Let’s talk about fashion staples. This season’s new staples: scarves. Striped, glittery, polka dot, plaid or silk, scarves add something special to any outfit. As temperatures drop and there is an excuse for wearing a new fall or winter jacket, scarves are a must to complete a look. However, there is more than one way to wear a scarf, and more types of scarves than meet the eye.

To go warm, try scarves in rich, vibrant shades. Stripes are in this season, but make sure the colors contain neutral shades as well. If the colors are too bright, they may clash with what you wear. These are best to be worn with a jacket, especially cute with a denim one, and choosing the right material blend in the scarf is essential. No one wants heavy, itchy wool scarves that torture the neck at every movement.

To go for a more sophisticated look, scarves can also be worn indoors. This is where the lighter fabrics such as silk and satin come into play. Animal prints are in, as well as rich fall shades such as pumpkin or cherry. Make sure this blends in with an outfit, and people are not paying too much attention to your neck. A long, slightly glittery scarf looks nice with a camisole and blazer over it and would make a good coffee house look. Test it: Go in front of a mirror and close your eyes. Open them and see what your eye is drawn to the most. If one aspect of an outfit stands out, chances are it does not blend well.

However, scarves are not only for the neck. Many choose to wear them around their waist. Paisley is a nice fall touch or choose polka dots. A necktie can also be worn about the waist. Do not worry about wearing shoes to match this new belt. Matching shoes to another color in the outfit will do the trick.

Another nice way to wear a scarf is as a head wrap. Either go with ’60s retro like a headband, or braid it within a braid for a funky look. Scarves do not have to only be worn the way your mother wanted you to be warm. Choose a new way and mix it up a bit.