Brands from Stella McCartney to Marni made the case for novel neckwear this season, showcasing looks ranging from opulent looped knits to swaths of fuzzy Mongolian lamb. Statement scarves – whether they be notable for their texture, colour or size – are a savvy way to elevate understated outerwear and extend the wearability of autumn staples like trench and pea coats into winter.
Stylist Alon Freeman recalls sporting an outsized scarf by the Montreal designer Denis Gagnon in the late 1990s – long before Lenny Kravitz and his internet-breaking scarf became the meme that defines the most over-the-top of mufflers.
“It needed its own chair at restaurants,” Freeman recalls laughing. But the piece’s extreme scale didn’t overshadow its practicality. “Larger statement scarves can turn any coat into acceptable winter outerwear,” Freeman says. It’s no wonder that styles like Acne Studios’ cozy mohair checked scarves have achieved It status thanks to their fashion-forward functionality.
When it comes to wearing an ample neck warmer with ease, Freeman finds two approaches eye-catching. “A statement scarf that blends into one’s coat is a great look,” he says. “Whether it’s exactly the same fabric or colour as the coat, or it’s attached to the coat.” The other direction, Freeman says, is one of pure visual delight. Referencing the outrageous accessories of designers like Dries Van Noten, Freeman notes that a minimal ensemble can be cleverly intensified by being worn with a scarf baring an outsized logo print or a vivid pattern.
Freeman also says that texture, such as that of the Canadian-made, 100-per-cent merino wool scarf by In Situ, is an excellent way to add zip to a winter look without going too extreme. “This kind of detail harkens to the tradition of weaving, and of fabric making,” he says. “I love that.”
(From left) Coco Neige scarf, $2,000 at Chanel (chanel.com). Louis Vuitton Men’s graphic dual scarf, $680 at select Louis Vuitton stores (louisvuitton.com). Ganni narrow logo scarf, $165 at Ganni (ganni.com).Brandon Titaro/The Globe and Mail
(Top, from left) In Situ scarves in merino wool, $160 each at Gerhard Supply (gerhardsupply.com). Blanket scarf, $238 at Hoi Bo (hoibo.com). (Bottom, from left) Dye Sangle blanket, $6,100 at Hermès (hermes.com). Bare Knitwear Travel Wrap, $264 through bareknitwear.com.Brandon Titaro/The Globe and Mail
(Clockwise from left) Loewe mohair and wool scarf, $550 at Holt Renfrew (holtrenfrew.com). Mohair checked scarves, $450 each at Acne Studios (acnestudios.com). Vintage lap blanket, $90 at Nouveau Riche Vintage (nouveaurichevintage.ca).Brandon Titaro/The Globe and Mail
Styling by Odessa Paloma Parker. Sets and prop styling by Dani Reynolds at Cadre Artists. Photo assistant: Ness DeVos. Styling assistant: Leah Gust.