Local Designer On Gifting The Perfect Scarf

Simple, elegant, colorful and practical – a good scarf, in our opinion, is one of the best gifts money can buy for men and women alike. But considering past offerings from family and friends, getting the right scarf for that special someone is easier said than done. Remember that awful chunky, fringy monstrosity your wonderful but clueless father tried to give you last year?

Don’t make the same mistakes this year, when gifting scarves of your own. We asked local designer Michelle Baldwin for some gift-giving tips when looking for a great scarf.

Patch: When shopping for the perfect scarf what are some things customers should keep in mind?  

Michelle Baldwin: The scarf is the ultimate chilly weather essential. It’s a dual purpose piece – both fashion-forward and functional. A great scarf is one that can be worn with a number of different outfits in your closet. Warm neutrals with a hint of Olympian blue are what I’m drawn to this winter. This season has a lot of rich browns, grays and burnt siennas that work. Bamboo is my favorite fabrication. It transitions well between the cold outdoors and the heated indoors. It also is easy to spot clean if necessary.

Patch: What looks are on trend this winter season? What are the celebrities wearing?

Baldwin: Warm neutrals, jewel tones, faux fur and color blocking is what we’re seeing on celebs this winter.

Visit the Bethesda Patch Holiday Survival Guide for more life-saving holiday ideas.

Patch: What are you gifting this season? 

Baldwin: I’m gifting our amazing cashmere headbands.  They can be worn over the hair as a fashion statement, under the hair as a more conservative look or around the neck as a neck warmer.  Along with being on trend, they are also functional and can be worn skiing or hiking or during any outdoor activity.  We’ve created them in the rich jewel tones and warm neutrals that work well with the trends of winter 2012.

Have a favorite scarf in your closet? Tell us in the comments!