A Nostalgic Scarf

How clothing can help us remember loved ones (and be stylish too!)

Hollywood women circa 1940’s or 1950’s used to wear scarves, often. And not just to keep them warm in the winter. (Well if they lived in Hollywood, there was hardly winter to worry about.) Scarves were a fashion statement that has gone by the wayside for many modern women.

Scarves are especially fun to wear in spring and autumn when the weather is cool, but not freezing or burning. You can use the scarf for a little extra warmth, and a lot of extra style. In the summer scarves are kinda too hot, and in the winter, well you just need the biggest puffiest thing you can find to keep warm (at least here in Calgary, Canada).

So in putting together this outfit, I used a scarf both for fashion and for nostalgia. This lovely orange scarf belonged to my husband’s grandmother. She was the sweetest woman who welcomed me with open arms into the family when we got married. She was very stylish herself and I keep this scarf because it looks good on me and becuase it reminds me of her kindness.

In my thesis research for my Master’s degree, I interviewed women about their emotional experiences with clothing. My participants talked about how clothing can remind them of loved ones who have died. Wearing items that belonged to those they love can help them when they miss the person. I have also had this experience with this lovely scarf from “Nan.”

Initially after my Mom died, I kept a few things of hers. Sadly as I delved into the grief, I chose to discard every item of clothing that I had inherited from her, because at the time it was too painful to keep. But over time as the wounds from her death faded and began to heal, I deeply regretted that decision. Of course I’ll always have my memories of her, but I wish I had kept some of those beloved items. As other family members have died, I put things away instead of discarding them. That way if I changed my mind later, I could always pull the items out of the boxes where they were stored. I recommend you do the same.

It can actually be really fun to style items that are vintage or nostalgic into your wardrobe. And even more fun to pose in them. Please hit the button below this picture to hype my outfit on lookbook!

Do you have any items that you wear or keep to help you remember your loved ones who’ve died? Please feel free to comment.

And remember if you need help with your style email me at fiona@stylebyfiona.com or call me at 403-966-5896. I’m now offering all my style services virtually so COVID can’t stop you from discovering your style!

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