Wool, cashmere, cotton, silk. Scarves are Chicago’s knight in shining knitwear.
From chunky mufflers to fetching fringes, scarves have soldiered on as the non-negotiable keeper of the heat, protecting vulnerable necks and noses from oh-so-miserable winter climes.
On top of their utilitarian role, scarves have increased their fashion relevance by injecting a blast of bold pattern and drama into bland winter ensembles both indoors and out. Dark coats are peppered with a blast of stripes, granny knits and hot-pink fur. Indoors, women are jauntily tossing a scarf over a tank top or deep V-necked sweater.
The best scarves are long, narrow and fun–designed to dramatically trail behind the wearer (think Cameron Diaz) and light up dank afternoons with a rainbow of color.
Elegant twists
– Adrienne Landau silk stole with fringe in lavender, $195, Saks Fifth Avenue.
– Adrienne Landau fox fringe scarf in light brown, $350, Saks.
– Fury, Kylee scarf in pink faux mink (right), $155, le fetiche, 1939 W. Division St. or www.girlshop.com.
Stripey chic
– Benetton striped scarf (left), $38, Benetton.
– American Eagle striped scarf with fringe (right), $19.50, American Eagle stores or www.ae.com.
A solid bet
– J.Lo Chunky Knit Scarf in Racing Red, $68, Marshall Fields.
The nana knit
– Zig Zag Crochet Scarf (left), $24, Urban Outfitters.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
