The Olsenification of an Outfit, Part 2
The scarves
In Part 1, we reviewed the basic tenets of the Olsen template. Now, we’re ready to build on our foundation and add some complications.
In the same way the value of a watch appreciates depending upon the complications, so does the value of an outfit through accessories: jewellery, sunglasses, hats, belts, watches, and scarves.
The less formulaic your approach, the better the results. You don’t want to walk out the door standard issue; think, limited edition. I prefer vintage pieces and digging into designer archives; not only does it distract from an unnecessary high spend elsewhere, but it also repurposes an older item, is kinder to the planet, and makes your look worthy of discussion and dissection. It’s precisely why we stop and stare when we see an Olsen in the wild; it’s that sacred balance of scarcity and style. On that note, you might want to read this post by Thoughts and Wants, it’s excellent.
If you’re coming from a minimalist mindset, you may find additions an inconvenience initially, so ease into it — there’s no right or wrong here. This is your sartorial salad, and you decide how much you want to dress it.
I’m starting with SCARVES because they’re the most obvious accompaniment to any Olsen outfit (their obsession with them dates way back), and they’re easy to incorporate.
YASER SHAW
Renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of traditional artisanal Kashmiri techniques passed down through generations, Yaser Shaw creates some of the most exquisite, intricate, and luxuriously soft shawls I've ever seen. Each piece is unique and takes months to produce through an almost meditative process. The patterns are stunningly complex, airy, delicate, and a pleasure to behold and wear (if you can secure one).
If you’re familiar with his line, you know how challenging it is to find (we discussed this in our chat group). There are limited options online, and purchasing in person is preferable, as colour and detail are lost in images. Unfortunately, there aren't many boutiques that carry the line, and the ones that do are scattered around the globe in inconvenient places—I can’t just hop on a plane to get one (though I’ve considered it more than once).
Over a year ago, I started tracking Yaser’s movements in a creepy stalker kind of way, following every Instagram post and watching for notifications to see if any of his North American tour dates were reasonably close such that I could negotiate a quick visit without the risk of having my husband question my absurd commitment to this quest. You can imagine how exhilarated I was when I discovered I was slated to be in New York City while he was hosting a rare pop-up shop in an apartment just a short walk from my hotel.
My time had finally come! After years of scouring the internet, I was able to see them up close, an experience that was only surpassed by meeting the designer himself. He’s a wonderful person with a calming presence, and it was truly a pleasure to be in his company. I’m looking forward to our next meeting, which might take place in India as his store is conveniently located near relatives.
Note: the New Delhi boutique doesn’t offer the trunk show variety; while there are many beautiful pieces, the exports are the gems.
I had a tough time deciding, but after about an hour of contemplation and trying multiple scarves (including the one above), I came home with this one.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
I bought my first Dries scarf nearly twenty years ago, and it didn’t take long for me to become addicted and turn into an avid collector. They remind me of my East Indian heritage, and while my current aesthetic is minimal, I’m still drawn to ornate, colourful accessories; the older ones were brilliantly embroidered and embellished and the best of them were almost always made in India.
Every year, I add a couple to my treasure trove, and I cherish them even more now that Dries of Dries has stepped down. It’s been a minute (seven years or so) since the brand offered the sought-after sequinned wool scarves, so sourcing them requires consistent dedication to routinely checking consignment sites. I nearly didn’t share this insight because it means the already limited supply of divine vintage pieces will dry up. I’ve contemplated taking some of the ideas I conjured up in the Driesy-Bake-Oven of my mind to an Indian artisan to give life to them (something I’ve done in the past).
The one I’m wearing in the picture above nearly slipped through my clutches. Actually, it DID slip through the first time. I added it to my The Real Real cart, hauled a load of laundry downstairs, and forgot to set a timer. When I returned to my phone, the scarf was sold, and it was baffling because it had been there for a couple of days. Suddenly, someone else decided they wanted it after I’d added it to my cart. Thankfully, it wasn’t for them, and it returned to me…. maybe the buyer didn’t appreciate its weight (physically or otherwise).
LV x SPROUSE
SOLIDS
If you find the Yaser/ Dries variety an overtly busy betterment to your base look, then do yourself a solid: the designers have a plethora of them.
When I was in Paris last year, I was determined to purchase a Charvet scarf and this gorgeous colour called to me.
Interestingly, it appeared in The Row's Fall 2025 presentation just a few months after I purchased mine from Charvet. However, the images featured on Vogue were heavily edited — the actual tones are not as warm as they appear online. Their version leans more towards red, while mine is a mix of persimmon and cayenne.
MORE SOLIDS
Before I could get to Charvet, I sourced a few from other brands and found near-exact matches and while they don’t feel as luxurious, they’re soft, reasonably priced, and serve the purpose.
As the Olsens continue to expand their accessories line, I hope to see them incorporate their more elaborate street-style scarves in their designs in the same way they lent their aesthetic to Spring 2025, and we were served checks and plaids. A few patterns have trickled in, but they aren’t adorned… yet. And yes, I’m a little late with this post as we’re moving into spring now, but, as you know, the Olsens are weather agnostic when it comes to warm accessories, and they’ve usually got one on hand, either in the bag or on the body (summer or winter)… and so too, shall we.
N xo
Loved this- I live in Charleston, SC where it gets really hot and humid- with AC blasting! So scarves are a lovely way to add to the basic tshirt/tank and shorts/skirt uniform of summer.
I love scarves so much and have drawers full of them. My favorites are a range of tie-dyed gauzy cashmere scarves with frayed edges that Tomas Maier did for Bottega Veneta—bought every color! However, I had to stop buying scarves because I live in Los Angeles and rarely can wear them without feeling ridiculous. Still can’t help buying them from local artisans when I travel though.