Chunky Scarves
With the Scottish weather still windy and very much still cold, fashion has seen a transition from autumnal colors to a lot of neutrals, and mostly just black. Baggy neutrals pave the three streets of St Andrews thanks to the continued popularity of the Scandinavian style oversized button down and sweater mixed with the everlasting influence of the all black (at the very least navy blue) Northeastern American style. This bulkiness of clothing has translated to a need for accessories like a big scarf or fingerless crocheted gloves. In order to combat the lack of color found in typical winter accessories like puffers and long coats, a colorful, chunky scarf has found itself as the center of attention in almost every outfit! These scarves became incredibly trendy once influencers like Matilda Djerf (@matildadjerf on Instagram), Jaz (@justjazzzyidk on Instagram), and Sara Svalberg (@sarasvalberg on Instagram). They have been the accessory to replace fluffy bucket hats, another bulky accessory. Thick scarves are an effortless way to add a pop of color to an outfit and express yourself in your choice of pattern and color.
Paulina in her pink patterned scarf. Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Schroeder.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that in a place like St Andrews, winter fashion has to be functional. Puffers are incredibly popular for their versatility in an outfit and for warmth especially when paired with a scarf. The addition of the chunky scarf of course adds the well needed pop of color but at the same time is able to be worn as a balaclava when it gets really really cold. However, for the more milder days, just having them hang around the collar of a jacket has been seen the most. Other ways I’ve seen it worn are wrapped around the neck with both pieces behind or one in the front and one to the side! Common colors seen are pinks, blues, and especially greens.
Sometimes even a pattern is present like both Paulina’s and my own that are both a checkered pink pattern. I love to wear my scarf with either a long black coat or my white puffer because, as a girl from New Jersey, I am certainly guilty of an all black look more often than I’d like to admit. I also find it quite convenient for sitting in a pub to have it draped over my shoulders when I get chilly instead of grabbing my jacket. The possibilities here are endless and this cute yet functional piece is one that I believe will transcend changing trends surrounding winter fashion. At this point, you’re probably wondering where on earth in St Andrews you can get one— mine is actually from M&Co on South Street; they have a variety of cute colors in order to suit all tastes! Paulina loves to wear her scarf independent of a coat at all. Hers is from J. Crew and let the record state that she’s worn this for many seasons because of its warmth and attractiveness.
Paulina in her pink patterned scarf. Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Schroeder.
“My scarf is more than just my favorite wearable blanket, it’s an accessory too. Because it’s so large, fuzzy, and colorful, I like to use it as a statement piece, usually wearing it with jeans and a solid colored top. Occasionally, I will use its free shape to my advantage and create a version of a balaclava with it. A scarf given to me by my mom as assistance to survive east coast winters is now a fashion essential in my closet.” - Paulina Kachalova, 2nd year