Scarves are the unsung heroes of our wardrobes. Not only do they keep us cozy, but learning how to style a scarf can help you tie a great look together with one quick wrap.
Craving a dose of color? Consider a scarf. A bit of texture? Definitely a scarf. A pop of polish? Have you met our friend, the scarf?
Of course, there are nearly endless types of scarves, and each has different outfitting strengths. With winter on the horizon, we’re breaking down the benefits of a few of our favorites.
How to: Style a Scarf This Season
by Monica Weymouth
Seven scarf styles. Endless outfit possibilities.
Why We Love It:
First on our list is a timeless cashmere scarf. Wonderfully warm and famously soft, this versatile staple makes every outfit feel more luxurious – whether you're leaving the house or not. Some are oversized, others infinity-style, but this season, we’re loving playful twists on the classic, such as bright yarns and pommed trim.
How to Style It:
You can wear it under your go-to bomber and combat boots. Or, try it over a cocktail dress as a chic date-night accessory. You can even wear it with leggings and a tee while you're out running errands. When it comes to cashmere scarves, you can’t go wrong.
Why We Love It:
When you want to add a double dose of texture, grab a fringed scarf. Whether subtly frayed or full-on fringed, the embellishment adds a wintry wink to any ensemble. The best part about this seasonal must-have, though, is how many different fabrics you can find it in – from silk to cashmere to wool. Let the weather decide which one you reach for!
How to Style It:
Picture your beloved flannel and jeans, or a casual sweater dress and knee-high boots. We recommend a lightweight version for wearing around the house and a fine wool or cashmere one for long road trips and fun outdoor activities.
Why We Love It:
Have you met the puffer scarf? A mash-up of two winter essentials – the puffer coat and scarf – it’s the perfect accessory for the season’s most blustery days. And yes, just like your puffer jacket, it'll keep you extra toasty. We especially love this sporty style in an unexpectedly feminine print, like polka dots or florals.
How to Style It:
Puffer scarves can lend additional warmth (and a pop of color) to a classic leather jacket on girls' night or a tailored blazer at the office, virtual or not. For longer outdoor excursions, we recommend wearing one over a light wool coat to stay polished without overheating.
Why We Love It:
The bandana is a tried-and-true charmer. At once retro and fresh, it can transform basic looks into brilliant ones. You've probably seen it a lot this summer, but expect to see (and wear!) it in even more prints and textures from fall through winter.
How to Style It:
We love wearing a classic floral bandana with a striped sweater for a fun print-mixing moment. Even outfits as basic as jeans and a tee are instantly elevated by a colorful bandana. Come spring, wear your bandana as a hair scarf or statement bracelet!
Why We Love It:
Are wraps technically scarves? Debatable. But are they outfitting all-stars? Definitely. The winter equivalent of a kimono, a wrap effortlessly warms up just about any look. We like to think of them as the classic cardigan's cousin, but with a little extra punch.
How to Style It:
Unlike more traditional scarves, they’re easy to wear with your collection of turtlenecks. You can also sub one in for a jacket when you’re feeling next-level cozy. Or better yet, wear it under your jacket on particularly chilly days. Not planning on venturing out? Use your wrap as a blanket!
Why We Love It:
The plaid scarf is an undisputed winter classic, and for good reason. We’re especially loving this season’s colorful, happy plaids, whether rendered in a rainbow of pastels or bright, lively shades. But just because they're bolder than ever doesn't mean you can't put together mixed-print looks or sport head-to-toe color.
How to Style It:
We know you've got one for every day of the week, so layer a plaid scarf over a pullover and you’re just a cup of cocoa away from the ski lodge. And like a cashmere scarf, plaid scarves look great with just about anything – so leave one near the front door to grab for last-minute trips.
Why We Love It: