SS06 Accessories Trend: Scarves As Headbands

With clothes being so 'minimalist' and plain this season, accessories are the key to brightening up your outfit. A pretty summer scarf is just the thing to do the trick. Usually I'm not one to buy such an unnecessary accessory, but I saw a two sided Anna Sui silk scarf that I simply couldn't resist buying, and ever since then I've been looking around for ways to use it.

As seen on the Christian Lacroix SS06 catwalk. I don't like how the scarf covers up the model's ears, but the extra bow thing (top right side) is so cute.

Nicole Richie has been sporting scarf-headbands recently. I love the one she has on here. The print and color combo here is perfect.

For a more summery feel, choose scarves with bright colors and white background (like Nicole in the left picture.) For a cooler, edgier look, choose darker, more solid colors/ prints. Nicole is wearing an Alexander McQueen skull scarf, which was first spotted on Mary Kate Olsen and now almost all the IT girls have been spotted with.

Lindsay Lohan wearing a colorful scarf as a bandanna. I don't like bandannas in general, but Lindsay makes it look cool here!

The prices summer scarves could vary a lot. From cheap to expensive:

These Top Shop ones are only 10pounds each. I like the subtle flower prints in the light blue and pink one. And the polka dot ones are great to go with 50s-inspired outfits, or just any plain outfits.

This Guess scarf is US$24. This is one of those summery-feel ones, and the white background makes it great to match all hair colors.

At first I thought this J.Crew Seaside Scarf (US$45) had too much details to look good, but the picture from jcrew.com here demonstrates how it can be used as a bandanna and totally make a boring preppy outfit more stylish.

Onto the seriously stylish and pricy ones. Emilio Pucci is the first name that pops up. Pucci has a really wide range of selection (US$120-260), so if you are planning to buy one, then choose one which color compliments your hair or eyes. Eg. Pink would be great on brown and black hair, while blue would look great on blondes or blue eyes. Of course this also depends on which shade of pink/ blue/ whatever color it is, so try it before buying it.

Another way to wear the scarf is as an ornament hair tie, as demonstrated at Emilio Pucci SS06 show.

Talking of silk scarves, one must mention Hermes. This one here costs 250 Euros. Again, Hermes has a really wide selection so choose carefully. Other choices: This season, Gucci has a pretty selection of flowery silk scarves, while the Vuitton SS06 runway showed scarves with gold chain prints.