Beanies? Gloves? Sure, they’re important when the wind chill falls to double-digit negatives and your extra hot coffee order gets cold in five minutes flat. But on the winter fashion scale, both tend to be sort of basic. Au contraire, scarves are anything but. Silk ones, skinny ones, plaid ones, cashmere ones, even scarf jackets… see what we mean? But if there’s one type of neckwear we’ll always hold closest to our hearts (literally), it’s the oversized scarves that keep us warm and snug all winter long.
From what we’ve seen, designers agree. Every brand is putting its mark on this cold-weather accessory. From luxe cashmere options to colorful, playful patterns and minimalistic tinted blanket scarves, there are zero excuses for your neck to get cold and to be fashionably decked out. So next time you think about spending $10 on your fifth pair of black “tech-friendly” gloves that you already own or a looks-like-every-other-beanie, opt for an oversized scarf that’s just as much of an accessory as it is a necessity. Plus, since it’s extra long, it can also double as a chic balaclava.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Calling all the minimalists. Browse through our selections of neutral-hued, oversized scarves. The classy prints and versatile shades add a subtle, chic twist to elevate your all-black or navy ‘fits.
Shop Acne Studios at Net-A-Porter
Acne Studios Fringed Checked Knitted Scarf, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Extra Chunky Extra Big Scarf, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Shop Zara
Zara Wool Blend Jacquard Scarf, $, available at Zara
Shop Maeve at Anthropologie
Maeve Heritage Houndstooth Scarf, $, available at Anthropologie
Bring out all the colors of the rainbow and free yourself from the winter blues with a multicolor oversized scarf. Stand out in the sea of dark outfits with joyful scarves that exude merry and bright vibes.
Shop Free People
Free People Falling For You Brushed Plaid Scarf, $, available at Free People
Shop Sézane
Sézane Louise Scarf, $, available at Sézane
Shop Dynamite
Dynamite Oversized Fringe Scarf, $, available at Dynamite
Treat yourself to the ultimate luxe gift of a an ultrasoft oversized cashmere scarf. The airy yet super cozy scarves are destined to become timeless forever pieces.
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap, $, available at J.Crew
Shop & Other Stories
& Other Stories Cashmere Knit Scarf, $, available at & Other Stories
Brace yourself against the brisk winter breezes with a puffer jacket and an oversized puffer scarf. You’ll be the trendiest fashionista of the season.
Shop Urbancode At ASOS
Urbancode Oversized Puff Scarf In Black, $, available at ASOS
The black scarves are packed with 750-fill-power goose down for extra warmth, and there’s an opening on one of the panels so you can secure the scarf together for a stylish and comfy fit.
Shop Canada Goose
Canada Goose Puffer Scarf, $, available at Canada Goose
Shop Ted Baker London
Ted Baker Marjey Puffer Scarf, $, available at Ted Baker London
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Wunder Puff Scarf, $, available at Lululemon
What could be better than an extra long knitted scarf to keep you snug and cuddly in the winter wind? The knitted aesthetic has a homey touch that’ll make you feel all warm inside.
Shop Banana Republic
Banana Republic Carlina Chunky Scarf, $, available at Banana Republic
Shop UGG At Nordstrom Rack
Ugg Ribbed Oversized Knit Scarf, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Madewell (Re)sourced Oversized Scarf, $, available at Madewell
hffx Rainbow knitted scarf, $, available at Etsy
Vince Brushed Oversized Alpaca Striped Scarf, $, available at Shopbop
White + Warren Cashmere Wrap Scarf, $, available at Anthropologie
Guest In Residence The Below Zero Blanket Scarf, $, available at Guest In Residence
COS Chunky Ribbed-Knit Pure Cashmere Scarf, $, available at COS
Boardmans Knitted Scarf In Multi, $, available at ASOS
H&M Wool Scarf, $, available at H&MPhoto Courtesy of H&M.
Gucci Fringed Checked Knitted Scarf, $, available at Net-A-PorterPhoto Courtesy of Net-a-Porter.
Urban Outfitters Sophia Cozy Nubby Oblong Scarf, $, available at Urban OutfittersPhoto Courtesy of Urban Outfitters.
My Accessories Super Soft Extra Long Scarf, $, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of Asos.
Acne Studios Boucle Scarf, $, available at Acne Studios
Topshop Heavy Brushed Scarf, $, available at TopshopPhoto Courtesy of Topshop.
Mango Knit Maxi Scarf, $, available at Mango
Wilfred The Classic Wool Scarf, $, available at AritziaPhoto Courtesy of Aritzia.
Destin Hand Finished Scarf, $, available at Need Supply
Isabel Marant Alany Wooly Scarf, $, available at ShopbopPhoto Courtesy of Shopbop.
Zara Patchwork Scarf, $, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
Bershka Textured Scarf, $, available at BershkaPhoto Courtesy of Bershka.
Calvin Klein 205West39NYC Wool Scarf, $, available at SSENSEPhoto Courtesy of Ssense.
& Other Stories Oversized Wool Scarf, $, available at & Other StoriesPhoto Courtesy of & Other Stories.
The Elder Statesman Longstocking Striped Cashmere Scarf, $, available at Moda OperandiPhoto Courtesy of Moda Operandi.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Gloves For Winter, Hands Down
Noticeably absent from this year’s MET Gala, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted out on…
Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige, who is known for her cutting edge boots has officially…
We’ve raved about Lululemon plenty on this site — and it’s genuinely because we’re fans…
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center} All linked products are independently selected by…
Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to…
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center} All linked products are independently selected by…