11 Winter Scarves That’ll Punch Up Your Outerwear

By Pamela Edwards Christiani ·Updated October 23, 2021

Sometimes we forget that something so functional, like a winter scarf, can be incredibly fashionable.

You could have on the warmest of coats, but if your neck, ears, and nose are exposed to frigid air or bitter wind––a warm, substantive scarf will erase that awful chill. And covering up your nose and mouth can also create an insulating pocket of warm air, which is so much more comfortable than breathing in icy air. Although not as safe as a protective face mask, a bundle of fabric across your nose and mouth can prevent some airborne viral droplets from breaking though. If your medical grade mask is underneath, then your scarf could function as your second covering, double masking! You get it. That’s enough about function and preventing viruses.

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As for the fashion, scarves can easily pump up the volume oftarget="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="serious street-style (opens in a new tab)">serious street-style. Bottom line, from puffer pull-throughs to Scottish plaid blanket-scarves to ankle-length chunky knits and ribbed technicolor cashmere, scarf choices this season are endless.

01MIGHTY BRIGHT MOHAIRThis gorgeous mohair-blend scarf is woven with broad, eye-catching stripes and off-white fringe. Bold and lengthy (73”L x 9.1”W), the artistic effect is immediate. LOEWE Fringed Stripe Mohair Blend Scarf in Pink

available at Net-A-Porter $270 BUY NOW 02PERFECTLY PUFFYThis brand says, “puffer scarves are the baby duvets your neck needs,” and we couldn’t agree more. The recycled nylon shell is filled with 100% humanitarian down. One reviewer adds, “I love it. It’s warm and silky and doubles as a pillow on road trips.”Marine Layer ML x LF Zermatt Scarf.

available at Marine Layer $40 BUY NOW 03RUNWAY VIBESA super long knitted scarf is naturally bold yet also subtle, if it’s a neutral like black. The chunky wrap gives instant runway vibes, just be careful not to trip!100% polyester. Ted Baker London BEX Dasher Scarf with Pocket Detail in Black.

available at Ted Baker London $120 BUY NOW 04FAB FRINGEThis mid-weight polyester-blend fringed scarf has a soft brushed fabric and natural stretch. French Connection Chunky Scarf in Rust.

available at The Iconic $29.95 BUY NOW 05DOUBLE DUTYEnjoy the snuggly comfort of this shearling-like material, made from recycled polyester, with an organic cotton lining. The slip-through slit scarf has an attached hoodie, which makes it easy to warm up your upper body in a snap. COS Teddy Scarf in Cream.

available at COS $99 BUY NOW 06VIBRANT AND GOODYou’ll love this soft, non-scratchy acrylic scarf, sustainably created through Verloop’s creative reuse of deadstock materials. It’s 76” in length and 14” wide, long enough to wrap around the neck twice. Verloop Checkerboard Stripe Scarf.

available at MoMA Design Store $70 BUY NOW 07TRADITION AND SUSTAINABILITYThis Scottish brand unites gorgeous natural fibers and traditional (tartan, gingham, tartan, herringbone) design with a modern sustainable mission––to leave a positive impact on the planet. Made of pure lambswool (naturally insulating, breathable and hypoallergenic), this sizeable scarf (30”x 79”) beautifully adds warm color to any solid neutral. The Tartan Blanket Co. Lambswool Blanket Scarf in Buchanan Autumn Tartan.

available at The Tartan Blanket Co. $110 BUY NOW 08NECK SNUGGLERGet cozy in this striped, faux fur pull-through scarf. It sits nicely over a collarless coat, wrap or sweater. 100% polyester. Echo New York Stripe Faux Fur Pull-Through Scarf in Oatmeal.

available at Echo New York $69 BUY NOW 09COZY CLASSICIt’s lightweight, super soft and made of 100% recycled wool. The length allows you to rock it in many ways, (78”L x 28.5”W). Rag & Bone Addison Recycled Wool Scarf in Bronze.

available at BUY NOW 10SCOTTISH GEMThis Scottish brand continues to create beautifully crafted knits (two hundred plus years of expertise in textile manufacturing). 100% cashmere.Johnstons of Elgin Ribbed Cashmere Scarf in Turquoise.

available at Johnstons of Elgin $160 BUY NOW 11TIP-TOP TARTANSnuggle up in this fringed 100% cashmere piece. The primary colors work with just about anything. C by Bloomingdales Cashmere Scarf in Multi.