hidding a multitude of sins

In my youth and when I was working, it seemed to me that ladies of a certain age took to wearing scarves. Head scarves, square scarves around the neck knotted at the front, sometimes with a brooch. Often chiffon, sometimes a silky material. Later, in the 80's and 90's more artful and colourful scarves trailing and elegant knotted styles around these older women's necks. I thought to myself, why do some older women wear scarves all the time. It seemed a little odd. But I just didn't understand how useful scarves can be.

I'm now an older woman and I wear scarves all the time. Long, colourful scarves, beautiful jewel colours, some with glittery thread. Sometimes draped round my neck and gently flapping in the wind as in Isadora Duncan. Sometimes a long cosy pashmina bungled around my neck and face to protect from the wind. Sometimes elaborate knotting. My current favourites are the circular scarves that will go two or three times around the neck then drape artfully to fill the gap between chin and bosom.

Scarves hide the saggy neck. They distract from the less than perfect physique by hanging and draping over less than perfect bits. They add colour to a plain or classic outfit. If I was less clumsy, I would do the Jenny Murray/Judi Dench folded scarf over one shoulder-looks good but I would spend all my time picking it up off the floor. In hot times, they cover sensitive skin from the sun.

My current two favourites are a vivid orange and a deep aubergine colour I found on amazon. They even have a small zipped pocket within the folds for credits cards, sunglasses etc.

Whereas once I would decide what I'm wearing that day according to which earrings I put on, now I think which scarf I want to wear and dress accordingly. Scarves, I cant imagine life without them.