Why a scarf will be this season’s must-have accessory
A few years ago, it didn’t feel like an outfit was complete without a scarf. Maybe it was the “French style” influence, but scarves of all shapes, sizes and colors were everywhere. The past couple of years though, scarves have felt like an afterthought, and the selection has been less plentiful.
Above: scarf | sweater (similar) | jeans | boots (similar)
But with restrictions on indoor dining in many locales and the possibility that heated (or not) patios may be our best option for socializing, I’m thinking that many of us will be rediscovering the joys of a warm and cozy scarf. And scarves are a great way to add color, pattern, and interest when most of our outfit is hidden beneath outerwear.
Cashmere, wool, and blends
Cashmere is my favorite material for scarves, because it’s usually soft, and provides a lot of warmth with less weight and bulk. I just ordered this scarf in the Cinnamon color, but the Winter Teal (shown here) is really nice too.
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic plaid or check pattern. The lavender color on this 100% cashmere wrap is fun and different.
If you prefer something more understated, this neutral houndstooth check scarf is classic and timeless. And it’s 20% off for a limited time.
This waffle knit scarf is made from recycled cashmere and is offered in four colors. (Matching sweater here.)
This oversized cashmere wrap can be worn either around the neck or draped over the shoulders. When we can start traveling again, this would be a perfect in-flight companion. Several colors available, but I know many of you love this dark Pine Forest green.
Such fun colors in this 100% Merino wool plaid scarf!
I’ve owned a couple of these “tissue weight” wool and cashmere blend scarves and was quite pleased with them. I hope more colors become available, as I’d love to replace them with colors in my palette.
This classic leopard print scarf is a cashmere-silk blend, so should be soft and lightweight. I’m really tempted with it being 20% off… (also available in Navy and Black/White.
Wool-free scarves
But yes, I know some of you are sensitive to animal fibers, and I’m on the lookout for options that are wool-free but more environmentally friendly than many common synthetics. This leopard-print scarf with eyelash trim is modal, which is made from beech tree fibers.
This cozy boucle scarf is made from organic cotton, and is offered in both Honey (shown) and Black.
And scarves make great gifts, in case you’re starting to put your holiday gift list together… 😉
The Scarf Shop is open…
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Even pre pandemic, large scarfs were an integral part of my style for all the reasons listed, one never knew what the temperature was going to be, and i hate to be cold.
I have always loved a scarf and my collection seems to grow each year. Color near the face can be so flattering. Eating outside (I am not ready yet to move inside,) makes a scarf a necessity and I find ponchos are really useful too, adding warmth and flair.
Here in the NJ, our outside dining days might be numbered, so scarves, wraps and ponchos might stretch the Al Fresco season a bit. I don’t really want to eat in a coat!
I am always cold so am usually wrapped in a scarf of some sort. I quite like the large ones, but for dining, I find them problematic. Either they become a bib (which is a potential laundry issue) or I have to undo them and thereby lose some of the warming capabilities. So, mostly I stick with ones I can do up close to my neck.
I have a love/hate relationship with scarves. I have a short neck and my chin is not well defined. Therefore, I don’t think scarves are flattering on me.
I do love scarves and have an extensive collection of them. I usually search for Christmas gifts that match the personality or colouring of the person as an added touch. I have just recently put away the summer weight ones and hung all the appropriate winter ones on velvet hangars to see exactly what I have and that makes quite a difference. I do expect to wear them each time I leave the house in the cooler weather and it is a fun addition of personality when everything else is covered up. You have some gorgeous examples to peruse, and I do have a hard time saying no to a scarf.
I hang scarves on those multi-tiered hangers that are intended for multiple pairs of pants. Each scarf is clearly visible, but the closet space needed is minimal. My scarf collection is large, and I organize by color, putting unseasonal items away in my second closet.
The Eileen Fisher waffle scarf and sweater are unique and current, but both links go to the scarf.
Thanks, I’ve updated it. Here’s the correct link for the sweater: https://bit.ly/3ou6CXJ
Thanks for always thinking of those of us who are allergic to wool. Much appreciated Susan!!
I like scarves on other people but find the large scarves unflattering and uncomfortable on me. I’m petite and a minimalist. I have cut a couple of them down and wear them occasionally. For really cold winter walks I wear one of course but I’m hardly dressed fashionably in winter boots, a warm hat, etc.
I love scarves and wear them as often as possible here in Southern California. I am saving up for a silk scarf from Castanohel.
I really love wearing scarves, not so much for warmth as for color. Scarves allow me to wear my favorite color — black — and change it up, depending on my mood and circumstance. Thanks so much for calling our attention to the gorgeous J Crew cashmere wrap, which I promptly ordered (via your link). Yay!
I don’t do anything but fold a large 35 in square on the bias and place it around my neck and under the front of my jacket like Susan Street. That extra layer of warmth on the neck feels good and adds great color in the winter when things are a little drab. Silk or cashmere is my choice depending on how cold it is which is not very here on the coast.
I love Nordstrom’s tissue weight scarves – warmth and style without bulk. One of my saddest moments was watching one blow away in a high wind, never to be retrieved.
This made me smile in sympathy. I just love the image….
Thanks for the wool-free options.
Scarves are ample every winter here. As for eating outdoors, patios closed when the snow flew and the wind chill kicked in to a most unpleasant -25C. Done until next year, I’m afraid. And now we’ve learned that winter accessories must be laundered between uses due to Covid soaring out of control, so only easy-care options for now. Are we having fun yet? 😉
Susan, perhaps you can offer some advice to my dilemma. I love the classy look of scarves and how they can really make an outfit but I’ve never felt the look was a good one for me. I’m petite with a somewhat short neck and large breasts and I always try to buy v-neck tops to elongate my neck. I do wear a winter scarf for warmth when the weather requires it (which isn’t often here in the south). Would love to be able to wear a scarf as an accessory throughout the year. I hope you have some suggestions for me. Thank you!
An alternative to the scarf is the mask alternative gaiter. I find them more easily manageable than long scarves under heavy winter coats that have a lot of collar and zip detail on the neck. I don’t use them instead of a mask but in addition to and this year they are everywhere in all colors, prints and fabrics. Easy to pull up for warmth but then can be scrunched down out of the way. And, they are a quick simple knitting project and make great handmade gifts.
I can’t imagine a wardrobe without scarves, my collection keeps growing. I started buying them as souvenirs when I travel and love the memories they invoke. There are a few in this post that are very tempting. That lavender plaid is scrumptious.