Look set to kill in an exquisite scarf...

Scarves are much more than just square, rectangular, or triangular pieces of cloth. They can be shaped and draped over the body in a variety of ways embellishing the overall look of the user. Most scarves are either made of silk, cotton, rayon, or wool. Silk scarves are the most popular as silk is soft, comfortable, and exudes a characteristic sheen. Belisi scarves have varied avatars, the main distinguishing feature being the size. Handkerchief-like scarves are usually around 14 to 16 inches, with the larger scarves being around 48 inches. Design-wise, scarves are either woven, knitted, embroidered. Crochet scarves are equally in vogue! Cashmere, chenille, angora and velvet scarves work well during cold seasons.

Well received scarf styles include the ascot, bib, cowl, necktie, jabot, shawl, stole, and muffler. The ascot involves a triangular scarf wrapped around the shoulders, the ends secured neatly  with a brooch. The cowl style calls for a rectangular scarf that is rendered with an ‘s’ shaped fold and then draped over one shoulder such that the rear end falls down the back by around one foot. The bib style of wearing a scarf, also called the cowboy scarf, serves the functional purpose of preventing food being eaten from dirtying the wearer’s clothes. This style involves a scarf that is folded into a triangle with the two opposite ends being knotted behind the head and the mid point falling across the chest. Another cowboy influenced scarf is the ‘bandana’. This neckerchief-like scarf could be either square or rectangular and is generally made of cotton. Sporting bright colors, bandanas often have paisley designs. Bandanas can either be worn around the neck or tied around the head.

Another innovative way of wearing a designer silk scarf is to use it as a shawl or a stole. The shawl is usually a long silk scarf that is worn in such a way that it covers the shoulders with the two ends being demurely held in front by the woman. Stoles are very similar to scarves and render a dash of elegance to the user. Stoles are usually worn to excessively formal events. A muffler could also be considered a kind of scarf. The scarf, in this case, is usually made of wool and is worn around the neck for providing warmth.

The cravat, the predecessor of the modern necktie and a thicker counterpart of the same, could also be considered a narrow scarf. In this style, the Belisi Fashions scarf is wound around the neck like a tie and then knotted at the collar with the two ends falling down the chest. This silk scarf style is applicable to people of both sexes. The Jabot resembles the Indian dupatta and incorporates pleats or ruffles.

The Kelly scarf has been influenced by the Hollywood actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. This style requires a square scarf that is folded diagonally and then worn around the face, with the ends crossed across the chin and then knotted behind the head. This style for silk head scarves is useful on ‘bad-hair’ days as it keeps the hair in place. The Kelly style is also useful during traveling where dust and grime cannot be avoided. Another inventive use of a square scarf is donning it as a halter blouse. This blouse can be worn over both trousers and skirts. A rectangular Belisi scarf can be worn around the head like a crown, forming the ‘Crown’ style scarf. Hip scarves can be worn around the waist.