When I initially had the idea for this column, I thought it would be cold outside by now. So please, work with me here.

If it’s 50 degrees out, the last thing you want to wear is a woolly scarf. But that doesn’t mean you can’t shop for one. During a recent visit to T.J. Maxx ‘n More, it looked like a tornado had hit the scarf display, despite the fact that clerks kept trying to straighten things up. When I visited the Gap on Saturday, there were tons of scarves. When I returned Tuesday, the supply had been depleted. Clearly, shoppers have been scarfing them up.

If you want the best selection, you should hurry – the competition is neck and neck (OK, I’ll stop now). But seriously, everyone loves scarves. They keep you warm, they’re highly stylish, and they make a perfect holiday gift. You don’t even need to worry about whether or not they will fit.

As usual with accessories, there are more options for women than for men, but I found a few great men’s scarves at the Gap, including the green-trimmed, cream-colored wool “Trucker” scarf (whatever that means) on sale for $9.99. Marden’s had a few soft Eddie Bauer scarves, in stripes and heathered wool, for about $15 apiece.

Women should have no problem finding what they like in any price range. I decided to leave my wallet in the car when I started searching, and it’s a good thing. At The Grasshopper Shop, a silk velvet scarf decorated with stylized shoe designs stole my heart, but its price tag did not. It was the exception, not the rule, though. Grasshopper had a wide variety of scarves, starting under $20, in stripes, vibrant velvets, warm chenille and wool.

Every year, Ampersand in Orono has a wonderful selection of scarves, from filmy “indoor” styles to fluffy fleece. This season, even the fleece scarves at Ampersand have a hint of glitter to them, so you can feel dressy even in your ski coat. For a more elegant look, I found jewel-toned, shiny velvets and fluffy “poodle” knits, as well.

At T.J. Maxx ‘n More, you can find something for everyone. For the glamour puss on your list, check out T.J.’s affordable (around $50) cashmere scarves. My favorite, however, is the marled wool-blend knit scarf in pale green for $19.99. It’s the perfect length – you can wrap it around your neck once or twice and not have to worry about the ends peeking out from under your jacket.

If you’re looking for bright and fun, go to the Gap, where you can find the cutest acrylic scarves in candy-stripe colors, including the bubble-gum pink scarf for $28, or the bedazzling sequined wool block scarf for $38 (worth every penny, if you ask me).

Don’t be afraid to go a little wild with your scarf, especially if everything you own is black. It’s a fun, easy way to let a little color into your life, and we all could use a little color this time of year – especially in the middle of this endless mud season.

Dear ShopGirl,

Every weekend, it’s the same thing. Go to the mall and everyone, male and female alike, is wearing the same uniform: T-shirt, jeans and sneakers.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether one is buying a chain saw or a prom dress; everyone looks the same. The uniform changes seasonally only with the addition of a down parka and L.L. Bean boots in winter.

By the way, the same trendy look shows up at church weddings and gala openings at Maine Center for the Arts.

But it’s the mall thing that gets me, especially when one sees sophisticated shoppers in other venues. We seem so boring in comparison.

Is it just me or does it make sense to wear the appropriate outerwear and underpinnings when one is about to try on a slinky Valerie Stevens cashmere sweater set and matching skirt?

– Ennui in Bangor

Dear Ennui,

Tell me how you really feel.

I guess I care less about the mall and more about the weddings and gala openings. And while I’m at it, and at the risk of sounding like my mother, jeans are not appropriate attire at fine-dining establishments.

I wear jeans almost all the time when I’m not working and I don’t begrudge people for wearing them while shopping. It’s the wind pants and sweat suits that get me. I mean, some of us consider shopping a sport, but come on.

Bangor is not Boston and it’s not Montreal, and it’s not exactly the fashion capital of the East Coast, so to compare the shopping scene here with the shopping scene in more metropolitan areas is like comparing Wal-Mart to Barney’s (that’s apples to oranges for all you shopping novices). They’re not even in the same category.

But it does make sense to look your best while trying on something special. It’s hard to look good in anything, cashmere or no, if you just rolled out of bed, threw on a pair of frayed cotton underwear, wrinkly overalls and beat-up sneakers.

I can’t dictate what people wear. In fact, I kind of like the fact that I don’t have to dress up to shop around here. But that’s no excuse not to look tidy. Do your fellow shoppers a favor. Lead by example. And by all means, buy that sweater set. It’ll look great on your next mall trip.

Got questions? ShopGirl’s got answers. Send inquiries, comments, or suggestions to: Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04401-1329, or e-mail kandresen@bangordailynews.net.