Warm & cozy
Scarves add versatility, style to fall outfits
Well, it’s back. The big chill has moved into town without much warning, and it demands we bundle up without further ado. And the most versatile way to do that — scarves.
Sure, we need our coats and gloves, too, but a couple of pretty or cool (or pretty cool) scarves can change an entire winter outfit — all you need to do is focus on a few that match or complement your one or two main coats, and everything else will fall into place.
So let’s start with some neutrals — the kind that go with everything, but still manage to have some character of their own. The Flannel Blanket Scarf ($15-$10 at oldnavy.com) is a flowy, raw-edged fringey piece that wraps beautifully around most any jacket or coat — dressy or casual — and is just as happy adding another layer to a loose sweater or poncho on less-cold days. For true neutrality, go for a version in cream plaid (so fetching!), the black plaid for graphic contrast or hit a bright note that is the perfect foil for any other bright coat — a la purple plaid, yellow plaid or red/white plaid.
For something you’ll want to wear not just when you’re outdoors but also with a gorgeous dress when you’re lounging around inside, toss on the North Face Cowl Scarf ($39.95 at back country.com). The chunky knit infinity creation comes in colors like fig mixed with galaxy purple, which looks terrific with outfits of both like and opposite hues. Along the same lines but in an even larger knit and brighter colors (35 of them, to be exact) that’s yet more statement-making, there’s the Chunky Knit Infinity Scarf ($28 on etsy.com).
And then there’s the traditional route — patterned and solid, monogrammed numbers that look great with every style of coat, from trenches and peacoats to capes and even velvet Edwardian buttondowns. There’s a slew of styles out there at the moment, much of it on preseason sale, from funky to preppy — and sometimes funky-meets-preppy, like the Women’s Stripe Fair Isle Scarf (currently marked down to $34.97 at landsend.com). Or skip the pattern and go for brightly colored personalization, with brilliantly colored bright garnet knits like the Women’s Cashmere Cable Scarf (on sale for $104.30 at lands end.com) in supersoft cashmere. For a couple of extra bucks, you can have your initials stitched into it — just one more way to make your winter outfit your very own.