The Scarf Issue Resolved
OK, so I am practically alone with my unmatched scarf, hat and coat combo. Do I get any credit for at least having a somewhat neutral blue winter coat? At least no one called Stacy and Clinton over my pink clogs. That would make me cry.
So my theory on this whole matchy-matchy scarf-coat thing was that if you grew up someplace where a coat and scarf was a matter of daily survival, then you were more likly to match them. If you’re going to have to wear a coat and a scarf every single day, then you’ve got to look good doing it.
On the other hand, I theorized, if you grew up where a jean jacket was all you needed all winter, then a scarf was a superfluous accessory. You might choose any ol’ scarf that struck your fancy, since you weren’t actually going to wear it with a coat or anything. Ah, the days of the turtleneck layered with a sweatshirt, cute scarf around the neck! And that was because my high school had no interior hallways. All classrooms opened up to the outdoors, where one might freeze walking to and from classes on a 60 degree January day without that scarf.
What I hadn’t counted on was the Southerners weighing in on my highly scientific study. Of course those now living in colder climates would match their scarves and coat. Being well coordinated is bred into Southerners. Just don’t tell them about the white sandals I was wearing during last week’s Indian Summer.
So I guess I’m going to have to get more coats, like my friend Shanti, who grew up in California like me, but who can now be spotted on The Hill with a matching scarf and coat. Yes, I think that’s my answer. More winter coats for me! Must do my part to stimulate the economy.