Key Takeaways

• Scarves are making the case for replacing your hat this winter, as fashion aficionados are increasingly embracing cozy, trend-forward styles as headwear.

• This is one of the easiest outerwear styles to try for yourself since you likely already have some scarves in your closet, and long wool, alpaca, or cashmere styles are best for balancing practicality with versatility.

Winter can really test your styling skills, as there's pressure to stay equal parts toasty and chic. Maybe you’ve started layering your straight leg jeans atop punchy printed tights for extra warmth with an element of surprise. Perhaps you've tried the of-the-moment stacked sweater look, or you're leaning into making your outerwear the outfit. Now, the fashion pack is making the case for another cold-weather styling hack: Championing a scarf as your winter headwear hero piece. You could toss on your trusty ribbed black beanie and call it a day—but a scarf (be it silk, woven, or cashmere) makes for a functional yet intriguing outfit that stands out from the crowd. If you're eager to learn the art of the scarf as headwear, learn all about the trend ahead, from the ideal types of scarves to consider to our favorite styles on the market.

About the Trend

Tying a scarf around your head isn’t a novel concept by any means. In the 1950s, actress and style icon Audrey Hepburn famously pioneered the effortlessly glamorous look, making silk and lightweight cotton styles a fixture in her outfits. As of late, A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Beyoncé have channeled the late actress, opting for breezy scarves as headwear.

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While the silky, Hepburn-inspired take prioritizes style over insulation, several newer approaches to the look blend this element of chic with cold-weather practicality. Not to mention, scarves can be warmer than beanies in some ways, as they protect the sides of your face and neck from the windy, unbearably frigid temps.

Luckily for everyone looking for styling tips, those in the know aren’t gatekeeping the trend—rather, they’re showing how it’s done on TikTok. If you look up “scarf as a hat” on the app, you’ll find dozens of helpful tutorials. 

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It was only a matter of time before this technique took off, as the look bears a resemblance to the of-the-moment balaclava, which returned with vigor these past few years thanks to reimagined designs from labels like Miu Miu, The Row, Marni, and Paloma Wool. Meanwhile, bonnets are also gaining traction: In fact, The New York Times recently published an article titled “Bonnets Are the Winter Hat of the Moment. For Adults.” But perhaps what sets apart the scarf-as-headwear trick from the rest is you likely already have the accessory lying around the house.

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Scarf Style Considerations

To ensure your scarf wraps all around your head, it’s essential to go with a long style, unless you're going the Hepburn route with a silk scarf. Additionally, if you wish to cover a good portion of your head, picking a wide, thick silhouette is key.

In terms of fabric, there are a few different directions you can take. A cashmere scarf is perhaps the coziest option out there (and there are so many other ways to style it when you're not using it as headwear). However, a wool or alpaca style will provide ample warmth, as well. Now that you’ve received a crash course on the scarf-as-hat trend, read on for 13 of our favorite looks on the market to achieve the look.

The Best Scarves to Try as Winter Hats

Subtle Statement: Acne Studios Vally Check Scarf

Acne Studios

Punch up an otherwise pared-back winter look with one of Acne Studios’ beloved checkered scarves. Here, hints of dreamy wintry blue blend with beige and black for a modern neutral moment.

Everyday Maximalist: Ganni Leopard Print Wool-Blend Scarf

Ganni

This past year, animal prints have crossed from bold, trending patterns to full-blown modern neutrals. Embrace that accessibly wild energy by draping this ribbed leopard number around your head—it's sure to help you read as both risk-taking and classically chic.

Classic Winter White: Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Chunky Scarf

Uniqlo

If budget is your priority, look no further than this style from Uniqlo. In a classic neutral hue, this affordable yet expensive-looking accent will see you through winter in style.

Go Big or Go Home: Janessa Leoné Blanket Scarf

Janessa Leone

The name says it all: this Janessa Leoné scarf is ultra-cozy and will make you feel as if you’ve taken a comfortable blanket along with you for the day. Go for a coordinated look by pairing this light gray style with a charcoal-colored coat.

Countryside Chic: House of Bruar Cashmere Tartan Scarf

House of Bruar

If you can’t resist a vintage-inspired piece, this black plaid scarf from House of Bruar is sure to please. It’ll be the perfect finishing touch to a casual weekend ensemble, be it for errands, a meetup with friends, or a Cotswolds getaway.

Old Hollywood Energy: Silver & Riley Champagne in the Riviera Scarf

Silver & Riley

Want nothing more than to emulate vintage icons this winter? On milder days or whenever you want to prioritize aesthetic above all else, a square silk scarf is an ideal headpiece, especially in a chic, French Riviera-inspired palette. You'll also find endless versatility for this style, from tying it around your neck to an extra touch of personality for your bag.

Center of Attention: Guest in Residence Cloud Scarf

Guest in Residence

Bring the heat with this fiery red fringe scarf from Guest in Residence. A standout jersey style, the piece features twisted tassels and a chunky knit for classic winter coziness, as well as a branded detail.

Sweet Ribbed Bubblegum: American Vintage Wool Blend Scarf

American Vintage

Simultaneously playful and elevated, this vivid pink ribbed scarf will garner plenty of attention. If you're looking for the ultimate contrast, it’ll really pop against a monochromatic cream or beige outfit.

Soft Elegance: Lisa Yang Paris Cashmere Truffle Scarf

Lisa Yang

Want a soft take on the ongoing chocolate brown color trend? Turn your attention to this luxe Lisa Yang scarf. We won’t sugarcoat it: The scarf is certainly an investment piece. However, it’s safe to say it’ll become a wardrobe mainstay.

Mint Moment: Weekend Max Mara Jacquard Wool Stole

Weekend Max Mara

Resembling a tasty bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream, this pastel Weekend Max Mara scarf is just as sweet as it is practical (not to mention the color has been majorly trending). It’s sure to spark joy every time you toss it on.

Reliably Dark: Daily Paper Black Escarf

Daily Paper

For those who are loyal to an all-black ensemble, this Daily Paper scarf is sure to get a lot of mileage over the next few months. When spring rolls around, transition it into slightly warmer temps with a khaki trench coat and crisp white button-down.

Modern Wintry Prep: Toast Micro Cable Striped Wool Scarf

Toast

Rendered in navy and beige, this striped scarf from Toast is simultaneously classic, nostalgic, and of-the-moment. Double down on the perennial print by way of a striped cashmere sweater.

Timeless Head-Turner: Loewe Check Anagram Silk-Cashmere Scarf

Loewe

Ground a color-heavy ensemble in the modern classic energy of Loewe’s gray checked silk-cashmere scarf. The neutral palette ensures the piece will remain in style year after year, while the eye-catching pattern and anagram detail keep the look interesting.