Choose a Handwoven Luxury Scarf, Snood or Shawl by Colour
Colour is almost always the starting point when choosing a handwoven scarf, snood or shawl. Whether you’re looking for something to complement an outfit you already love, searching for a colour that reflects your personality, or trying to find the perfect gift for someone else, browsing by colour is the most intuitive way to find the right piece.
Every item in Emma Baker’s collection is handwoven by hand in Salisbury, Wiltshire, using luxury yarns including merino wool and cotton. The colours are chosen and combined with care. No two pieces are ever identical, which means each colour you find here exists in a genuinely one-of-a-kind form.
I have written more about the weaving of colours in a blog article which can be read by clicking here.
How to choose the right colour for a handwoven scarf or snood
Choosing the right colour comes down to a few simple questions. First, what colours do you already wear most? A handwoven scarf or snood works best when it coordinates with at least two or three pieces already in your wardrobe - so think about your most-worn coats, jumpers and jackets before you choose.
Second, consider the season. In Emma’s experience, people naturally gravitate toward richer, deeper colours in autumn and winter - burgundy, navy, forest green, plum - and lighter, more uplifting shades in spring and summer - aqua, blush, sage, yellow. That said, classic colours like navy, grey and multicoloured pieces work beautifully all year round.
Third, think about what the piece will be used for. An everyday scarf benefits from a versatile neutral or classic colourway. A gift or special occasion piece is often where people are bolder - choosing a vibrant colour that the recipient might not buy for themselves.
Finally, consider skin tone. Warm skin tones tend to be flattered by earthy shades - rust, gold, olive, terracotta and warm reds. Cooler skin tones often suit jewel tones - sapphire blue, emerald, berry pink and plum. Neutral skin tones are lucky - almost any colour works well.
What colour handwoven scarf goes with everything?
Navy, grey and neutral multicoloured pieces are the most versatile choices. They complement a wide range of wardrobe colours and work across all seasons. If you’re buying for someone else and aren’t sure of their preferences, these are the safest options.
What colours are most popular for handwoven scarves?
In Emma’s experience, blue, pink, green and purple are consistently popular - as are navy and multicoloured pieces. Seasonal colours like red and orange see a peak in autumn and winter, while yellow, aqua and sage are particularly popular in spring and summer.
What colours suit a warm skin tone?
Warm skin tones are generally flattered by earthy, golden shades: rust, terracotta, olive, warm yellow, camel and burnt orange. Rich reds and warm purples also tend to work well.
What colours suit a cool skin tone?
Cool skin tones tend to suit jewel tones: sapphire blue, emerald green, berry pink, plum and cool reds. Icy pastels - pale blue, lavender, soft mint - can also be very flattering.
Are there different colours available in merino wool and cotton?
Yes. Emma works with both merino wool and cotton yarns, and the colour range varies across the two. The merino collection tends toward classic and rich colourways particularly suited to autumn and winter. The cotton collection features lighter, brighter and more summery colours as well as year-round neutrals.
What colours are good for a handwoven scarf in winter?
Rich, deep colours work beautifully in winter: navy, forest green, burgundy, plum, deep teal, charcoal grey and warm reds. These colours pair naturally with winter coats and knitwear and give a sense of warmth and depth.
What colours are good for a handwoven scarf in summer?
Lighter, more uplifting shades work well in warmer months: aqua, sky blue, blush pink, sage green, soft yellow and warm orange. Cotton scarves and snoods in these colours are a practical warm-weather accessory as well as a stylish one.