INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The weather inside

What better accessory in the long bitter watches of the winter nightlife than scarves? They’re not just for warmth or declaring your Hogwart’s house allegiance anymore; now they’re a fashion statement. You’ll see people wearing them outdoors and in, with or without jackets.

Gretchen Hale’s red and black scarf was made for a friend by his mom many years ago. “I adopted it and I’ve had it ever since. I wear it with everything and it doesn’t match with anything! But by golly, I’m warm,” Hale said. “People say it reminds them of Bert and Ernie. Or a coral snake.”

Jennie Nye’s scarf accomplishes the hat trick of being utilitarian, attention-grabbing and cheap ($14.99 at Target). “I really like the thickness and the fringes. It’s really warm and it’s got this retro feel,” Nye said. “It really is becoming a trend to wear them, especially long scarves.”

And scarves have a certain sentimental value, whether you got it on a big shopping spree at Nordstrom’s, your honey-bunny bought it for you for $10 at a tiny store in 1992 or your mom spent long hours knitting it when you were in first grade. Don’t feel conspicuous or embarrassed, like you’re all bundled up for school again; it’s snow time! Even (or especially) if you have to slog through icy patches or push your car out of ditches, at least take the chance to feel young again in your own way.