Your scarf is making you look old-fashioned – here’s how to update your look

It might not be cold enough yet to have the heating on full whack, but Big Scarf Season has already been declared open.

Sarah Jessica Parker sounded the bell earlier this week while filming season three of TV series And Just Like That in New York. Dressed in a nipped-waist checked jacket and denim maxi skirt, the actor’s outfit was topped off by a huge, navy blue scarf complete with floor-sweeping fringing swathed around her shoulders. More Carrie Bradshawl than Carrie Bradshaw.

Parker isn’t the only one going big (literally) on scarves this autumn. In fact, the hottest way to wear the cold-weather staple is upscaled. And it’s a key detail that will set your outfit apart in the coming months.

On the AW24 catwalks, Erdem featured long shaggy scarves, while Burberry layered huge woollen styles in tartan and camel over heritage parkas. McQueen’s chunky knitted snoods were reminiscent of the XXL blanket Lenny Kravitz wore in 2012; one of fashion’s most famous scarf moments and a style that has spawned thousands of internet memes. Get the look with Arket’s ribbed wool collar (£67).

“We’ve seen a stronger demand for scarves this season, especially in versatile styles like the larger 140x140 cm pieces. These not only offer great coverage but also more styling options,” says Paola Scala, the director of product at Liberty. This season, the London department store has stocked 250 scarf styles, including a floral print wool cape (£550) that can casually be worn loose over the shoulders or belted for a more polished look.

It was Swedish label Toteme that thrust scarves back into the style spotlight in 2022 after introducing its signature two-in-one jacket. Designed with inbuilt scarf-like panels that can be elegantly draped around the neck, it has become a cult buy and demonstrates the outfit-enhancing capabilities of a well-placed scarf. Not to mention ensuring you never leave yours behind on the bus home again.

While the original retails for £810, you’ll find several high-street versions at a more affordable price point. Marks and Spencer’s blanket stitched jacket (£75) would look neat over tailored trousers. GAP’s belted wool coat (£175) hits just below the knee for wearing over long-length skirts and dresses.

Belted wool coat, £175, Gap; Blanket stitched jacket, £75, M&S; Shawl-collared fringed cardigan, £500, Hayley Menzies

More akin to Parker in tone is Hayley Menzies’ shawl-collared fringed cardigan (£500) which can be thrown over a jumper and jeans when it’s not quite cold enough for your puffer. For smarter dress codes, layer Bamford’s emery wool and cashmere cape (£575) over office blazers to combat air-con freeze or wrap it around your tailored coat for extra warmth and an elegant swoosh.

When trying the XL scarf look, consider bulk-factor; lots of wool around your neck and shoulders is likely to get sweaty. Fine knit pieces will feel more breathable and create a sleeker silhouette. Toast’s checked wrap (£395) is crafted from a lofty, extra-fine merino mix to give it a light yet snug feel. Consider it the chicest way to wear a blanket outside of the house.

Checked wrap, £395, Toast; Brushed mohair scarf, £85, Cos

If the thought of wrapping up in chunky swathes makes you hot and bothered, consider the other major scarf look of the season: the knitted neckerchief.

Coming off the back of this summer’s silk headscarf trend, teeny triangles of cashmere and wool are the cosiest accessory to know. Tapping into the current sartorial mood for all things Balmoral chic (see Miu Miu’s recent Balmoral collection and Burberry’s latest campaign featuring Olivia Colman styled as Queen Elizabeth II), its just the ticket to give your autumn look a heritage spin. Try knotting one around the neck of your Aran jumper or draping it over the shoulders of a quilted jacket.

Paloma Wool Knitted scarf with hood, £110, Liberty; Wool fringe bib, £120, By Malene Birger; Knitted cashmere neck tie, £45, Kiltane

While you won’t be short of options on the high street, it’s wise to look for styles made from premium natural fabrics that aren’t going to itch your neck. TBCo.’s merino triangle scarves (£49) are luxuriously soft. Pre-order the best-selling black and cream stripe version so that it arrives in time for your Boxing Day walk.

& Daughter’s Fionn foulard (£165) has become a key piece for the British knitwear brand, having sold out and been restocked five times over since launching last autumn. Made from Scottish-spun cashmere, it comes in a selection of goes-with-everything neutrals and zippy bright shades. The green would be particularly good for pepping up your old navy jumpers, or use the red to breathe new life into camel coats.

Fionn foulard, £165, & Daughter; Merino triangle scarf, £49, TBCo.

“Our foulard has become a bestseller as it works very hard. Despite its size, it’s a bit of a stealth outfit game-changer because of the different ways you can wear it. As it is 100 per cent cashmere, it’s also incredibly soft and comforting to wear, so it does that rare thing of being both practical and interesting,” says founder Buffy Reid.

Wool doublé scarf, £150, Dagmar

Indeed, the beauty of a scarf is in its power to transform. Is your commuter coat looking too sombre? Just add a bright knit. Need to dress up your weekend wax jacket for drinks? Tie a pretty foulard around the collar – you can’t go wrong with a classic Liberty square. Or check resale sights for vintage treasures; journalist Katherine Ormerod sourced Hermès silk scarves as bridesmaids gifts at her recent high-fashion wedding, demonstrating their enduring appeal.

Stitched Knitted Bandana, £55, Toast; Silk scarf, £250, Liberty

When deciding whether to go little or large, think about proportion. An oversized, boxy coat will look more balanced with a neat scarf tucked into the collar, while tailored overcoats and fitted styles can take the volume of something chunkier.

While it might be tempting to reach for practical black, it can often be a little draining when worn up close to the face. Instead, reach for softer neutrals such as camel, cream and this season’s brown tones. Or go bright – after all, a scarf is an easy way to dip a toe into colour and is much less commitment than a colourful coat. For those who shy away from print, think of a scarf as an effortless gateway. Navygrey’s striped number (£165) will instantly jazz up a plain outfit.

Striped scarf, £165, Navygrey

A scarf can be a useful styling tool for the upcoming party season too. “A Twilly scarf makes a chic bow in your hair or on your dress strap. For a more dramatic look, try styling a scarf in a rosette or a concertina shape. A simple twist around the neck can also be strikingly elegant. And if you’re not into dresses, styling a scarf as a tie adds a polished alternative,” says Dee Moran, Liberty’s styling manager.

Speaking of after-dark dressing, if you already have a much-loved scarf and want to give it some oomph, think about adding a bejewelled brooch. Not only does this solve the issue of wearing statement jewellery in knitwear season – when earrings tend to snag on all those layers – it means you can stay elegantly and cosily wrapped up all evening long.