SCARVES are normally seen as something to throw around one's neck to add some colour in summer or keep the cold out in winter but with a bit of imagination they can be much more.
Pascale Mussard of Hermes says there are at least 100 ways to tie a scarf. ''All you need to do is to stand in front of a mirror and experiment.'' She said the beauty of scarves was that they could be adapted to serve as almost any item of clothing. ''It's saved me more than once when I've forgotten to bring a skirt, or top when I'm travelling,'' says Ms Mussard who travels extensively in her job.
To make a skirt, for example, you need two scarves - a 90-centimetre square is ideal. Fold each scarf in half and tie them around your waist, one over the other. Knotted at opposite ends they will form a snug mini skirt. For a longer skirt, adjust the fold or use a larger scarf.
One novel way to make a top is to pinch a section about eight inches from the top hem of the scarf and tie it into a small knot. Then tie the two top corners of the scarf around your neck and the bottom ones round your waist for a nifty halter top.
For a shoulder bag (see picture), tie the corners of the scarf securely together and slip your hands through the loop. A waist pouch can be made by folding a scarf diagonally in a five or six-inch band; then tie two knots, a few inches apart, to create a pocket and wear it as a belt.
You can use two scarves as braces - just fold each scarf to the required width and secure to the belt loops on your jeans.