Women's Scarves & Shawls: Shop by Style, Detail & Fit

Few accessories earn their keep like a scarf. One good one warms you, adds color near your face, and rescues a plain outfit — and shawls double as wraps for evenings and travel. Here is how to choose well.

Silk scarves — especially the classic square — are the most versatile: wear them at the neck, as a headscarf, or tied to a bag. Cashmere and wool wraps are the luxury warmth layer for winter. Chunky knit scarves pair with outerwear for real cold. Pashmina-style shawls work as evening wraps and airplane blankets alike, while lightweight cotton and linen scarves handle spring without overheating.

Size and How to Wear

A 35-inch square is the classic silk size; oversized 55-inch squares drape more dramatically. Oblong scarves (around 70 by 12 inches) are easiest for looping. Learn two or three knots — the Parisian loop, the drape, the wrap — and one scarf becomes several looks.

Quality Cues

Hand-rolled hems signal a well-made silk scarf. Cashmere should feel dense, not wispy, and resist pilling. Check that printed patterns align at the seams. Search eBay and Amazon above to compare fabrics and prices.