(Fashion)

The Coolest Way To Wear Winter's Warmest Accessory

by Nicole Kliest
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A scarf is often not much more than an afterthought. When you wake up in the morning you take a few minutes to dig out your favorite pair of jeans, try on three or four pairs of boots, and ask Alexa the temperature so you can make sure you're sliding into the right coat. Your scarf however hangs limply by the door patiently waiting for you to maybe pull it on in your last moments at home. But, this winter give it a little more love, and you might be surprised by how crucial and transformational it can be. Nailing how to wear a scarf this winter is worth prioritizing, both for practical reasons (like keeping your neck and face warm come negative temperatures) and to help you refresh your winter look.

After taking a brief survey of how the street style trendsetters choose to bundle up, it appears that the chicest way to wear your winter scarf right now is as such: one tail wrapped around the neck and the other left dangling below. It's a styling that is convenient — ideal for the constant transition from indoors to outdoors — while also sartorially pleasing. An easy one-two punch. To help illustrate this styling trick continue downward to discover nine inspiring outfits from nine chic women to pair with your scarf of choice. Then, shop your favorite cozy picks along the way to test drive the look yourself.

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Stylist Rachael Wang breaks up a brown plaid suit with a white button-down blouse and a boldly-colored sporty scarf swung around the neck. Combined with a pair of chunky sneakers, the ensemble has a street-worthy appeal that helps the outfit from erring too stiff.

@champagnemani

Winter is the season to stack on accessories, so consider coordinating them in fun colors. Grab a beanie or bucket hat in a cheerful hue and style it with a coordinated (or contrasting) scarf for an instant mood booster. Team the two with edgy separates like a leather coat and of-the-moment snake-print pants.

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You most likely have a statement sweater or two in your repertoire, but one piece to consider adding to your closet is a statement scarf. It complements most all solid separates, including the orange jumper and velvet trousers above.

@himichelleli

If color is kind of your thing, then don't forget to grab a colorblock scarf to dress up your winter looks. Balance everything out with a sleek trench coat and your favorite blue jeans.

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Purple and yellow is a reliably stylish color combination to turn to when you're feeling stale on outfit inspiration. Need proof? See above.

@nycbambi

Grab a scarf with a touch of typography on it to give a menswear-inspired look extra flair. Even if logomania isn't exactly your style, you can find a subtler take on the trendy knitwear.

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If you've ever been tempted to try out print mixing but weren't sure how to pull it off, consider a multi-patterned scarf. It's an easy way to test the bold trend without having to go all in. All you need to complete the look is a bright sweater and a comfy pair of jeans.

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Add a pretty multicolor scarf to your next winter white ensemble to add a quick and easy contrast. Pick a bag and shoes in similar tones and voila!

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For days when you just can't bother with putting together a look, mix and match your favorite black and white pieces and grab a scarf in a pop of color.