How to Choose the Best Type of Scarf for Every Outfit

You basically have to wear a scarf in the winter (unless you like feeling freezing or are fortunate enough to live in Southern California), so you might as well put a little thought into it, right? Just as not every style of shoe works with every outfit, not every type of scarf works with every outfit. For example, if you're wearing track pants and going for an athleisure-themed look, you're probably going to want to avoid a fancy silk scarf.

To ensure that you're never second guessing yourself when choosing what scarf to wear this winter, we found five common types of scarf outfits that fashion girls wear on repeat, which should give you a clear idea of the five types of scarves you should own and what to pair with them. If we do say so ourselves, this might even make you wish for cold, scarf-worthy days. Read on to find out how to choose the best type of scarf for every outfit.

Directional: The Faux-Fur Stole

As Olivia Palermo proves, if you're going to go for a very forward look, let your scarf reflect that and opt for a faux-fur stole.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Polished and Professional: The Cashmere Scarf

When the rest of your outfit is office-ready, you want your accessories to follow suit. Your best best is to stick to a classic wool or cashmere scarf in a solid neutral or a subtle print.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Sporty: The Logo Scarf

With the popularity of streetwear-inspired looks this year, we suggest investing in a scarf that suits the vibe. You can't go wrong with a logo scarf, as long as the rest of your outfit doesn't contain obvious logos.

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(Image credit: Getty Images )

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Collegiate: The Striped Scarf

A striped scarf is the ultimate preppy winter accessory. You can either opt for something neutral and versatile, or have fun with it and choose something bold that gives your look a pop of color.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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Related: 3 Ways to Tie a Blanket Scarf This Winter

Feminine: The Silk Scarf

While it may not be the warmest, the perfect type of scarf to wear with something feminine is a pretty silk scarf knotted around the neck. 

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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Next up, check out 15 new ways to tie your scarf this fall.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.