Wrap it up!

A guide to elevating your wardrobe with scarves.

Less is more. But what about when there’s still not enough?

I’ll often find myself wearing some variation of a button-down shirt, jeans, and an overcoat. Yet, I’ll feel like something is missing. It could be a cap, but sometimes that’s just not enough. I’ll add a scarf and, as if by magic (and with a chef’s kiss), I’ve found what I was missing.

You’re not short of choices when it comes to scarves. You can easily end up spending a small fortune, purely based on quality and addiction. From purchasing premium fabrics to always feeling like you need yet another, it’s always good to have an arsenal at the ready to spruce up your wardrobe. Spoken like a true addict, I know.

A modern progression of Ivy style, for which I think brands like Drake’s can claim a great deal of responsibility in terms of styling, is the wool patterned scarf.

Above: Drake’s Magenta Mughal Hunter Print Wool-Silk Scarf

It’s a fusion that blends the bohemian side of Ivy style with the conservative, striking a perfect balance. Of course, Drake’s aren’t the only place to find these scarves. They’re available from many other brands, such as Adamley, All Blues, and Cordings.

Above: All Blues Co. Circus Orange Scarf

Here’s a great example from a Drake’s photoshoot, where the model has been styled both with and without a scarf using the same outfit. It’s obviously a matter of personal opinion, but I’d argue that the outfit looks better with the pop of colour provided by the scarf.

The look features double denim and corduroy, which I think works well, but the scarf adds another layer of interest, breaking up the safer colourways in the outfit.

This doesn’t mean you need to wear a scarf that’s heavy in terms of pattern and design to enhance your outfit. Simple, understated classics, like this Bryceland’s rayon scarf, work just as well. I’m also a big fan of rayon as a fabric—it’s lightweight, has a beautiful drape, and adds just the right touch of elegance without being overbearing.

Above: Bryceland’s Rayon Scarf

You’ve probably heard of Tootal for their silk scarves, but they also offer rayon, which I personally think is a better fabric. Interestingly, John Simons in London seems to agree—they also favour rayon scarves. You can find a great selection at their shop.

Above: Tootal Rayon Scarf

A style I’ve been wearing a lot lately is the college scarf. Perhaps a divisive choice for some, but one I’d highly recommend. These are easy to find in vintage stores, especially if you’re in the US. I particularly like the ones that are wool on one side and fleece on the other—they’re incredibly warm and, once again, do a great job of breaking up the colours in your outfit. This is especially true if your look leans towards wintery neutral tones, like the outfit below.

The scarf I get asked about most in my collection is the one pictured below. It’s by Abraham Moon, one of the finest producers of wool garments in the UK. They supply materials to many different brands, so you might spot this exact scarf elsewhere—just with a different label.

The white Stewart tartan offers a refreshing alternative to more commonly seen tartans, like Black Watch. A quick Google search even turned up the same scarf here.

I also have to give a mention to bandanas. While not an obvious choice for many, they’ve become a key accessory in modern-day Ivy style—a resurgence I think we owe, in part, to Japanese fashion. The Japanese were instrumental in importing and adapting American fashion, blending it with their own influences. It’s no surprise, then, that classic American western wear—like bandanas—has been incorporated into Ivy League aesthetics. Personally, I love bandanas as a great alternative to a regular necktie. There are some stunning ones on the market, and they’re incredibly easy to find in most vintage stores.

Lastly, if you’re on the hunt for a good scarf and aren’t too concerned about intricate designs, you don’t have to sacrifice quality, heritage, or style.

This brings me to the Real McCoy’s wool knit scarf in olive. I’m a big fan of McCoy’s; their attention to detail and dedication to enhancing reproduction military garments is outstanding. This 7-gauge knit scarf is based on those worn by air force pilots from 1942, drawn from their archives. Also available in black, it’s safe to say these scarves are as warm as they are timeless. Sometimes, no further review is necessary.

Above: Real McCoy’s wool knit scarf in olive

Scarves might seem like a small detail, but they have a quiet power—adding colour, breaking up textures, or simply keeping you warm. They’re the kind of piece that can elevate an outfit without demanding too much attention.