Vintage Scarves

A scarf—which can come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and materials—adds an elegant flourish to almost any ensemble. Like most fashion accessories, scarves have utilitarian origins, used to wipe away sweat and dirt, protect the head or mouth, or keep the neck warm. Particular patterns and colors in scarves have been used to mark military rank, religious and political affiliations, membership in a club such as Boy Scouts, or allegiance to a sports team.

Around 1660, French men took to wearing small, light scarves around the neck and calling t...hem "cravats." Thanks to Queen Victoria, scarves worn as embellishment—and a signal of wealth and privilege—grew popular for women and men in England in the mid-19th century.