ST. LOUIS – Free-flowing, yet with an air of savoir-faire and confidence, scarves have become indispensable, must-have accessories that add just the right pop, color and accent to daily dressing.

Their aura moves from whimsical to serene and defines personalities, known or not. And they’re priced to meet practically every woman’s budget.

“People are recycling their wardrobe by adding interesting accessories,” says Marty London, owner of The Finery boutique in St. Louis.

“In terms of design, we’re seeing things we never used to see, like knitted-fur scarves, scarves trimmed in fur and burned-out velvet scarves,” adds London, who also houses Dicker & Dicker fur products in her tony shop.

In many ways, she and others say, scarves are budget stretchers. Prices range from a few bucks for a polyester or acrylic neckerchief to hundreds of dollars for longer, luxurious, fur-fringed scarves. Most, however, cost between $30 and $100.

Versatility also ranks high.

“Scarves are a wonderful way to update your wardrobe, no matter the lifestyle and profession,” says

Doreen Salerno, brand manager for Adrienne Vittadini, which prides itself on keeping numerous lightweight silk, cashmere blends and silk charmeuse scarves on the shelves. She says scarves are “timeless and seasonless.”

The latest trend? “We’re seeing a re-emergence of large squares, but oblong scarves have been a steadfast favorite, too,” notes Salerno.

But the true draw to the accessory remains the same: the experience of enveloping oneself in beautifully imaginative design and color.

“I believe that when a lot of women can do something a little extra, like putting on a fabulous piece of jewelry or a really wonderful impressive scarf, it gives them an edge,” notes A.J. Brewington, owner of Geronimo’s Cadillac in St. Louis.

It’s a fashionable edge with lots of style and sophistication.

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