As the weather grows colder, my priorities shift from aesthetics to practicality. Cute shoes are great—until they leave you slipping on icy New York City sidewalks (and inevitably falling to the ground, at least once or twice). Avoiding hats is smart as far as hairstyle preservation goes, but misguided when it comes to keeping your head at a remotely reasonable temperature. And knits, though chunky and often completely shapeless, become increasingly vital as the calendar year reaches its end.
In times like these, it often feels like sacrifice is imminent; you can either dress comfortably or dress well. But a few choice items offer an olive branch between these two seemingly mutually exclusive camps: Chelsea rain boots on blustery days, transparent tops in the overwhelming summer heat and silk scarves during the coldest fall and winter months.
If you’ve ever seen someone wearing a silk scarf, you know they look pretty small and delicate. But if you’ve ever worn one, you know they’re deceptively large. I own a silk scarf that’s about two feet in length and width—tied on my neck, it resembles a mere bandana.
Once you’ve learned silk scarves aren’t as dainty as they appear, you mightn’t be so surprised to learn they’re incredibly warm. Seriously, I used to swear by chunky knit scarves (and only chunky knit scarves), but my silky go-to has done more in the way of temperature regulation than any of my bulky knits have.
Why? For one thing, all that fabric does a lot for insulation—plus, since it’s wrapped around your neck (one of your body’s quickest-cooling points), it’s pretty efficient, too.
And the best part is: Silk scarves are cute. You can stay warm while looking pretty damn trendy—and you don’t have to weigh yourself down with outfit-obscuring layer after outfit-obscuring layer. Silk scarves are the perfect solution to particularly breezy fall days, and they’re just as effective on snowy winter ones.
Ahead, you’ll find 27 silk scarves to shop as the temperatures begin to drop further and further. Some are designer, others are fast-fashion, but all would look excellent tied around your neck this season.
Large Silky Square Scarf
A dainty floral print in all your favorite jewel tones.
Large silky square scarf, $18 at Urban Outfitters
Photo:
Urban Outfitters.
Gucci Tiger Face Silk Scarf
The scarf equivalent of Katy Perry's hit "Roar."
Gucci tiger face silk scarf, $470 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Large Silky Square Scarf
For the shopper who definitely plans to wear white after Labor Day.
Large silky square scarf, $18 at Urban Outfitters
Photo:
Urban Outfitters.
Leopard Print Neck Scarf
An animal print with a pop of color—just how we like it.
Leopard print neck scarf, $39 at & Other Stories
Photo:
& Other Stories.
Gucci Square Logo Shawl
Logomania done subtly. (Remember, the logo will turn into a pattern when your scarf is rolled up and on your neck.)
Gucci square logo shawl, $445 at Neiman Marcus
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Neiman Marcus.
Art Baby Girl Square Scarf
Photo:
Urban Outfitters.
Large Silky Square Scarf
Because the pink and green color combo never really goes out of style.
Large silky square scarf, $18 at Urban Outfitters
Photo:
Urban Outfitters.
Gucci Silk Hypnotism Stamp Scarf
Um, can someone teach us to tie our scarves like that?
Gucci silk hypnotism stamp scarf, $495 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Gucci Forcats Silk Scarf
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Gucci Noodle Takeout Print Scarf
Hard to resist anything Gucci does_especially when it comes to silk scarves.
Gucci noodle takeout print scarf, $470 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Gucci Floral Print Silk Scarf
An entire garden reduced to one piece of silk.
Gucci floral print silk scarf, $495 at Neiman Marcus
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Neiman Marcus.
Plant Mom Kerchief Scarf
The frayed edges make this scarf even cuter than the plant-covered fabric does.
Plant Mom kerchief scarf, $195 at Anthropologie
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Anthropologie.
Oversized Patchwork Bandana Scarf
Because prints don't have to be graphic.
Oversized patchwork bandana scarf, $28 at Anthropologie
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Anthropologie.
Salvatore Ferragamo Hollywood Silk Scarf
There's so much going on in this Ferragamo print, but we're sure it looks even cooler rolled up.
Salvatore Ferragamo Hollywood silk scarf, $230 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Roberto Cavalli Square Silk Scarf
The only thing we love more than this scarf is the way it's tied in this photo.
Roberto Cavalli square silk scarf, $250 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Roberto Cavalli Silk Snakeskin Pattern Scarf
A whole new way to incorporate animal prints into your wardrobe.
Roberto Cavalli silk snakeskin pattern scarf, $250 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Evening Blooms Bandana
Perfect for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and any other day you feel like rocking a patriotic palette.
Evening Blooms bandana, $38 at Anthropologie
Photo:
Anthropologie.
Colloquial Kerchief Scarf
For the cat lover who can't get enough black.
Colloquial kerchief scarf, $28 at Anthropologie
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Anthropologie.
Gucci Silk Twill Floral Degrade Scarf
Why put your favorite wildflowers in a vase when you could wear them, instead?
Gucci silk twill Floral Degrade scarf, $495 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Madewell Washed Bandana
Because we'd be remiss not to include a bandana in this roundup.
Madewell washed bandana, $12 at Shopbop
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Shopbop.
Versace Collection Tartan Patchwork Silk Scarf
Technicolor plaid is it this season.
Versace Collection tartan patchwork silk scarf, $495 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Valentino Silk Logo Waves Scarf
Another not-so-obvious way to approach the logomania trend.
Valentino silk logo waves scarf, $445 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Gucci Rainbow Feline Silk Shawl
Get a scarf that's as fierce as you are.
Gucci rainbow feline silk shawl, $445 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Evening Blooms Bandana
A lower-key print for the shopper who wants to make a subtle statement.
Evening Blooms bandana, $38 at Anthropologie
Photo:
Anthropologie.
Versace Collection Clash-Print Square Scarf
This Versace print is everywhere this season—might as well put it on your neck, too.
Versace Collection clash-print square scarf, $550 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Burberry Twill Silk Scribble Check Scarf
Plaid and scribbles sound like they'd be so wrong together, but on this scarf, they're pure maximalist magic.
Burberry twill silk scribble check scarf, $420 at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Neiman Marcus.
Flecked Mini Silk Scarf
Who knew bumblebees could make for such cute polka dots?
Flecked mini silk scarf, $14 at Urban Outfitters
Photo:
Urban Outfitters.
