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The best scarves are as practical as accessories get. They keep you warm against the harsh winter gusts, while also adding a stylish pop of color or texture to enhance an outfit. “Scarves are the perfect vehicle for your creativity to shine this time of year,”agrees Free People stylist Julie Parladé. “Whether wrapping it around the head or neck, or using it as a blanket, a scarf is an extension of your outfit and a complement to your personality." Fur Vest Coat
Choosing the best scarf isn’t just a matter of selecting a color and length that fits your aesthetic. Materials are paramount. "As it is in contact with your neck, where the skin is the most delicate, you want to go for natural material (pure or blend with a majority of natural materials), such as wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk, cotton," recommends IRO fashion accessories director Isabelle Soulié says. "These natural materials are an ideal way to regulate heat–silk or wool can never get you too warm like polyester would."
Another shopping point to keep in mind: how often you’ll wear your scarf. "The mark of a good scarf is its timeless wearability and versatility," adds Ohad Seroya, creative director of Retrofête and SER.O.YA. "You want something that will last from season to season, while also holding up against the always-changing trends."
Ready to find a winter extension of your personal style that can also stand up to the forecast? Ahead, the 18 best scarves of the season await.
For a classic cashmere scarf, no one does it quite like Theory. The brand's soft feel and fringed edges are pure quality.
Pendleton defies traditional wool standards to deliver a scarf that's both lightweight and warm. The signature 1923 Harding jacquard pattern contrasts nicely against the black backdrop.
Iro takes winter whites seriously, with a cozy wool-blend scarf that exudes luxury. "Iro's scarves are designed to be oversized (both in volume and in length) as a soft armor to enter winter," Soulié explains. "Also, our big dimensions allow you to transform your scarf into this trending hoodie-scarf look." This scarf proves exactly that.
Beloved for its accessibly-priced cashmere, you can rest assured that Nadaam's scarf lives up to the hype. The ribbed cashmere texturizes any look.
Brighten up the season with a vibrant red scarf. Simkhai's line of cotton cashmere keeps you toasty without overheating, so you can even keep it on while sitting at your desk.
The stripe and cable-knit combo bring just a little bit of prep to this cream scarf. With a pair of snow boots and a parka, you're all set for aprés ski.
Max Mara’s Teddy scarf is exactly what every single winter party outfit needs. Why not add one of the label's iconic coats while you're at it?
The highlights of this Sandro scarf? The pop of purple against the neutral plaid, and the wintry fringe along the hem.
Loewe has outdone itself with this scarf that turns its anagram logo into an all-over print. The silk, wool, and cashmere blend also makes it lovely for lighter temperatures.
Canada Goose, master of cold weather, steps in with a super soft style. There’s nothing this scarf can’t handle.
Winter Barbie, anyone? Bubblegum pink gives this cashmere ribbed knit scarf a playful energy.
We love Free People for its chunky, oversized styles, much like this one. “While starting to bundle up, layer that scarf as the cherry on top of a tonal look, or forgo the jewels and wrap smaller scarves around the neck,” Parladé recommends.
The monochromatic logo adds just the right amount of branding to this easy style. So subtle, Saint Laurent.
On designing this piece, Seroya says, “We’re loving chunky, oversized fabrications like [this] soft wool-blend bouclé. Our scarves give an edginess to your look, while also keeping you super cozy. We wanted to design something you can style for a night out, but also wear with a chic airport fit.”
Falconeri’s accessories are an absolute necessity for winterwear. Available in 10 cashmere colors, these scarves can pair with anything. We are especially loving the navy: rich and luxuriant for the transitioning between seasons.
When you wear this, everyone knows what’s up. Acne’s oversized mohair style is a fashion insider’s classic, down to the logo patch.
For a designer style that's a worthy investment, spring for Celine's ribbed cashmere scarf. The house's iconic logo makes a small appearance near the hem for a branded touch.
Go big with Dior's oversized scarf. The light neutral color-blocking ensures that this style will match all outfits, so that you can wear it through (almost) every season.
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Gaby Keiderling is a New York based writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's 'Get Ready with Me' franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog Sneakers.
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