Whether being used for their obvious purpose, to add a pop of color to your outfit, or even to cover a hickie, scarves are one accessory that can help you stylishly transition your wardrobe from season to season. I’m sure you’re well aware winter is quickly becoming “so last season” despite our current need to bundle up. Unlike arriving fashionably late, donning styles that are fashionably early (linen in winter, etc.) is a definite fashion faux pas. So when you’re forced to buy those breezy spring knits and you’re not fortunate enough to reside in sunny San Diego, add a scarf to the mix to ease the change of season. You’ll look weather-appropriate and fashionable.

Just like clothes and handbags, scarves come in all shapes, sizes and fabrics that give you very different looks. They range from the long wool warmth-givers (called Oblongs) of Urban Outfitters to the silk square status-setters (called Folliards) of Hermes. Depending on how scarves are worn, they can add sophistication, glamour or edge to your appearance. If you’re the claustrophobic type and wearing a scarf around the neck gives you the feeling of being in a chokehold, opt for a small silk scarf. They look just as chic tied on a handbag, around the wrist, at the waist or in your hair (just avoid tying it around your ponytail; we don’t want you looking like Sandy from “Grease”).

Be an SMU trendsetter: check out the prayer scarves by Sir Alistair Rai at siralistairrai.com, which have henna-like patterns and embroidered words like “Peace,” “Love,” and “Karma.” For all you celeb-style stalkers these are a must; they’ve been seen on the likes of Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba.

If done right, a scarf can give you that extra something, the icing on the cake you can slip on right before you walk out the door. And if you have layered hair like me, tuck the longer pieces into the scarf and voila – you’ve got “Posh” hair in the blink of an eye. Even try it around your shoulders! So what if you’re more covered up? Scarves are sexy.