So in my last post, I showed you the best scarf fabrics to wear in the springtime: merino wool, linen, cashmere blends, and cotton.  One major problem: I never said what to wear them with!

Generally, I have 2 very simple guidelines for scarves in the springtime:

• Pair bold-printed scarves with very simple pieces: tissue-thin tees, solid tanks, cardigans, stripes, solid-colored shorts, any type of jean, cotton dresses, shirtdresses, and blazers.  If you really want your printed scarf to stand out, make sure your outfit is a blank canvas.  Start with whites, nudes, pastels, and neutrals (black, navy, gray, tan) and layer your printed scarf over that.

Madewell Psychedelic Forest Print Scarf, Shopbop, $38
Tarnish ‘Wallpaper’ Scarf, Nordstrom, $48
Pins and Needles Forest Oblong Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $24

• As for solid-colored scarves, anything goes! You can literally pair a solid-colored scarf with ANYTHING, from a floral romper to army green cargo pants.  As long as the color of your scarf is in harmony with your outfit as a whole, it will work.  Now that doesn’t necessarily mean the scarf must match!  Push boundaries, I always say.  If you want to wear a burgandy scarf with a floral skort, go for it.  Beige scarf with khaki shorts??  Test it out!  Don’t be afraid to play with solid-colored scarves.  The photos below are just three examples of the infinite possibilities you have with a solid scarf.  Like I said, anything goes.

Staring at Stars Mesh Square with Fringe, Urban Outfitters, $28
Essential Pash Wrap in Pale Green, Urban Outfitters, $18
Love Quotes in Moonbeam, Revolve, $95

[Just remember: these guidelines are for the springtime and don’t necessary apply in the winter when you’re bundling in scarves to stay warm.  That’s a whole different story.  And also, rules are meant to be broken so don’t be afraid to pair prints with prints!]