Use these 5 techniques to amp up your style with a scarf. Discover why modest fashion influencers say this celebrated accessory is a true fashion essential.

What is one wardrobe staple for today’s most stylish personalities?

It was originally just a neck warmer, but over time, it has become established as a highly versatile accessory that transcends seasons, genders and personal style sensibilities. There’s no going wrong with a scarf (especially high-quality ones that were all the rage at the various Fashion Week seasons).

It’s no exaggeration to say that whatever material or design your scarf may have, there’s just a multitude of things that you can do with it to elevate your style. Just head on to YouTube and Pinterest for inspiration and you will quickly learn that a scarf can be most the reliable item in your wardrobe, especially for a style-demanding da

• A boring black skirt’s all you’ve got? Look to your scarf for a splash of color.
• Having a bad hair day? A turban scarf to the rescue.
• Need a sexy sweetheart neckline top? Work your knotting skills to turn a well-fitted bra into a colorful top using a scarf.

These three are just simple examples of how great the fashion mileage a scarf offers can be.

If you need more ideas to prove that a scarf deserves a celebrated spot in your wardrobe, rounded up below are five other ways you can try wearing it.

1.     Create a vest and secure with a belt.

This is style trick that a lot of female dignitaries seem to use often. To give a monochromatic work outfit a load of personality, a long and colorful silk or satin scarf secured in place by a belt is the way to go. The scarf achieves the shape of a vest to take an ensemble from boring to bold, and a great addition if you want your outfit to exude streetwear chic.

2.     Add a chic twist to the cozy neck wrap.

The traditional way you make a cozy neck wrap with a scarf is to simply loop the fabric around your neck, tie it in front, and hide the ends of the scarf under the loops.

This looks good, but if you want the scarf to look better than a roll of fabric around your neck, hang the scarf around your neck so that the two ends are just hanging down your front. Create a twist at the center of your clavicle and then tie the ends of the scarf at the back of your neck.

It looks really stylish and it’s perfect for dressing up any plain top.

3.     Go Hollywood glam by covering your head with a scarf.

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly and use a scarf to keep your locks in place, or to frame your lovely face better. Drape the scarf over your head with the ends tied at the back of your head – this style is perfect if you’re riding a top-down car. Or you can simply leave the ends loose but draped over your shoulders.

This is one easy solution to automatically look posh. Like Hollywood icons, fashion influencers are also great examples of how a scarf-covered head, enhanced with expert Instagram-worthy makeup, can just look fierce and fabulous.

4.     Use a scarf as a belt to break color blocks.

Most people have the strong tendency to wear a single-color outfit to stay safe. It looks quite elegant, truth be told. There’s nothing wrong with that, except on days when you feel like the look is already getting old.

Jazz it up by tying a scarf around the waist to break the color block and give the attire a new story.

5.     A small scarf can be a bracelet.

When the Barden Bellas from the movie “Pitch Perfect” came up with creative ways to wear their signature scarf, top fashion magazines approved. A scarf as a bracelet is such a smart way to really get functional mileage out of the fashion piece.

These examples aren’t all that you can do with a scarf! The possibilities are endless and you really are only limited by your creativity.

The fashion spotlight on scarves is unquestionably warranted. From timeless glamorous to hippie chic, you can bet there’s a scarf to perfectly achieve these looks.

AUTHOR BIO

Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs today. When you slip into one of Feiruza’s creations, you can almost hear the rhythms of Africa, the beats of India and the vibrancy of Dubai – this distinctive and colourful mélange is just what Finchitua is about.

There’s a big difference between having well-maintained windows that are original to your home’s unique architecture versus windows that are just plain old and outdated. Especially if you live in a heritage home or a home with a distinct architectural style, you are likely familiar with the importance of maintaining your traditional home’s windows.

For heritage homes and old buildings that require restoration to maintain their character, “old” isn’t a bad thing. But if you’re living with outdated windows that show the signs of wear and tear and are failing to keep your home insulated, then it’s time to consider replacing those models with new, updated, energy efficient models that will improve the look of your home as well as its functionality.

How do you know if the issues caused by old windows are affecting your home? Here’s a list of what to look for in outdated window models.

Air and Water Leaks

When the airtight seal is broken on old, outdated windows, your home is exposed to the elements from outdoors. You might have noticed fluctuating temperatures inside your home, or moisture that collects around your window panes. Seal failure can go unnoticed for some time until you actually start to visibly see condensation forming between window panes, water damage or mold on the window frames, or you notice that your energy bill is abnormally high.

Stubborn or Sticky Windows

Windows that are difficult to open and close are more than just an inconvenience, they don’t provide an airtight seal and they are vulnerable to intrusion. Window hardware issues usually come about by debris that’s built up on the tracks of the windows, causing parts to break down or frames to start warping.

Don’t ignore this window issue, a window that’s hard to open can be seriously problematic if you need to use a window as an exit in an emergency. What’s more, the fact that the windows don’t rest properly on their tracks or that the locks don’t work makes your home vulnerable to intruders. If cleaning your tracks and adding lubricant isn’t enough to bring your windows back to life, then replacement windows are your only solution.  

Noise Pollution

Modern window models come with double or even triple panes that do well to insulate your home against extreme temperatures as well as loud sounds and noise. If it sounds like you’re standing in the middle of the street when you’re in your living room, then your outdated windows need to be updated in order to bring peace and quiet to your indoors. Old windows let lots of noise in from the outside, and if they’re rattling in their frames or whistling in the wind, then you’ve also got those noises bombarding your ears.

Warped or Infested Wood

Wooden window frames look excellent when they’re in top condition. They add warmth to a home and can complement the style of a building such as a log cabin or a more rustic architectural style. But wood windows require a high level of maintenance otherwise they are vulnerable to issues like wet wood rot, wood warping, or even insect infestation.

At the first sign of these issues, get in touch with a reliable window retailer and installer and they can give you an expert consultation on your replacement options for new problem-free, easy-to-maintain windows.