In case you haven’t heard, Sarah’s Universe is running an exceptional coat promotion: Not only are the coats up to 60% off, but also for a limited time, you get a free pashmina scarf with any coat purchase. Seems like an opportune time to answer this reader’s question:

Over the past few season’s I have purchased a variety of colorful scarves. However, I am at a loss on how to wear them. Help please!    - Julie from Boston, MA

Dear Julie,
Scarves are a practical and fashionable way to add color to your wardrobe. There are many ways to style a scarf, depending on its weight, shape and length. Here are some suggestions on how to style scarves of indoor and outdoor weight.

The European Loop
Fold a rectangular scarf in half and wrap around the back of your neck. Then feed the loose end through the looped end and adjust the placement of the knot.

The Loop Around
Hold one end of scarf at bust level. Loop the long end around completely around your neck. Adjust ends to desired length.

The Loop Around with Knot
Follow steps of the Loop Around and then tie the loose ends together. This style looks great with a fringed scarf and can be done with a rectangular or triangular shaped scarf.

The Shawl Wrap
Simply drape a large scarf over your shoulders and tie the ends to hold in place. A great way to add an extra layer of warmth to your cool weather looks.

The Hang Down
The simplest style of them all! Fold scarf into a long column and drape around neck. For a modern twist, add a belt over the scarf.

It’s the summer of love, and wedding season has begun. While the bride and groom get set to say “I do”, I often find myself asking “What am I supposed to wear?”  From “White Tie” to “Resort Casual” our friends at www.ourbrisbane.com have decoded dress codes in a comprehensive article that make event dressing a snap. Here is their good advice:

White Tie or Ultra Formal
This is great chance for girls to go completely over the top with ballgowns, highly coiffured hair, sky-high heels and lots of sparkle. Men wear a long black tailcoat with white tie, white wing collar dress shirt and vest. Usually suited to celebrations after 6pm.
INSPIRATION: Vintage ball or royal wedding

Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Women can wear cocktail style dresses (but nothing too flashy or revealing), long evening gowns or glamorous evening separates. Men wear tuxedos complete with cufflinks, black socks and shoes but may splash out with a colourful waistcoat or bow tie.
INSPIRATION: Old Hollywood 

Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives him the option of wearing a tuxedo but it should provide clues as to the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. She wears a cocktail style or long dress, or evening separates. 

Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for contemporary interpretations of formal wear. She wears a cocktail style or long dress, evening separates or a tailored suit. He can go more modern with a tux and maybe a black shirt, no tie.
INSPIRATION: A charity gala 

Daytime/Evening Formal
Similar to Black Tie, but a little more relaxed. During the day, tuxedos are not necessary, unless specified. She might wear a cocktail dress, smart skirt suit, dressy separates or a tailored suit. For evening formal, she may want to go for a longer dress and an elegant evening bag, while he can get away with coloured shirts under suits or a tux with no tie.
INSPIRATION: A night at the theatre 

Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6pm) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or tailored suit for her. Save the sequins and satin for an evening Cocktail or Formal event.
INSPIRATION: Art gallery opening 

Cocktail Attire
Usually for weddings held after 5pm. Cocktail Attire means a shorter, elegant dress for her, usually with a bit of bling, and dark suits for him.
INSPIRATION: Sex and the City 

Lounge
A popular choice for slightly less formal weddings, Lounge sits somewhere between Smart Casual and Formal. Shorter cocktail-style dresses or a tailored suit are acceptable for her. A dark coloured business suit is appropriate for him, but he could consider a dressier or more interesting shirt and tie than he might wear to work. Quality knitwear in place of the shirt is acceptable.
INSPIRATION: Race Day 

Dressy Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. Tailored pants or dressy separates for her and trousers and a sports coat, for him. Don't be fooled by the word 'Casual' here. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other traditionally casual looks are not appropriate.
INSPIRATION: Birthday dinner with the in-laws 

Smart Casual
This code shouldn't see everyone regressing to jeans and tees. Women wear dressy separates such as tailored pants or a skirt with a pretty blouse or frocks in natural fabrics - but leave the ballgown at home. Jackets are still are a good idea for him, but perhaps he could try a linen suit, or a sports coat. Popular for more relaxed daytime weddings.
INSPIRATION: Dinner at an upscale restaurant 

Resort Casual
For her, think breezy skirts, big hats and nautical themes. For him, consider linen suits or navy jackets and light trousers.
INSPIRATION: An exclusive party on a yacht 

Urban Chic
Sophisticated designer wear that you might wear to an upmarket club, bar or restaurant. Ties are not necessary.
INSPIRATION: The opening of a cool new nightclub 

Garden Garb
Floral, feminine sundresses and big hats are perfect for this code. Polo shirts and dressy trousers or a lightweight suit for him.
INSPIRATION: Invitation to a Hamptons estate 

Beach Chic/Barefoot Beach
Sun dresses and soft, flowing skirts are lovely for a beach wedding. A wrap or cute cardigan is a must in case it's chilly by the water and consider pretty flats or strappy sandals which are easy to take off. For him, jackets and ties are not necessary but a smart-looking shirt and a pair of lightweight trousers are good choices. Brides, if you don't want the boys baring their knees in shorts, consider writing Beach Formal.
INSPIRATION: A celebrity wedding in the Bahamas 

Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen during the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle.
INSPIRATION: Work Christmas party 

Themes
Themed weddings call for dress codes like Vintage Glamour and Black and White, or something specific to the couple's interests such as Medieval. This can be fun for guests, especially like-minded friends who enjoy playing dress-ups. As a courtesy, guests should make an effort to dress smartly and fit with the theme, or speak to the couple about an alternative. Sometimes a trip to the Costume Hire Shop is necessary here.
INSPIRATION: Roaring Twenties/Great Gatsby 

Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually a lot more formal than that. Dressy separates for her and blazers or sports jackets are acceptable for him. No jeans.
INSPIRATION: Sunday High Tea 

Casual
Generally means "anything goes". Although it allows people to "be themselves" it will mean a real mix of high fashion and comfortable denim on the day - and in the photos. 

No Dress Code
In the absence of a specified dress code many guests will contact the best man or maid of honour for advice. Specify something that suits your celebration and save your guests hours of mental anguish deciding what is and isn't appropriate.