A good designer scarf is one of the few accessories that works hard from the first cold morning of autumn to the last frost of winter. It frames the face, finishes a coat, and can lift a plain jumper without asking for attention. Here is how we suggest choosing one that you will still reach for in years to come.
Start with the fibre
The material decides how a scarf feels against the skin, how warm it is, and how it drapes. Cashmere is prized for its softness and for the warmth it gives at a light weight. Wool is a dependable winter choice with a little more body. Silk is much lighter: it adds colour and polish rather than serious warmth, which makes it ideal for spring and autumn, or layered under a coat collar in winter. If you feel the cold, choose cashmere or wool. If you want a finishing touch for a tailored look, silk is hard to beat.
Think about size and shape
A long, generous scarf can be wrapped twice, looped or draped loosely over the shoulders. A narrower one sits neatly under a blazer or a trench. A neck warmer is the simplest option: it goes on in a moment and stays put, which is handy for commuting. Before you buy, picture how you will wear it most days, then choose the shape that suits that routine.
Choose a colour you will wear often
Neutrals such as beige, grey and black go with almost every coat in your wardrobe, so they tend to earn the most wear. A multicolour piece is the opposite: it can be the single bright note in an otherwise quiet outfit. A useful rule is to match the scarf to your coat if you want calm, or to contrast with it if you want it to be seen.
A few designer scarves to consider
These are some of the scarves currently available at Jag Couture London – New York, with the prices shown today:
- Burberry Beige Cashmere Scarf at £546, a quiet neutral that sits well with camel, navy and charcoal coats.
- Fendi Multicolor Cashmere Scarf at £636, for anyone who wants colour at the neckline.
- Saint Laurent Gray Silk Scarf at £660, a lighter option that adds polish without bulk.
- Brunello Cucinelli Gray Cashmere Scarf at £705, an easy grey that works with both casual and formal outfits.
- Dolce & Gabbana Black Cashmere Ribbed Knit Neck Warmer at £252.11, a simple pull-on style for everyday wear.
Ways to wear it
The classic wrap is hard to improve on: fold the scarf in half lengthways, place it around the neck, and pull the loose ends through the loop. For a softer look, drape it open over a coat and let the ends hang. A silk scarf can be knotted loosely at the collar of a shirt, or tied around the strap of a handbag for a small flash of colour. With a neck warmer, simply pull it over the head and let it sit at the collarbone under an open coat. None of these ideas takes more than a minute, and each makes the same scarf look quite different from one day to the next.
A thoughtful gift
A scarf also makes an easy gift. Sizing is not a concern, and a neutral shade is a safe choice if you are unsure of someone’s taste. If you are buying for yourself, think of it as an investment: a well-made scarf in a colour you love will be worn for many seasons, which makes the price per wear lower than it first appears.
How to look after it
Delicate fibres last longest with gentle care. Always read the care label first. Fold a scarf rather than hanging it, which can stretch the fabric, and store it somewhere dry and clean between seasons. Let it rest for a day after wearing so the fibres can recover, and brush away surface fluff with a soft clothes brush rather than pulling at it. If a piece needs cleaning, a specialist cleaner is the safest choice for cashmere and silk.
Buying with confidence
When you shop with us you get free UK delivery on orders over £75, and a 14-day returns period if the item is not right for you. Read more stories in our Journal.
Explore the collection at jagcouture.com.