When you have an event coming up, the first question is always the same: "what am I going to wear?". The second question, which almost no one asks but everyone should, is: "which accessory will complete this look?".

A beautiful dress without an accessory is a painting without a frame. And the scarf, the long scarf and the pashmina are the most versatile party accessories there are, because they do three things at once: they add color, they add texture and they solve the problem of the cold or the air conditioning.

How to choose by type of event

Daytime wedding

A daytime wedding calls for lightness and color. The ideal choice is a silk long scarf or a silk scarf in light or vibrant shades. Wear the long scarf loosely over the shoulders, without tying it. If you prefer the scarf, fold it into a triangle and wear it over the shoulders with the point facing forward. Colors that work: off-white, pink, light blue, mint green. Avoid black and very dark shades, which weigh down a daytime look.

Evening wedding

An evening party calls for sophistication. A silk scarf in deep shades (burgundy, emerald, navy blue, black) works as a shawl over the shoulders. If the dress is a formal gown, the scarf complements it without competing. If the dress is simple, the scarf is the star. The rule is: simple dress, statement scarf. Statement dress, understated scarf.

Graduation

A graduation is a long event: it starts in the evening, goes on into the early morning, and the venue usually has strong air conditioning. The wool-touch pashmina is the most practical choice because it keeps you warm without feeling heavy, fits in your bag when you are not wearing it, and comes in colors that go with any graduation look. Black, off-white and nude are the most requested colors.

Cocktail party and corporate event

A corporate event calls for controlled sophistication. A silk scarf in a geometric print or a subtle floral, tied around the neck or worn over the shoulders, adds personality to a blazer without clashing with the professional setting. Avoid very loud prints or very vibrant colors.

Holiday party

A holiday party calls for shine and color. A silk scarf with a vibrant or metallic print, worn over the shoulders or tied around the neck, sets the festive tone. For an evening party, shades such as gold, silver, red and petrol blue work well.

How to tie it for each occasion

Over the shoulders (shawl)

Fold the scarf into a triangle, place the base at the nape of your neck and let the ends fall over your shoulders. It is the most elegant style for parties and works with scarves of 90x90cm or larger. Ideal for weddings, graduations and evening events.

Loose around the neck

Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, drape it around your neck and leave the ends loose in front. It works with long scarves (60x210cm) and gives a relaxed, elegant feel. Ideal for dinners and cocktail parties.

As an elegant bandana

Fold the scarf into a band and tie it at the nape with the ends loose. It is a bolder style that works at daytime parties and fashion events. It pairs well with hair worn up.

Tied to the bag

If you don't want to wear the scarf on your body, tie it to the handle of your bag. A silk twilly on the handle of a clutch or evening bag adds color and personality without changing the look. It is the detail that makes a difference in photos.

Which fabric to choose for a party

• Silk: a great choice for weddings, dinners and evening events;

• Wool-touch: ideal for graduations and winter parties.

• Viscose: works well at daytime parties and casual events.

• Cashmere: the best choice for winter parties and premium events.

Scarf Me Scarves and Long Scarves

Scarf Me offers scarves, long scarves and pashminas in silk, viscose, wool-touch and cashmere, in sizes ranging from 50x50cm to 140x240cm. Each type of event calls for a different fabric, size and way of wearing it. This guide helps you make the choice in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a silk scarf to a wedding?

Yes, and it is one of the best choices. A silk scarf in a shade that complements the dress, worn over the shoulders as a shawl, is elegant and practical.

What is the difference between a long scarf and a scarf for a party?

The long scarf is longer and narrower, made to wrap around the neck fluidly. The scarf is more square, made to be worn over the shoulders, tied or folded. For parties, the long scarf is better for those who want something fluid and long. The scarf is better for those who want coverage over the shoulders.

Does a pashmina work for a graduation party?

Yes, it is one of the best choices. A graduation is a long event in an air-conditioned venue, and the wool-touch pashmina keeps you warm without feeling heavy and fits in your bag when you are not wearing it.

How do I choose the color of a scarf for a party?

The rule is: simple dress, statement scarf. Statement dress, understated scarf. If the dress is solid and neutral (black, nude, white), wear a scarf with a print or a vibrant color. If the dress has a print or details, wear a scarf in a solid color that complements it. For evening parties, deep shades (burgundy, emerald, navy). For daytime parties, light and vibrant shades.

Can I wear a twilly to a party?

Yes, especially at dinners and cocktail parties, where a large scarf might be too much. A silk twilly tied around the neck like a tie, or on the handle of an evening bag, adds elegance without excess.

Silk or polyester long scarf for a party?

For a party, silk is the best choice because it has a natural sheen and a drape that polyester cannot replicate. If budget is a concern, viscose is a better alternative than polyester because its drape is closer to silk. Polyester works for casual parties, but it does not have the same sophisticated effect.