It’s just a fact. Italians wear scarves. If you want to try and pass as an Italian, wear a scarf (and don’t wear white running shoes). Not only do they wear scarves (“sciarpe,” not to be confused with “scarpe” – shoes), but they wear them “in style.” Last time we were in Europe, we learned to tie our scarves the way that was in style back then. It’s hard to explain, but basically you make a slip-knot and put your head through the center (see picture, below).
I went to Italy this year all prepared with many scarves packed and started my trip tying them the “euro” way we learned in ’08/’10. Here I am my very first couple of days (I started the trip in Milan, where my plane landed – this is on the top of the Duomo):
It soon became appare
nt to me that wearing a scarf this way was no longer as chic. Most of the Italians (and other Europeans) I saw now had their scarves basically wrapped around their neck several times, with little to no extra flowing down. Here I am stylishly wearing a scarf I got in Italy:
Now when I say “Italians wear scarves” I am being very serious – women wear scarves, MEN wear scarves, and everyone wears scarves way past (to my liking ["secondo me"]) the temperature calls for scarves. Of course, in the warmer weather, you can wear a thinner/smaller scarf, but you’re gonna wear a scarf nonetheless. I remember one day in Bologna it was very warm out and I decided to be a rebel and NOT wear a scarf to school. I felt naked! I have even taken to occasionally wearing scarves back here in Albuquerque and it’s already in the 80′s (mid+ 20′s Celsius). Now, I am not usually one to follow the crowd, but I get all happy at the thought that if I don’t say too much and I wear a scarf, people in Florence may actual mistake me for a “real” Italian (I am actually 1/8 Italian). So, for now, I scarf on!
ytaba36
/ May 25, 2012Braca! You look completely Italian, I do believe! And, you make the scarves look good, bella.
newmexicotoitaly
/ May 25, 2012Molto Grazie!
Mind Margins/Run Nature
/ May 26, 2012Love the evolution of the way to wear your scarf! Scarves were always a big thing in Switzerland, too.
orvietoorbust
/ May 28, 2012It’s true…I have more scarves than shoes and I always bring back several with me. The ultimate accessory in Italy – you can never be too rich or have too many scarves!!! Toni
newmexicotoitaly
/ May 28, 2012Ciao Toni! Thanks for reading and adding to my blog – I really enjoy this forum for connecting with others on a similar journey. Grazie!
Ako
/ July 19, 2012Now I know how to wear a scarf & look sytlish!
newmexicotoitaly
/ July 19, 2012Ha! You always look stylish! Funny, though, people keep finding this post if they google for anything “Italian” and “scarves,” so I hope I have it right!
bobbi
/ December 27, 2012Que triste! I’ve just had to break the news to Ken that’s he’s “so 2008.”
newmexicotoitaly
/ December 28, 2012Wow, you’re way back in the blog now! If it makes you feel any better, I wrote that after spending about 6 weeks with stylish college kids in Bologna – here I notice people wearing them all sorts of ways. By the way, dig your Span-talian! (you sound like me and 1/2 my Italian class!)