For the accessory obsessive, there is no better season than autumn. Leather gloves, mohair beanies, cashmere socks – the list is endless. But when it comes to the height of cosiness, often no piece can compare to a luxury scarf.
On this occasion, bypassing the trends is highly advisable – if you're looking to invest in a designer scarf this season, classic styles are superior in versatility.
Swerving the colour du jour in favour of a neutral shade, or at least a hue that you know you won't have tired of by the time next season swings around, is the best approach.
For those who are all about the capsule wardrobe, we recommend smokey charcoals as well as velvety burgundies – both of which will pair effortlessly with plenty of coat styles – from a black wool peacoat to an ashy leather-look trench.
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Invest in a neutral shade for maximum versatility
How we chose the pieces:
- Style: It goes without saying, but we're not lusting after just any old scarf. When combing through the internet's top designer fashion sites for the best pieces, we ensured that each of our picks are chic and wearable. For maximum wearability? Opt for a neutral hue or timeless pattern for guaranteed classic appeal.
A calculated colour match is a great way of injecting your outfit with a hit of vibrancy
- Brand: When it comes to investment dressing, it's certainly true that splurging on a stylish coat or a classic bag constitutes money well spent. However, often designer scarves are head and shoulders above their high street counterparts in terms of quality. All our picks are by designer labels, ranging from Loewe to Hermès.
- Fibre: When it comes to choosing which fibre to plump for, in comparison to sheep's wool, mohair - derived from angora goats - is softer and renowned for its high lustre. Cashmere is excellent for adding warmth without bulk, and if durability is a major priority, alpaca wool generally tends to resist that infuriating pilling that plagues most knitwear. We've tried to feature a wide range of fibres, but all our selections are united in the fact they are top quality.
Hello! Fashion shares the most stylish designer scarves to shop now:
Yellow Handmade Knitted Scarf
Andreeva
Wear with...
A vibrant knitted midi dress in a similar hue.
Crafted from cashmere, this playful knitted accessory by Andreeva is categorically high impact. The hue is super uplifting and the textural details feel fresh and interesting.
Fringed Wool-blend Jacquard Scarf
Etro
Wear with...
A cream deep V-neck jumper and glinting gold earrings.
Featuring a timeless damask pattern, this piece by Etro has an unmistakably boho feel about it. The cosy fringing would look great poking out in between the lapels of your go-to trench.
Duke Striped Brushed Merino-blend Scarf
Isabel Marant
Wear with...
A forest green fur coat and biker boots.
I adore a stripe, and the blurred, slightly fuzzy effect of the merino feels super stylish. This piece by Isabel Marant if you're after a streamlined silhouette.
Casaque Love Story Muffler
Hermès
Wear with...
A clean-cut cape coat and riding boots for major horse girl vibes.
This equine-inspired scarf by Hermès feels romantic and nostalgic, nodding to the vintage Sloane Ranger. Steeped in classic appeal, the piece is crafted from 100% cashmere and would look great layered over navy chenille.
Fringed Jacquard-knit Scarf
Loewe
Wear with...
A taupe silk shirt and cream tailored trousers.
This two-tone piece by Loewe feels quietly cool, devoid of the flashiness associated with most logo-centric designs. The repeated emblem has an almost floral appeal when you take a step back. Obsessed doesn't quite cut it.
Hooded Pompom-embellished Fringed Fair Isle Cashmere Scarf
Loro Piana
Polarising? Quite possibly. But the novelty appeal of Loro Piana's cosy pompoms has us utterly hooked. The elegant Fair Isle motif feels elegant and non-Christmassy, and it's practically guaranteed to make an impact.
Striped Wool-blend Scarf
Moncler
Wear with...
A cream cashmere jumper with batwing sleeves.
Muted salmon and olive green are a match made in accessory heaven. Crafted from a mid-weight wool blend, this sparingly striped scarf by Moncler feels playful and wearable in equal parts.
Wear with...
A buttery leather blazer and a denim cargo midi skirt.
In a rich, chocolate brown, this 100% wool piece by Toteme is bang on trend for AW23. However, its understated appeal, unadorned except for minimalist fringing, exudes timelessness. A great choice if you're looking to invest this season and rewear the next.
Nancy Ribbed Cashmere Scarf
Arch4
Wear with...
An oversized jumper in same hue, a leather micro skirt and knee-high Chelsea boots.
Crafted from GOTS-certified cashmere, this ribbed piece by Arch4 has a chunky handle. The vibrancy of the green feels fresh and inviting and it would pair really nicely with dark denim.
Striped Mohair-blend Scarf
Idea Spa
Wear with...
A boxy tweed jacket and straight-leg jeans.
Crafted from a cosy mohair-blend, this piece is an ultra-wearable blend of neutrals and uplifting reds. Team yours with an oversized, hole-focused knit for a sense of autumnal slouchiness.
Wool-jacquard Scarf
Burberry
Featuring the British heritage brand's signature equestrian motif, this jacquard-knit piece by Burberry will bring a splash of colour to your winter wardrobe.
Alpaca-blend Scarf
Stella McCartney
Wear with...
A navy cape and leather trousers.
Part of the brand's 'Horse Power' collection, this cosy navy scarf would make for an excellent cool-toned autumn investment. With subtle flecks of teal, the composition feels luxe and the long fringing adds extra interest.
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