olyrjie Sheer Chiffon Evening Scarf Wrap

What do you think of when you hear the word “scarf”? A thick woolly piece of fabric that hugs your neck on cold winter nights? A long, gauzy one that hangs loose in the summer? Or maybe you’re thinking of a smaller strip of patterned cloth that you can use as a bandana or impromptu mask?

The truth is, a scarf can be any or all of these — and that’s what makes it so appealing. Not every outfit needs a scarf, but the right scarf really can go with any outfit. They’re also one of the few fashion accessories that never really goes out of style.

But before we start obsessing about form, let’s talk about function. If you want a scarf you can wear year-round, you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to fabric. Cotton is a common material for everyday scarves, and it’s usually an inexpensive choice. Thick or thin, you can expect cotton scarves to wash easily and last for years if the weave is good. You can keep it loose in the warmer months, then wrap it into multiple layers when the weather starts getting cold. Linen is another fabric that layers well but is very breathable. Want something flouncy that’s exclusively for summer wear? Chiffon scarves are almost like a veil that you wear around your neck, and they can keep you very cool — in both senses of the word.

If you want to spend a little more, there’s nothing quite like the feel of silk. It’s a classic fabric for a reason. You can find smooth silk scarves that are suitable for formal wear or textured ones that are made for casual evenings out.

If you want a scarf primarily to keep your neck warm, wool is usually your go-to material. It’s great for keeping cozy when the wind picks up, but be careful when it rains. Wool can get water-logged quickly. Cashmere is another option if you’re not dealing with sub-zero temperatures. It’s not as thick as wool, but provides a surprising amount of warmth when you layer it. It also feels great, but you’re likely to pay extra for the luxury.

Now let’s talk about buying for style. Keep in mind that a scarf isn’t something that’s going to be a subtle accent to your outfit no matter how you wear it. From a fashion standpoint, plain-colored scarves set against the same color might as well not be there at all. Go with a complementary but opposing color scheme: Bright, patterned scarves tend to work best with earthy tones, while punchy, colorful outfits get a touch of class from a white or black scarf. Choose a scarf that works best with your general style.

Finally, go for versatility when you’re choosing the size of your scarf. Longer  scarves can be fun to play around with and you can easily wrap them multiple times if you need a little extra coverage. Size doesn’t always matter, though. Smaller scarves can be a lot easier to manage on the run and can be stowed away in a pocket if you need to take them off.

Spills and other mishaps aside, you can get away with not washing a new scarf for awhile. But eventually, it’s going to need a little TLC, and how you wash it depends on what kind of material it’s made of.

For pretty much any scarf, hand washing is the best option, but for silk or chiffon scarves, it’s absolutely essential. Just add a little detergent to a bowl of cold water, scrub carefully and air dry. Wool or cashmere should definitely be dry cleaned if you can’t spare the time for hand washing. Cotton or linen scarves can usually make it through a washing machine without serious damage if you use cold water. Make sure you use a laundry bag or wash solo, however. The longer the scarf, the more apt it is to get tangled with your other clothes.