Scarves are one of those accessories that can instantly elevate your outfit. Yet I think that scarves get a bad rap, just like brooches. Women either only think to drape them around their neck or they don’t understand how they are magical. Today, we’re here to challenge that idea and show how a chiffon scarf can be so beautiful and stylish.
Quote of the day: “Art is limitation; the essence of every picture is the frame.” G.K. Chesterton
Chiffon was our prompt for the Thrifty 6 group of women, and I wanted to focus on a chiffon scarf styled in different ways.
This lightweight, sheer material brings an elegant touch to any look, but it doesn’t have to be just draped around your neck (although it works that way too). Between the three of us, we explored creative, fun, and even unexpected ways to wear a chiffon scarf. I’m hoping that you might be surprised by just how versatile it can be!
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I’ve found many chiffon scarves at a reasonable price in the widget below, but don’t forget to check out Etsy also…the variety is endless.
1- Charlotte: Chiffon Scarf as Bow
Charlotte took her chiffon scarf in a timeless direction by tying it into a big, dramatic bow around her neck.
Pro tip: Mom’s scarf was a bit scratchy, so we layered a softer scarf under it. I have used this trick when a sweater is scratchy at the neck, so remember to use scarf layering as a functional tool.
Many of you realize that my mom absolutely loves matchy-matchy. And using a chiffon scarf as a contrast with a matching outfit is one way to change it up.
If you are looking for other ways to modernize a matchy-matchy outfit, we have explored that idea in a blog post.
Details:
-To lighten the look, both the shoes and purse are a lighter print. They mirror the lightness of the scarf and keep the look from being too heavy.
-This purse is a beaded bag. While many might consider them for dress up only, I think they are great for any day.
2- Lesley: Chiffon Scarf as Belt
Lesley’s approach to the chiffon scarf was both practical and creative. Instead of tying it around her neck or shoulders, she used it as a belt, yet more of an empire waist belt.
Need more ideas for using a scarf as a belt? We’ve got you covered.
Lesley will tell you that she doesn’t have an indented waist (she calls her body shape a zucchini). Yet a tiered dress is a style of dress that is modern and fun. So by placing the scarf higher, she creates an empire waist, which pulls in the dress to take away the tent effect.
And it adds contrast.
Pro tip: Leather belts can be too structured or heavy for this idea, which is why scarves (chiffon, silk, or cotton) work better. Scarves are also not as hot in the summertime.
Details:
-Another thicker scarf is draped over Lesley’s purse to use as a wrap for inside the restaurant.
-Leopard print is repeated from the scarf to the shoes.
3- Jodie: Chiffon Scarf as Decor
You know I love to experiment with my clothing pieces, so I thought, why not use the chiffon scarf as decor?
For this set of photos, I wanted to use the chiffon scarf as a drapey decoration on my skirt. Truthfully, it was interesting, but not my absolute favorite. That’s why I included some other options below.
Pro tip: I used just regular small safety pins to attach the scarf to the wool skirt. If you have the time and patience, you could use larger ones very close together to make them part of the design.
Details:
-I included another chiffon scarf as decoration on my purse. I spiraled and wrapped it around itself and used the ends to tie it to the handle.
-The brooches were placed to look like the dragonflies were flying off my shoulder.
-My pink flats (less than $25) are a tad big, so wearing these embroidered socks made them fit perfectly.
Other details-since this is part of our Thrifty 6 group, I wanted to explain about the skirt and scarf since they aren’t “exactly” thrifted:
1-I’ve had this skirt since the 90s because I remember wearing it during dental school when I was 20 pounds heavier. But it’s not too big because while I’ve lost weight, it’s also been redistributed…But keeping the skirt over the years is a great sustainable practice. I’ve worn it before on the blog.
2-My mom recognized the material of my light blue chiffon scarf. Because she made this from leftover material. Thus, while it isn’t a preloved scarf, it is the perfect example of recycling.
These are my other experiments with the same chiffon scarf and outfit:
1-Draping the scarf vertically up and down a couple of times at the side.
2-Pinning the scarf at each side of the waistband and letting the ends hang down.
3-Wrapping the material into a blob (to resemble a rose) and pinning it to my top instead of using the brooches.
Why You’ll Want a Chiffon Scarf in Your Closet
After experimenting with these ideas, I think we’ve proved that a chiffon scarf is one of the most versatile accessories out there. It’s lightweight, packable, and can instantly change the look of an outfit without taking up any space in your closet or suitcase.
Here are a few extra ideas I brainstormed after this photoshoot:
- Hair Accessory: Tie it around a ponytail or use it as a headband.
- Bag Accent: Loop it around your purse handle to drape down if it’s a smaller scarf.
- Shawl Alternative: Layer two chiffon scarves together and drape them over your shoulders for a dressy evening look.
- Layered Necklace Effect: Fold the scarf lengthwise and knot it loosely in several places to create a soft necklace. You can even place large finger rings between the knots for added sass.
Chiffon scarves come in endless colors and patterns, so you can really have fun choosing ones that suit your personality. From florals and prints to bold brights or classic neutrals, there’s a style for everyone.
Scarves are something we’ve talked about many times. Check out these other ideas:
–Make a scarf more modern (in fact, I’m using my chiffon scarf in one of these examples)
–25+ ways to wear a scarf
–Scarf organization
A Final Thought
Fashion should always be fun, and experimenting with pieces like a chiffon scarf is exactly what makes getting dressed enjoyable. You don’t need to save scarves for cold weather or “fancy” occasions. I truly believe that they can (and should) be part of your everyday wardrobe.
If you feel puzzled about how to use a scarf when putting together your outfits, don’t fret. I always call them magic pieces of material because with a twist, fold, or tuck, they can transform into anything and everything.
Thrifty 6 With Chiffon
With the fashion and textile industry being a major contributor to landfills and other environmental pollution, we decided that our mission of this group is to focus on second-hand items.
Thrifty tip: Don’t forget to check out the men’s and kids’ sections of the store because you might be surprised.
- Emma of Style Splash
- Sally of Within a World of My Own
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Jodie (and crew) of Jodie’s Touch of Style
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Check out the other members of the Thrifty 6 group below for all kinds of lace skirt outfits.
Pro tip: If there aren’t many wonderful secondhand shops near you, I have included a list of online shops that I love at the end of this post.
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
“I found this gorgeous turquoise and purple chiffon dress on a thrifting adventure with my sister this past April. Actually, it was labeled as a swimsuit cover up, but I don’t usually adhere to labels of that sort. I wear things however I want! So I layered this sheer number over a black slip dress, added my teal cowgirl boots, a feathered brimmed hat, and piles of necklaces (some were thrifted, some were not). I wore this outfit to an outdoor concert in September and needed an extra layer in the evening as the temperature dropped so I layered on an old thrifted duster sweater in light teal. “
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“I’ve had this pleated chiffon dress for ages. I bought it on Vinted and from the shop where I once worked. That means the quality and fit are fantastic. (Oddly enough, I don’t remember having it in the store. I guess I wasn’t crazy about pleats back then, that came later when I started blogging) I don’t wear it often, but I definitely won’t be getting rid of it. Because I always enjoy this chiffon dress. It’s the colour, the pleats, the chiffon. It has a slipdress underneath. I have to wear it in a different style, because I always wear it with brown. I just love it that way.”
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“On a windy day it’s profoundly life-affirming to stand on a hill-top in a skirt that’s completely out of control…
…to feel that sense of devil-may-care as it’s caught by a squall and could easily blow right over your head!
What is there without exhilaration, without jeopardy – life is short, fashion is fun, and chiffon is exciting to wear…
Mousseline de soie – soft yet striking, subtle yet dramatic, feminine and mysterious – surely a precious gift from the fashion gods…”
Sally of Within a World of My Own
“Chiffon is a sheer, delicate, high-care, very feminine fabric that doesn’t fit well with my lifestyle or personal aesthetic…but use it in a scarf and suddenly that soft sheen, lovely drape, and airy feel find their place in my wardrobe. In this casual outfit, I took two very basic casual pieces from Goodwill (a denim-blue top and red skinny jeans) that I’ve had for over 5 years and gave them added punch from the colorful ‘feels like me’ accessories: a thrifted chiffon scarf with a watercolor-like heart motif, a DIY bracelet stack with a rainbow theme, and a pair of Rocket Dog rainbow striped sneakers that followed me on Pinterest for about two months before my husband convinced me that I should buy them (retail, on sale). I especially like the juxtaposition of the floaty, lightweight chiffon scarf with the rougher, more utilitarian textures in the look (technical knit, denim, canvas). It’s a dead-simple knit top + jeans + sneakers outfit that says Colorful Contrasting Casual Chic.”
Emma of Style Splash
“Chiffon is not really on my style radar so I was thinking I’d have to find a scarf for this challenge. But then I remembered this top that I bought on Vinted a while back which not only has chiffon sleeves, but also a matching ruffle detail on the front that looks like a scarf. I’ve teamed it with a corduroy waistcoat and trousers. The tan bag (also preloved) finished off the look.”
Online Thrift Stores
If you don’t have great secondhand stores near you, then another great option is online thrifting. These are the ones I’ve used more than once (except Swap, but it comes highly recommended by a friend)
thredUp—this link gives you $10 (and me in return).
Poshmark — here is the post about how to shop the site.
Preworn–10% off with code JODIEFILOGOMO
Etsy
ebay
Swap
Uncommon Closet— a nonprofit to help women.
Gild the Lily–a local Michigan store that sells online.
Thank you
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