{Editor’s Note: Welcome back, Kate! Today, it’s all about scarves…which, I swear, totally work for summer! Trust her.}

Lightly woven scarves are my summer transition piece and perpetual security blanket. As a cool evening breeze blows in, or for the odd overcast day, the last thing I want to be doing is sacrificing the bright bold hues of summer just on account of the weather! While light and bold options are a dime a dozen this year, one of my favourite finds is without a doubt this particular option from Tory Burch.

Combination Print Scarf, Tory Burch, $109

100% perfect-for-summer linen, an oblong rectangular shape, and a most interesting combination of lime-toned yellow-green, saturated orange, and a panel of magenta and bright pink…sign me up! When I first came across this scarf I was actually looking at another option, and this was just off to the side in the same display tray. The intriguing colours (and that on-trend chartreuse) were what clearly first caught my eye. This perfectly treads the line between bright and muted – the hues are summery, and yet I already know they’ll be equally at home in the fall with a leather jacket and boots.

When I first saw this scarf I thought “gauzy bright tank, black skirt, denim jacket”. But once I started sorting through my wardrobe, a totally different outfit spoke to me. For the foundations, I’d go the way of a black t-shirt, bright blazer (I’d go for green, but a bright pink would also work well), and your favourite skinny jeans. The best way to handle this scarf is to pull colours that are either in or reminiscent of those found in the scarf, then anchor it with dark staple pieces.

Favorite Scoop-Neck Tee, Eddie Bauer, $15 / Dark Rinse Always Skinny Jeans, Gap, $25 / Festival Blazer, J.Crew, $175

As an aside, if you’re looking to use the scarf to combat corporate air conditioning, just swap the jeans for black cigarette pants and you’re set.

Keeping in mind that the scarf may or may not be something that you wear consistently throughout the day, the additional details for for this outfit need to be able to hold their own. I love a long necklace and chunky stud earrings with a scarf, no matter the occasion. That being said, mid-length earrings and a stack of hammered bangles could also do the trick. Coordinating brightly coloured ballet flats are a must in my books (orange being my tone of choice), alongside a classic cognac bucket bag.

Crystal Necklace, Club Monaco, $70 / Crown Wax Seal Earrings, Pyrrha, $226 / Volcano Tumbled Leather Reva, Tory Burch, $195 / Classic Leather Duffle, Coach, $398

As bright and bold as this scarf is, it can really play the part of inspiring neutral in a summer wardrobe. Use it to guide the colour choices in your outfit, or just throw it on as you’re walking out the door so that you know you’ve hit the right accessories balance in your outfit. It’s all in the details! ~Kate