It may just be a rectangle, or a square, of material. But the humble scarf is one of the most hardworking items in your closet during the winter. It keeps you warm. But, more than that, it can add color and panache to your outfits. In this article, you will find the best winter scarves for women and how to style them.

What to look out for in a winter scarf

1. Material

To stay warm during winter, look out for wool or cashmere, or a blend.

2. Color

If you have a favorite neutral coat, you can easily update it with a colorful or print scarf. Make sure to have at least a few scarves that look good with your coats in a color that complements your face and hair. If you have grey hair, check our article on the best colors to complement gray hair.

3. Size

Choose a scarf that is big enough to give your neck some coverage during the cool months. If you want it to do double duty as a shawl, perhaps because you are traveling, opt for a wide, blanket scarf style.

Best winter scarves for women - Kimba wears animal print | 40plusstyle.com

Kimba @kimbalikes above chooses a scarf in a matching print to her dress.

Check out this similar scarf (other option here and here), dress, jacket, tights, boots and necklace.

best Winter scarves for women

Let’s look at some of the most stylish winter scarves we’ve spotted in stores now.

Best cashmere scarves

First, cashmere! To add a touch of luxe to your winter outfits, choose a cashmere scarf. They feel glamorous and soft and makes a great gift for yourself or others.

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap | 40plusstye.com

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

The White + Warren scarf (above) comes in a huge choice of colors and doubles as a scarf or an evening wrap.

COS

Cos’ cashmere scarf comes in a very on-trend green and would look great with your favorite black, gray or navy coat.

COS Pure Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

COS Pure Cashmere Scarf

Nordstrom

Nordstrom always has a good choice of cashmere scarves for the winter season. The cashmere scarf (below) comes in a good choice of neutrals.

Nordstrom Recycled Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Recycled Cashmere Scarf

Another cashmere option is the red scarf (below) which will add both color and texture to your outfit.

Nordstrom Cashmere Rib Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Cashmere Rib Scarf

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is always a good go-to for warm winter basics, including the Uniqlo cashmere scarf (below). There’s a good choice of soft shades and bright colors so you should find a favorite.

Uniqlo Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Uniqlo Cashmere Scarf

rag & bone

In black, gray or beige, the Rag & Bone cashmere scarf is a designer choice that will see you through winter after winter.

rag & bone Ace Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

rag & bone Ace Cashmere Scarf

Cuyana

For a sustainable choice, you could opt for the Cuyana recycled scarf (below).

Cuyana Recycled Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Cuyana Recycled Cashmere Scarf

J.Crew

A good option if you have a classic style, J.Crew’s scarves are timeless and luxurious.

Best winter scarves for women - J.Crew cashmere scarf | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Ribbed Cashmere Scarf

FURTALK

If you like the feel of cashmere, but are looking for a budget-friendly option, you could try the cashmere-feel wrap (below) which has plenty of good reviews from women who say they keep you warm without bulk, and come in attractive box making them perfect for a gift.

Best winter scarves for women - pashmina wrap | 40plusstyle.com

FURTALK Pashmina Wrap

Best winter scarves for women - Susan wears an orange scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Susan @susan_unefemme above (read her style interview here) chooses a tonal scarf that matches the rest of her outfit.

Get her look with this similar scarf, jacket, pants, boots, handbag and sunglasses.

best Designer winter scarves for women

While you may not want to splash out on a full designer outfit, you can easily get a designer look by investing in a designer scarf that you can pair with your favorite jacket or coat.

Burberry

Instantly recognizable, Burberry’s check scarf is iconic. In cashmere, it is super soft and comes in either a beige or ivory shade.

Burberry Giant Icon Check Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Burberry Giant Icon Check Cashmere Scarf

Alexander McQueen

Another iconic print for you now. If you want to add a bit of an edge to your outfit, then you could choose one of Alexander McQueen’s skull print scarves.

Alexander McQueen Skull Wool Reversible Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen Skull Wool Reversible Scarf

COACH

If you like a designer look, but don’t want a designer price tag like some of the more high-end options, you could get a similar look with the print of the COACH scarf (below).

COACH Logo Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

COACH Logo Scarf

Rebecca Minkoff

If you’re already a fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s handbags, how about adding one of the designer’s scarves to your closet. The houndstooth scarf (below) would look great with a black, red or white coat.

Rebecca Minkoff Houndstooth Fringe Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Rebecca Minkoff Houndstooth Fringe Scarf

rag & bone

You’ve already seen one of rag & bone’s scarves in the cashmere options earlier. Below is another choice for you in wool which would look good worn against brighter colors.

rag & bone Addison Recycled Wool Blend Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

rag & bone Addison Recycled Wool Blend Scarf

Softest scarves

One of the lovely things about wearing a scarf is the softness against your neck. If you’re looking for the softest scarf, you could try one of the choices below.

UGG

UGG’s sherpa scarf (below) comes in neutrals or bright shades and feels like taking your favorite blanket out with you.

UGG Sherpa Oversized Scarf} 40plusstyle.com

UGG Sherpa Oversized Scarf

SOJOS

Chenille is a good material to look out for if you want a soft choice. The SOJOS chenille knit scarf (below) comes in a choice of colors and has great reviews with one woman saying it provides the “ultimate comfort”.

SOJOS Ultra Soft Chenille Knit Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

SOJOS Ultra Soft Chenille Knit Scarf

Inca Fashions

Or, how about alpaca wool, which is also renowned for softness? The Inca fashions scarf (below) would look stylish worn against any color coat.

Inca Fashions Luxurious 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Inca Fashions Luxurious 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf

Minus33

Merino wool is another material to look out for if softness is important to you. The merino wool scarf (below) comes in an infinity style that looks stylish and casual at the same time.

Minus33 Everyday Knit Infinity Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Minus33 Everyday Knit Infinity Scarf

blanket scarf choices

If you want to make sure you have extra coverage, then opt for a blanket scarf. A blanket scarf is also particularly good for traveling. You can use it as a blanket on the plane and drape it over your shoulders for cool evenings.

wander agio

The Wander Agio scarf (below) comes in a wide choice of prints and colors, and has great reviews from women who say it is perfect for gift giving.

Wander Agio Warm Plaid Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Wander Agio Warm Plaid Scarf

Or, how about the plaid scarf (below), which wearers say is soft, comes in beautiful colors and is high quality?

American Trends Chunky Large Blanket Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

American Trends Chunky Large Blanket Scarf

Best winter scarves for women - Sara wears a beige scarf and burgundy coat | 40plusstyle.com

Sara @style_designco above chooses a neutral scarf against her burgundy coat.

Steal her look with this similar scarf, jacket (another option here), skinny jeans, sneakers and bag.

More winter scarves for women

Below are more of our favorite winter scarf choices

plaid scarf

If you love the look of Burberry’s classic check scarves but are looking for a more purse-friendly choice, you could try the Veronz winter scarf (below).

Best winter scarves for women - plaid scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Veronz Soft Classic Winter Scarf

infinity scarf

You don’t even have to think about how to tie your scarf with the infinity scarf (below). Just create a couple of loops, pop it over your head and you’re good to go. Reviewers say it is thick and cozy without being itchy.

C.C Cable Knit Soft Infinity Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

C.C Cable Knit Soft Infinity Scarf

Scarves for women: 10 of the best winter scarves in stores now | 40plusstyle.com

Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) matches her scarf to her boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar scarf, sweater, skirt, high boots, sunglasses, earrings and headband.

printed scarf

If you want to wear an artwork, then the printed scarf (below) is perfect. There’s a choice of images and reviewers say it is beautiful.

Umjetnost Art Printed Winter Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Umjetnost Art Printed Winter Scarf

two-tone

The cashmere feel scarf (below) comes in a two-tone so you can feature and neutral and color in the same scarf.

FORTREE Two-Tone Wrap | 40plusstyle.com

FORTREE Two-Tone Wrap

ribbed knit scarf

For a pop of color, you could try the infinity scarf (below) against any of your winter neutrals.

NEOSAN Thick Ribbed Knit Winter Infinity Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

NEOSAN Thick Ribbed Knit Winter Infinity Scarf

Best winter scarves for women - Josephine wears a red coat and pink scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Josephine @chicatanyage above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear pink and red together.

Check out this similar scarf, coat, pants, boots, crossbody bag and beret.

shop the best winter scarves for women below:

Do you have a favorite winter scarf? What are your own recommendations for the best winter scarves for women?

Continue reading:

  1. Warmest Winter Coats For Women: The Best Women’s Coats For Extreme Cold
  2. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
  3. The Best Winter Boots For Women: Stylish Winter Boots That You Can’t Wait To Wear

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Scarves for women: 10 of the best winter scarves in stores now | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Patricia @madamechicbcn

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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