How to Style a Chunky Scarf with Coats and Dresses

Once the cold really sets in, my chunky scarf becomes the piece I reach for every single morning. It keeps me warm, it hides a coat that's seen better days, and it makes the simplest long skirt and sweater look finished.

The catch is that a big, thick scarf can also swallow a whole outfit if you're not careful. Here's how I wear mine so it looks cozy and pulled together, not bulky.

Pick the right chunky scarf

Not every thick scarf works with everything. A few things to look for:

• Length. A long scarf (around 70 inches or more) gives you the most ways to tie it. Shorter infinity scarves are easier but less flexible.
• Knit. Cable knits and ribbed knits look polished. Very loose, open knits are softer and more casual.
• Fiber. Wool and wool blends are the warmest. Acrylic is cheaper and easier to wash, but can pill faster. Look for something that feels soft against your neck.
• Color. Cream, oatmeal, camel, gray and blush go with almost every coat. If your coats are neutral, a scarf is a great place for one bolder color like rust or burgundy.

With a long wool coat

This is the classic, and for good reason. A long camel, gray or black coat with a chunky cream or oatmeal scarf looks elegant without any effort.

• Wrap the scarf once around your neck and let both ends hang down the front, inside or outside the coat.
• Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a long dark skirt, opaque tights and ankle or knee-high boots.
• If your coat has a wide collar, tuck the scarf under it so the two don't fight each other.

A long coat already covers most of your outfit, so the scarf is what people notice. This is where a beautiful knit really pays off.

With a peacoat or short jacket

Shorter coats like peacoats, quilted jackets and puffers balance nicely with a thick scarf on top.

• Try a loose knot at the front so the scarf sits high and frames your face.
• Pair it with a full or pleated long skirt so the outfit doesn't look top heavy.
• Match the scarf to your skirt or shoes rather than your coat. It ties the whole look together.

Over a knit dress, indoors

A chunky scarf isn't only for outerwear. Draped over a fitted long-sleeve sweater dress, it adds texture and warmth in a chilly office, shul or cafe.

• Drape it over both shoulders and let the ends fall in front, almost like a light wrap.
• Choose a scarf a few shades lighter or darker than your dress, like blush over terracotta or cream over camel.
• Keep jewelry minimal. The scarf is already your statement.

This is also a nice trick for a dress that feels a little too plain for Shabbos. Add a soft scarf and it suddenly looks styled.

With a headscarf or snood

If you cover your hair, a chunky scarf and a headscarf can look beautiful together. The key is to keep one of them quiet.

• With a patterned headscarf, choose a solid neutral knit scarf.
• With a plain wrapped headscarf, a textured cable knit or a soft color like blush looks lovely.
• Tones that echo each other, like a cream headscarf with an oatmeal scarf, look especially polished.

Easy ways to tie it

You don't need a dozen knots. These four cover almost everything:

• The simple loop. Wrap it once around your neck and let both ends hang in front. Works with everything.
• The loose knot. Loop it once, then tie the two ends in a loose knot just below your collarbone. Great with shorter jackets.
• The shoulder drape. Lay it over both shoulders without wrapping. Best indoors over a dress or sweater.
• The double wrap. Wrap it twice and tuck the ends in. The warmest option for really cold, windy days.

Keep it from overwhelming your outfit

A few small things make a big difference:

• Balance the volume. A chunky scarf on top looks best with a longer, more streamlined silhouette below, like a straight midi or a long A-line skirt.
• Stick to one bulky piece. If your scarf is very thick, wear a thinner sweater under your coat.
• Mind your neckline. A high neckline or turtleneck underneath keeps everything smooth and modest when the scarf shifts.
• Wash with care. Hand wash or use the wool cycle and dry flat so it keeps its shape all season.

A good chunky scarf is one of the easiest ways to make winter outfits feel cozy and put together. Start with a neutral that goes with your favorite coat, learn one or two ways to tie it, and you'll wear it every day until spring.

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