It was a great question – thanks for sending it on – “I want an Hermes scarf in black and white, but there are SO MANY of them – how do I choose?”
Note that she also let me know that she’s pretty committed to a strict black and white wardrobe…
I’ve chosen these six scarves to use as our possible purchases. I strongly encourage you to click through and admire the details on these scarves if you have the time. There’s a reason that these scarves are so terribly expensive – they are exquisite.
Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus, Maillons de Joel Stein, Ors Bleus d’Afrique, Chasse en Inde, Casques et Plumets, Les Bolides
For illustrative purposes, I’m going to use a couple of simple outfits – a very neutral black dress, and a white silk blouse and black silk pants.
Stretch wool dress – Theory, stretch silk blouse – Jaeger, silk pants – 3.1 Philip Lim
The first scarf, Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus, feels soft, fluid, and feminine. So if you wanted to consider this scarf, you might be a person who likes the emphasis on the floral, and on the softly silver and rose highlights of the scarf.
Silver floral earrings – Neha, bracelet – Kenzo, scarf – Hermes Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus, sunglasses – Givenchy, wristlet – Nina, pumps – Nina, stretch wool dress – Theory
This scarf really would suit someone who adores the graphic, op art, and angular/woven nature of a black and white wardrobe. Pleated earrings, woven bracelets, and a few extra stripes…
Folded leather earrings – Giulia Boccafogli, stainless steel bracelet – Max and Chloe, bag – Brahmin, scarf – Hermes Maillons de Joel Stein, sunglasses – Westward Leaning, flats – Dorothy Perkins, stretch silk blouse – Jaeger, silk pants – 3.1 Philip Lim
This scarf might be for someone who likes angularity with a world art aesthetic – crafted, natural materials, and a relaxed sense of being ready to hit the road at any time.
Earrings – Warren and Robbin, bracelet – Carmen Anocibar, bag – Tumi, scarf – Hermes Ors Bleus d’Afrique, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, flats – Isola, stretch wool dress – Theory
The difference between this scarf and the first one is subtle, but this scarf shows a rectilinearity the suggests a fondness for squared-off shapes. The small details in the scarf are suited for someone who likes subtle details – the woven textures in the jewelry and sandals show this.
Earrings – YooLa, necklace – YooLa, bag – Longchamp, scarf – Hermes Chasse en Inde, sunglasses – Guess, sandals – McQ Alexander McQueen, stretch silk blouse – Jaeger, silk pants – 3.1 Philip Lim
To me, this scarf is perfect for someone who uses a simple black and white wardrobe as a springboard for bold accessories, including animal prints and vivid colors. If you like the feel of warm natural materials, this would be the scarf to choose.
earrings – Guillermo, bracelet – Ila Suleyman, bag – Diane von Furstenberg, scarf – Hermes Casques et Plumets, sunglasses – Maui Jim, sandals – Golden Goose, stretch wool dress – Theory
Earrings – Toosis, watch – Anne Klein, tote bag – Jaunt, scarf – Hermes Les Bolides, sunglasses – Givenchy, sandals – Carritz, stretch silk blouse – Jaeger, silk pants – 3.1 Philip Lim
love,
I wonder how you could have possibly helped your reader making a selection. You certainly made me want each one of them. Simply gorgeous. :))
I Love black and white clothing combinations and I wear my Hermes black and white scarf more often than all my other Hermes colourful ones! I like some of these newer patterns too but cannot buy one until I travel to Paris next year.
You always amaze me with your creativity with clothing combos and I like to imagine what interesting ensembles you put together for yourself. Perhaps you'll show us some images at some point. I know I would enjoy seeing some.
You'd be amazed at how boring my clothes are from day to day – black on black with lots of pearl jewelry. After I've looked at thousands of pieces of clothing and accessories all day, I just want to wear something extremely simple. Give me another year and I will have someone make me a rack of black dresses and that will be it!
An incredible demonstration of the versatility of a black and white scarf, Hermes or not. I never stop marveling at how on earth you do this!
I LOVE this articulation of why I feel the way I feel and think the way I think about particular designs/looks. It's usually easy for me to pick (in the first graphic) which one I like best (and least, and second best, etc.) but not the WHY that is. Then when you break it down, I find myself nodding, why YES, that IS what I like/don't like.
Simply amazing. Your blog is always THE highlight of my email!
Those are all gorgeous – my favourite is the Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus but there is no way I will ever spend anything like that much on a piece of clothing!
I've got a black and white small leopard print scarf which has been really useful. Black and white prints go with pretty much anything.
Hi Janice! I have just stumbled upon your blog today and have purchased a couple of the worksheets already! Can you please suggest a couple of good posts to get me started with your concepts?
I am just finding this post, and I think that a similar one would be great if you're ever casting about for subjects! I love how the feel of the accessories changes with each scarf, even with the same basic items of clothing. – nancyo
Looking at the last pic, I realize what an impact a red watch can make on black and white.
How can I get rid of my picture? I’m not sure where I have it but I don’t want it showing up everywhere.