Winter Scarves

They keep you warm, giving you a cozy 'winter wonderland' feeling. It's also a great outfit addition to looking stylish during the freezing months.

Courtesy of Macy's

Here are some ideas on what winter scarves to look for and how to wear them:

Chic Winter Fashion Scarves Inspiration

Cashmere and Pashmina Scarves

Courtesy of Nimli

The words cashmere and pashmina have been used interchangeably even though they both refer to the same type of wool. But cashmere is the common and internationally recognized term for this quality, luxury wool type.

This type of winter scarf is universally versatile (can be worn for breezy summer evenings and cold winter months) and can be worn to formal to semi-formal occasions and office settings. Most cashmere scarves are soft, light-weight with a subtle sheen (due to the silk blends) which looks a tad more sophisticated than other types of wool winter scarves. Read more about pashmina scarves here.

Note: If you're looking for a luxury wool scarf that will keep you warm then look for 100% cashmere as most silk-blended cashmere scarves are less warm. Have in mind that 100% cashmere is more expensive, from about $60 and up. The most affordable ones are made of 30% silk and 70% cashmere (blends are cheaper).

• Pashmina International
• NIMLI
• Forzieri
• Novica.com

Wool Knit Scarves

Courtesy of Nimli

Although cashmere is wool-type I've added wool as an additional category of its own, referring to other types of wool scarves. Two known wool scarf types are Merino and Angora.

Angora is light, soft and the warmest wool type; in fact it has been found that it is 3 times warmer than sheep wool (Merino).

Merino on the other hand is less warm but I recommend it if you want something finer-looking. And because Merino is easier to dye you can find it in a wide range of colors, from pastels to bright shades.

Both Angora and Merino are considered to be expensive (but nonetheless affordable!) but worth it if you're looking for long-lasting, quality luxury winter scarves.

Courtesy of eBay/Rich_iPod_Center

If you're tight on budget I suggest that you stick to 'fake' wool winter scarves made of wool and Acrylic/Rayon/Polyester/and-or Viscose (Acrylic is a fabric that imitates real wool). They tend to be a bit itchier and less soft than real wool but they're definitely affordable. And the static electricity is quite common.

I've been lucky with my purchases of a couple of trendy Acrylic wool knit scarves from South Korean and Chinese eBay stores. They're mixed with the right amount of wool and Acrylic, so they feel really soft on the skin.

Where to buy quality wool winter scarves:

• Nordstrom
• Novica.com
• Overstock

Note: After securing a couple of plain wool scarves, try something more fun and interesting such as cable-knit - giving your outfit some texture.

Infinity Scarves

Courtesy of eBay/Accessories to Go Store

Tired of the old fashioned type of scarf that ends up knotted, bunched or just slips up?

Then these stylish infinity loop wool scarves are a fabulous idea! An infinity wool scarf is made of an endless loop. You can simply out it around your neck, twist and then put on the second loop. There is no chance for it to fall off!

Where to buy Infinity scarves:

• eBay (of course!)
(have in mind that infinity scarves are also called 'Tube', 'Endless', 'Circle' or 'Multi-purpose'.

Fur

Courtesy of YesStyle

A faux fur scarf is also a chic way to add some glam to your style and can be worn as en embellishment for milder fall and winter months.

Chic-wise, make sure that you don't wear it too tight around your neck or you might end up looking like you're being strangled by a racoon's tail. Not a good look if you want to make a stylish impression with a fur scarf.

Where to buy fur scarves and stoles:

• eBay

There are several other winter scarf styles but these are the most popular ones, and the most stylish in my opinion.


Back to Top

How to Style Your Winter Scarves

Courtesy of ASOS, Bagsnob and Fabsugar

Scale it to your body size

If you're petite avoid super-chunky knit scarves as it can 'tip' you over. They're fine if you want to make a fashion statement, but look funny otherwise.

The fullness/thickness (or chunkiness if you will) must harmonize with your own body scale. So if you're a plus size opt for larger and thicker knits. If you're average built (height and medium-boned) go for medium to large.

However if you're a mix of petite and plus size, stick to medium-scale.

Have your body shape in mind

Basically, vertical patterns slim and horizontal patterns widen. Just so you know, chunky horizontal cable-knit scarves can visually widen your upper body (shoulders and bust), which affects Inverted Triangle and Apple body shapes.

If you have a full bust look for prints and textures that look slimming (such as vertical rib knit texture) and make the eye go up and down. It's also ideal to let the ends (or one of them) of the scarf hang freely from each side for maximum slimming and elongating effect.

Wear print against print

Have fun this winter and wear a wool print scarf against a print jacket - but make sure the jacket or winter scarf has a neutral colors scheme. For example, Kate Moss on the picture is wearing her leopard coat which has brown and beige on it.

Secure your winter scarves in neutrals

.. before adding colors and prints. Neutrals such as black, gray, white/cream and brown go with everything and can be worn with your bright red wool coat. But you might want to consider other colors (from your color palette) to set yourself apart from the rest in the winter and which you pair against a plain jacket.

Almost all of my winter scarves are either black, khaki/cream or brown, but to widen my style envelope I bought 2 knit scarves in deep red (not the bright one) and plum. Love it - it makes my black coat ensemble look more alive, as well as giving my cheeks a healthy glow!

Tip: Opt for a scarf that offers more style options. An example would be a pashmina/cashmere shawl which can be worn as a shrug and a scarf.

More fashion advice on Scarves:

Back to Top

Shop Winter Scarves Online

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!

womens winter scarf at Bizrate

Back to Shop's top

More Shopping & Chic Inspiration:

Related Content:

Leave Womens Winter Scarves and Return to Homepage