As the daylight gets shorter and nights become chillier, a fair trade scarf is an excellent way to warm up your wardrobe. Transitioning your summer wardrobe to fall can be rather simple. When short sleeves go to long sleeves, adding a scarf can help keep you stay warmer and more stylish to boot. There are many ways to achieve a fashionable look with the help of a scarf.

If you are looking for ways to turn your wardrobe “green” then look no further. Fair trade is the answer for those who are trying to support the environment and sustainable living. By supporting fair trade, you are voting with your dollars to pay artisans a fair wage and protect the environment all at once.

What is really wonderful about scarves is that they can be worn several different ways. The most common way to wear a scarf is simply draped around your neck. This is a casual but sophisticated way to dress up your ensemble. Another way is to fold it in half, put it around your neck, and bring the ends through the loop. This has become very popular lately. You can also wrap the scarf around your neck once then let the ends hang down in front. This is done by taking the scarf at the halfway mark and placing it at the front of your neck, then pulling the ends around to the front. This gives a little more warmth to the neck and can add a distinctive look.

Scarves can also be loosely draped over one’s shoulder or larger scarves can be used as shawls, adding a sophisticated and sleek look, depending on the material and colors. Scarves are a must have for fall and can act as a replacement for a light jacket when the weather chills a little.

The style that you choose to wear can help accent your figure. By letting a scarf hang down horizontally, you create vertical lines that break up your shape. This can make you appear thinner. Draping a scarf over your shoulders creates a focal point away from your abdomen or hips.

This year’s fall colors consist of deeper colors, such as, burnt oranges, purples, and earthy tones. Scarves come in a variety of colors, styles, patterns and materials. It is easy to select a scarf to go with an outfit and they are an excellent alternative to necklaces.

How do you know which scarf to wear? Put your outfit on, and then test a few scarves with it. Try draping it different ways to attain the desired effect. Use a full length mirror to see just how the scarf changes your look. Use the colors and fabrics to add texture or accents to your outfit. Be mindful of how the fabric and print looks with your outfit. Does it lighten your appearance or make you look heavy or weighed down? Does the scarf add or detract from your outfit?

The potential of scarves as a fashion accessory is truly limitless. There are many benefits to utilizing scarves such as dressing up your wardrobe and keeping warm at the office. Furthermore, purchasing fair trade scarves offers up the extra benefits of protecting the environment and supporting artisans and their communities.

Author's Bio: 

Joan Rasch enjoys writing articles about fair trade scarves, clothing, home decor and fair trade cards. Fair trade is an organized social movement and market based approach that strives to assist people in developing countries improve trading conditions and promote sustainability.