Item of the week: the oversized scarf

What it is:

While we may be in the depths of summer right now, the fashion industry
doesn’t stop moving and autumn/winter products continue to remain relevant
for buyers today. A one that had particular prominence in the collections
of designers for AW23 was that of the oversized scarf, also sometimes known
as the blanket scarf. This statement accessory came not only in stylish
iterations, but also functional designs that could be worn in a variety of
ways, either wrapped around the body or as a cape, both providing warmth in
a fashionable manner.

Why you’ll want it:

The standard scarf is a must-have in any autumn/winter collection. It’s a
versatile accessory that can be added to any outfit and offers the option
of added warmth at a time when it is much needed. The large-scale
iterations that were present on the runway provide an elevated update to
the piece, bringing forward a scarf that is much more fashion-forward and
allows the wearer to play with proportions a little more. For consumers,
the scarf is an item they will keep coming back to each time the colder
months come round, making it a great investment piece that they can hold on
to and will continue to wear years to come.

Where we’ve seen it:

For the exaggerated scarves of AW23, tartan and plaid were natural choices,
forming neckwear that was reminiscent of a picnic blanket – arguably giving
the piece two functions. Such iterations were seen on the runways of Etro,
Burberry, Saint Laurent and Marni, the latter of which offered up a bulky,
floor-length style that defied typical proportions. Similar over-the-top
lengths could also be spotted at Paul Smith, Michael Kors and Louis
Vuitton, where muted tones took hold. Meanwhile, other brands opted for
scarves that fully encapsulated the body, many in the form of draped
cape-like pieces, present in the collections of Stella McCartney, The Row
and Gabriela Hearst.

How to style it:

As mentioned before, the scarf is an item that can be added to just about
any outfit as an extra layer of warmth on a cold day. The accessory is very
versatile, yet can be a fashionable wardrobe addition with many colourful
prints, daring silhouettes and fascinating textures becoming increasingly
available as alternatives to standard neckwear. While smaller shapes can
fit with long-line coats or to zhuzh up denim jackets, larger pieces can be
wrapped around the body as a sole outerwear item, or in combination with
garments that match seamlessly with the print.

The wrap around scarf is an elevated iteration of a standard neckwear
accessory that is a staple autumn/winter wardrobe piece for a wide
audience. Such iterations have seen the item take on new, daring shapes,
appealing to the fashion audience as an update for those looking to bring
some edge to their accessory selection.