For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
Even if you’re not Lenny Kravitz, you should probably own at least one scarf. Not to mention, a really warm one for cold-weather season. Despite having less square footage to play with, you can go big — like an extremely oversize blanket — or subdued, as though you casually winter in the Scottish Highlands. Some even like skinny scarves per early-2000s Lorelei Gilmore, but I think we can all agree those are mostly for style. (I was never sure how she stayed warm.)
However, don’t underestimate the power of a staple scarf. You can really show off your personality with one — wear yours with a coordinating sweater and winter hat for a playful look or with a classic wool coat to even make your ten-minute bodega run a sophisticated one.
Below, we rounded up some of our best scarf options, even featuring an oversize fringed knit one that almost rivals Lenny’s — almost.
So, you’re looking for the best scarves for winter?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
Our Top Picks
If you need an essential everyday scarf
Materials: Cotton, viscose | Colors: 42
Black is a classic winter color, but this fan favorite (it has more than 2,200 five-star ratings!) also comes in 32 colors. It’s big enough to double as a small blanket, so you can snuggle under it on plane rides.
If you live in your UGGs
Materials: Polyester | Colors: 2
Accessorize your go-to slippers with an equally plush fleece UGG scarf. The fabric will keep icy winds out, while the neutral camel hue will go with almost any winter ensemble.
If you’re all about puffer coats
Materials: Nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon | Colors: 4
Add more marshmallow to your winter outfit with a padded scarf layered under your puffer. Uniqlo’s iconic Heattech fleece has moisture-absorbing and insulating features, which all but guarantees your neck will be the warmest part of your body.
If you’re a cashmere person
Materials: Recycled cashmere, recycled wool | Colors: 7
A basic recycled cashmere-and-wool scarf that comes in seven colors and happens to be on sale? Say no more.
If you enjoy a classic with a twist
Materials: 100 percent cashmere | Colors: 1
For those who are a fan of Burberry’s classic check scarf, you’ll love this little two-in-one reversible surprise. A twist on the classic style, it features an all- black side for even more wear. Because the only thing classier than a Burberry check scarf is a reversible Burberry scarf with a solid-color side. And another great option for cashmere lovers.
If you want that scarf
Materials: Alpaca, wool, nylon, mohair | Colors: 10
Acne Studio scarves basically rule winter. Give in to the temptation so you can finally own one of the brand’s colorful wool-check designs this season.
If you can’t resist Ganni
Materials: Recycled wool, polyamide | Colors: 1
If you consider yourself a #GanniGirl, then you’re going to want to add this soft recycled-wool-blend logo scarf to your winter wardrobe. Bonus: It’s reversible.
.
More Tried-and-True Options
If you want a scarf that’s also a hood
Materials: Wool, cashmere | Colors: 3
On the coldest winter days, you’ll wish you had a better hat or a super-warm scarf. Impossible? Not if you have this unique cashmere-and-wool-blend hooded scarf.
If cable knit is your thing
Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon, wool | Colors: 3
Bundle up this winter in this cream scarf made from the brand’s soft, cozy yarn. Plus, the cable-knit accessory is 50 percent off!
If you’re into a classic fisherman rib
This classic cashmere scarf is made in a traditional braided fisherman rib style, ideal for bundling up and layering. It’s a luxurious piece, yet with a simple ease, that is sure to become a staple in your winter wardrobe.
If you need a pattern
Materials: Acrylic, polyester, wool, elastane | Colors: 2
Make a bold statement with this not-so-typical red-and-white gingham scarf. Not only is this a bright, eye-catching pattern, but the color palette can double as a festive holiday accessory.
If you want to rival Lenny Kravitz
Material: 100 percent polyester
Colors: 3
If Kravitz’s iconic oversize scarf is your winter inspiration, then you’re going to love this one from Urban Outfitters. With its brushed-soft fabric, you won’t be able to resist wrapping yourself up in the easy-to-layer accessory.
If you’re into fluffy skinny scarves
Materials: Polyester, recycled polyester
Who doesn’t love a snow-white scarf in the winter? Especially an extra-fuzzy faux-fur one that exudes winter energy. The skinny, shaggy scarf also has a cool vintage look that will give any outfit some extra flair.
If you’re super-festive
Materials: Acrylic, wool, polyester | Colors: 1
On the hunt for a festive holiday-themed accessory? Look no further than the Holiday Snowflake wool scarf by Ralph Lauren. It’s cozy and spirited.
If you love fringe
Materials: Polyester, wool| Colors: 5
We all need at least one classic, no-frills scarf that will last all season. This fringed one from the Gap fits the bill. The oversize scarf is a great way to add a pop of color to your winter looks.
If you like the preppy look
Materials: Wool, viscose, polyamide, cashmere | Colors: 1
There’s something about a color-blocked, rugby-style scarf in the winter that screams “preppy” and “cozy.” You can always turn to quintessential preppy labels like Ralph Lauren and J.Crew for a staple logo scarf, but we love this chunky block-pattern one from French-Japanese brand Maison Kitsuné.
If logomania is the move
Materials: Wool, mohair, polyamide
Colors: 3
You’ll get so many compliments on this mohair Loewe scarf that’s pretty much made to be dramatically tossed around your neck.
If you want to feel like you’re wearing a blanket
Materials: 100 percent merino wool | Colors: 5
Take the definition of “bundle up” to the next level with this blanketlike scarf from Quince. Made from a substantial and structured wool-blend felt, it is comparable to your favorite couch blanket (only more acceptable and chic to wear in public). You can also buy the matching wool coat.
If you want to be extra-cozy
Materials: Alpaca, wool, polymide | Colors: 3
When it comes to the ultimate warm-and-cozy fabric, alpaca reigns supreme. This alpaca wool-blend scarf will not only keep you toasty, it will give you all the feels — literally — with its soft-touch bouclé texture.