
because I'd love to know what you might imagine.
Kind regards,
SSJD
Many thanks for the beautiful and compelling challenge, dear SSJD! As you already said, folding and layering is the key... so knots are ruled out, they create too much bulk. The scarf still needs to be secured, to prevent it from sliding and to avoid the need for constant re-adjustment. I found a simple solution in the form of small magnets, and I hope you like the suggestions!
Magnet playtime #1
The principal behind this idea to hide the magnet in the clothing. Any blazer, dress, coat or shirt with lapels (or extra folds around the neckline) is perfect for this.
Fold your scarf in the basic bias fold, and place around your neck. Hold one part of the magnet under the lapel..
and place the other onto the backside of your scarf.
Repeat with the other side
Any top with folds in the neckline works equally as well as those which have lapels
Magnet playtime #2
This is a wonderful way to line crew and turtle necks with small scarves, here with a Gavroche (pocket square)
Fold your scarf in the basic bias (below left), and place a magnet underneath one of the ends (below center). Place the other magnet on top of the other end (below right).
Bring the ends together (one on top of the other, below left), and place the resulting collar around your neck (below right).
tuck the ends in
Magnet playtime #3
The same method as above, only with a 90 Carré (below: with the magnet already in place, in the center of the scarf)
This lets you create soft and easy necklines for cardies, jackets, shirts, blousons, blazers etc
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Further variations can be achieved by experimenting with different scarf formats, or by starting off with a rectangular or triangular fold. |
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Finding the right magnet is essential, as they need to be the right strength and have completely smooth surfaces. They need to be powerful enough to secure the scarf safely, and yet have to remain manageable. The best magnets I have found are the
Circular Disc Magnets by
E Magnets UK. They come in a huge variety of diameters and thicknesses. The one I like most has a diameter of 15mm and a thickness of 2mm:
| EP310 | 15mm dia x 2mmA | N42 - NiCuNi plated, | pack of 10 magnets | ( | £ 7.30) |
A thickness of more than 2mm results in a magnet so powerful that it becomes a challenge to take the discs apart. The best way to separate them is to slide them away from each other (rather than trying to peel them apart). Please take care to never separate the magnets by pulling or wrenching the silks/fabrics apart. Instead, hold on to one of the magnets while gently sliding the counterpart off your scarves or clothes.
Variation without a magnet
This fold provides warmth in the chest area and is perfect for v-neck sweaters
Start with the basic bias fold
Then fold your scarf into a 'V'
Tie the ends together and make a small double knot
Place around your neck, and tuck inside a sweater, cardie, blouson, blazer etc.
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