If you follow our other blog, you may already be familiar with our guest this week – the fabulous Gemma from Retro Chick, who writes about fashion with a vintage/retro twist. In this post she explains why it’s important to always leave room for scarves in your suitcase.

With spring here and summer fast approaching, our minds turn to thoughts of vacations. Scarves are an often over-looked but really versatile holiday packing essential. Whether you’re a beach break kind of girl or you prefer sight seeing in the city, when space is an issue, scarves save the day. Lightweight, multi-functional, and oh-so-chic, they can transform an outfit, protect you from the elements, add a touch of retro chic, or bring you back up to date.

Personally I love a touch of retro style, so I use scarves to protect my pin curls or tied pussy bow style at the neck. I also have a massive attachment to pashmina shawls as an elegant and portable way to keep warm. However you like to wear them, here are 3 types of scarf that deserve a place in your suitcase next time you’re away.

A Classic Silk Scarf

Super lightweight, you can pack 50 of these in every color you could possibly think of and never be short of an accessory. Wear it slung casually round your neck, fold it up and tie it, wear it round your head as a headband or your waist as a belt. You can even tie them round your wrists as a bracelet for a splash of color.

A Pashmina Wrap

A Pasmina wrap is a hand luggage essential. While you travel it functions as a cozy travel blanket, or you can fold it up and use it as a pillow. Once you reach your destination, it becomes a stylishly warm evening cover up, an emergency picnic blanket, or even a beach towel. Slightly thicker than silk, it’s perfect to wrap around your shoulders for a bit of emergency sun protection.

A Square Scarf

A simple square is perfect for protecting your hair from the elements, be it sun or wind. Place it over your head and then tie around and team with huge sunglasses for retro glamour, use it to protect your pin curls while you sleep, or simply wrap it round your neck for a splash of color.

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