This Season's Must-Have: Scarf Madness All Over Again

Scarves never seem to go out of fashion - and this summer, word on the fashionably chic... well, not streets... rather boulevards is that no outfit, however stylishly cut, is deemed classy enough without a little helping hand from a colorful scarf. Of course, most of us ladies have come to learn first-hand exactly how versatile a friend a good scarf can be, with its many uses and uncanny ability to lend warmth, substance and grace to just about any old outfit you may get your hands on.

The other great thing about scarves - be they plush triple-ply cashmere, silk or plain cotton - is that they don't necessarily have to be designer-made in order to make you look simply fabulous. Of course, most fashion authorities would dictate that if you ever showed yourself willing to invest a small hard-earned personal fortune into buying a scarf, Emilio Pucci is the safe way to go. The trademark bright colors, bold patterns, and striking designs make the vintage Pucci scarves exquisite, easy to match to all skin tones and any other stringent fashion whims that might come up.

However, you could score great with a mid-range scarf that's in tone with your clothes and your hair color, while a little trip to a local flea market can leave you the happy owner of a couple of cheap scarves that somehow manage to look amazing with just about anything you decide to put on. Scarves are easy to wear - draped as shawls, tied around your neck or waist, tied to the straps of your patent leather handbag...just let your imagination be your guide. Also, a scarf is about one of the most egalitarian accessories out there - as long as it looks good on you and matches your outfit and complexion, no one is going to complain it cost less than $250.