Every Stylish Person I Know Owns This Elegant, Rich-Looking Accessory—29 Of the Best for Every Budget
Oh, cashmere. The luxe fabrication everyone wants to be enveloped in. Come winter, the fashion set beckons the streets in enviable ensembles and you needn't look closely to spot a sea of cashmere wraparounds. Scarves have come a long way over the past decade. I spent my teens negating layers and bartering with my parents to shed one or two. You know the sort, I give you back a coat and raise you a scarf—thinking of scarves as an outfit hindrance. Therefore, in adulthood, I’m fascinated by the evolution that’s led scarves to become a much-coveted accessory and significant fashion piece. As someone who appreciates neutral tones, I’ve amassed a collection, ranging from camel and ecru to brown and when in cashmere, even better.
Scarves are one of winter's most practical accessories and this year, there’s been an evident shift towards elevated scarves spurred by the scarf coat trend. We’ve been served considerably more cashmere scarves than ever before and specialist brands are being propelled to the forefront, in a bid to expertly craft the perfect winter accessory.
You may be wondering if cashmere is worth the price markup (an understandable question considering the price point), to which my answer is yes. As someone who champions hardwearing fabrications for longevity, I’ve been impressed by every cashmere piece I’ve owned. It's one of the most durable fabrications I've trialled—sourced from goats, the fibres are soft but insulating, and therefore perfect for cold weather conditions, plus, with the absence of lanolin, it’s hypoallergenic. This season is an inspiring time for scarves—from fringed trimming to triangle scarves and inventive styling methods (like head wraps), so rest assured that you’ll also be investing in myriad style options. If you’re wondering where to start you've come to the right place. See and shop a dedicated cashmere scarf edit below. It's perfectly timed for the cold snap.
Shop My Edit of Cashmere Scarves:
Dip your toe into premium fabrications with John Lewis' own label cashmere at a reasonable price point!
A textured triangle scarf in this year's much adored deep grey.
A pop of ecru will work against all outerwear regardless of colour.
M&S' knitwear is among some of my favourites on the high street, so much so that every year I gift my mum a M&S jumper. This year, I'm thinking of interrupting tradition with a cashmere scarf.
Independent brands are your best bet when it comes to conscious fabrications!
The matching cardigan completes this classy outfit.
Complete this look with the matching coat.
If you adore Toteme's scarf jacket as much as us, you'll be pleased to know the whipstitch scarf component is sold separately.
The White Company is renowned for cashmere accessories—from socks to scarves.
The contemporary triangle scarf in the plushest cashmere fabrication.
Madeleine Thompson craft many cashmere pieces, so look no further if you're after a head-to-toe cashmere ensemble.
TBCo is one of 2024's standout accessory brands.
Rise and Fall's bandana scarf features a tubular stitch design detail.
Leather goods specialist Strathberry has not long started producing wool goods. I've tested a scarf for the past year and it remains in great condition.
This striking aubergine colour works in perfect unison with camel.
When it comes to travel, I always carry a cashmere scarf on board as it doubles up as a warm layer. A blanket scarf was made with these scenarios in mind.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.