A great scarf packs a one-two punch: keeping you warm all winter long while adding an extra wallop of color and style. Paired with even the most basic winter coat, you can create a whole wardrobe of different looks by changing your scarf every day. Best of all, they store flat.
Brighten a classic dress coat with a sporty plaid or logo scarf. Dress up your ski parka with a luxe solid. Grab one to warm up a blazer when there’s just a faint chill in the air. Remember the fashion stylist’s old trick that always makes a scarf look great: fold the scarf in half and wrap it around your neck. Tuck the loose ends through the loop formed by the fold and tug to tighten. The scarf will look great while doing double duty keeping your neck warm and framing your face. Here’s a visual for the technique.
Brooks Brothers Cashmere Scarf
On a day when you’re feeling a little colder — or a little bolder — a brightly hued scarf can be just the psychological boost you’ll need when the mercury plummets. Besides being the epitome of comfort and luxury, cashmere yarns just also happen to show off color in brilliant fashion. Dress up a navy puffer jacket with this jolt of sunshine from Brooks Brothers.
Drake’s Crinkle Merino Scarf
A classic tartan has roots deep in Scottish culture, but the original plaids may have originated in ancient China, making their way to Europe with Celtic culture. Find your family’s pattern or go for the brightest version you can find to bring out your inner Rob Roy. Easily paired with a solid, take a risk, pay attention to color and scale, and wear it with a patterned coat to show off your sartorial skills.
The Gap Cozy Pattern Scarf
Not quite ready for plaid’s explosion of color? Try this navy windowpane for a little bit of interest that doesn’t scream for attention. Also, at $30 (less, now that it’s sale season), if you’re the kind of guy who has trouble keeping track of things, this may be a safer option. Best of all, The Gap offers several patterns and colors, so you could keep quite a few on hand without destroying your clothing budget.
Rowing Blazers U.S. Rowing Schoolboy Scarf
An athletic look with its roots deep in prep school traditions, Rowing Blazers has perfected the vintage-style striped scarf. It’s all wool, handmade in England, and designed for the champion U.S. Rowing team. Pre-order this patriotic version now for June delivery and you’ll have it in plenty of time to cheer on the team at the Tokyo Olympics.
Joseph Abboud Beige and Gray Cashmere and Silk Scarf
Combining luxurious cashmere and silk fibers for their softness and lightness, this Joseph Abboud scarf also incorporates subtle pattern-blocking. The Wonder Twin combo not only feel great next to your face, but are also extra-warm to take on whatever nature throws at you.
Sunspel Merino Wool Cable Knit Scarf
Chris Evans’s perfectly distressed sweater from Knives Out made for a last-minute rush on Aran sweaters for the 2019 holiday season. Get the same handsome look with this cable knit scarf from Sunspel in “archive white.” It’s made in England from Merino wool.
The North Face Nuptse Down Scarf
These overstuffed scarves look positively pneumatic, but just like your favorite puffer jacket, they’ll keep you warm on even the chilliest days. This zip-up version from The North Face is made from recycled poly ripstop, is reversible, and is insulated with responsibly sourced goose down. The zipper helps keep it in place and it even includes side-seam pockets to stash small essentials.
Turtle Fur Pipe Dream Fleece-Lined Neck Warmer
Having a scarf draped around your neck just isn’t your thing, but you know you’ll want protection from the elements? Grab one of these handy neck warmers for the added (but removable) comfort equivalent of a thick, cozy turtleneck. A perfect alternative for active sports, this gaiter from Turtle Fur can be scrunched down around your neck or pulled up over the chin and cheeks when things get especially fierce.
Fanatics Retro Reversible Scarf
Depending on who you’re rooting for — NFL, NHL, Gucci, or Chanel — a patterned scarf with your favorite sports team, designer (or corporate?) logo can really brighten up your day and provide an Instagrammable bonding moment with fellow fans. This handsome Seattle Seahawks retro design is so awesome, even an L.A. Rams fan might like it!
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- The 16 Best Men’s Cardigans in Fall 2020
