Chic Critique: What are scarf coats and why are they autumn’s most divisive trend?

Scarf coats are a yummy mummy staple - but H! Fashion's Tania Leslau has questions

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Fashion features writer

October 6, 2024Oct 6, 2024, 9:00 AM GMT+1

Scarf coats are one of fashion’s greatest anomalies. Marrying functionality with flair, the outerwear hero seems like the perfect investment for autumn.

Coveted by cool-girls across London, the two-in-one pieces have survived yet another year of the trend cycle, appearing on AW24 runways à la Murral, Rohk and of course, Toteme, the brand which is credited with thrusting the wool-blend wrap onto the European fashion imagination.

We saw whispers of the scarf coat revival on the SS25 runways across both womenswear and menswear collections. Primarily spotted in the form of snood, iterations of the trend-led layering device were championed by Hermès and Carven. Previously, AW24 saw Louis Vuitton send male models down the catwalk in jacquard knitwear coats with combined scarves, while Rick Owens sheathed his models in XL, befurred options that quickly went viral online.

Toteme AW24

Typically oversized in silhouette with white contrast stitch detailing and a built-in scarf, the jackets are a yummy mummy staple. Which is why, as someone who lives in Notting Hill, an area dominated by the polished tribe, the design now seems overly trendy to me.

Granted, I am an ex-CSM student who is hard pressed to find something not of the Nineties or Noughties persuasion in their wardrobe. Chai latte-chic with a side of £300 blonde highlights doesn't quite fit the bill.

I completely understand the allure. Composed and the epitome of quiet luxury, the coats are an easy choice for the cooler climate. Throw it on over any outfit, be it jeans or even tracksuit bottoms, and you’ve immediately boosted your sartorial status.

However, I think it’s a shame to shelve the solo scarves. I love a great scarf. My personal favourite, a skinny, striped Acne Studios number, brings me so much joy when it’s gloomy outside. The same goes for my baby pink cashmere piece, enormous printed Nicola Farhi gem and butterfly-printed silk Zadig and Voltaire offering. Simply too good to keep on reserve.

Opting for a scarf coat, as trendy and functional as they may be, isn’t the most fun option. Which is fine for some who crave an easywear coat for winter. Personally, I can’t resist the pull of a flirty skinny scarf.

View post on Instagram

Many brands feel the same. Acne continues to stock streamlined renditions (very tempting), Rixo purposely layers its leopard print pieces with bold florals and golden jewels to create an art deco appeal, and Gucci is never short of a floral-print silk wonder. Call me sentimental, but I’m not ready to bid farewell to scarves just yet.

How to wear scarf coats:

model with brown coat and bag — With head-to-toe chocolate and buttery accessories

model with brown birkin — With an Hermès Birkin, duh

model with straight-leg jeans and black loafers — With straight-leg jeans and black loafers

With cream staples and a chunky black bag

How I would style a scarf coat:

COAT: Toteme Embroidered Wool-Blend Scarf Jacket, £810, MYTHERESA
SKIRT: Ulla Johnson Estelle Denim Midi Skirt, £455, MYTHERESA
BAG: Rectangular Bag, £345, BA&SH
BOOTS: Lavan Boots, £200, STEVE MADDEN

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

Sign up to HELLO! Fashion for style tips, cultural insights, must-have items, and more

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.