An ode to the best scarves, accessories with a purpose that transcends seasons. In the summer, scarves are crisp accents, silk fabric knotted around a purse’s handle or draped over a sundress. In spring and fall, they’re layers over our denim jackets and our wool shackets, modishly combating the breeze. In winter, they swaddle us, knitting extra warmth beneath our puffer jackets. Scarves have earned wardrobe-staple status, but in infinite colors and textures, it can feel nearly impossible to choose the perfect one.

Nearly is the key word—finding the best scarf is not impossible. In fact, there are three simple steps to selecting the ideal scarf for you. Number one: Identify the intention. Is it to keep you warm or for warm-weather adornment? Two: Choose the material. Do you prefer a cashmere cable knit or a bouclé wrap? Three, and most importantly: Match the personality. A scarf is an extension of self. A McQueen skull shawl exudes edge, while a Max Mara teddy wrap is dignified elegance. “I throw on a scarf when I want to add extra dimension to my look,” Ohad Seroya, creative director of Retrofête and SER.O.YA, says. “Whether wrapping it around the head or neck, or using it as a blanket, you want the scarf to be an extension of your outfit and a complement to your personality.” Succinctly put, you are your scarf.

Select your scarf with confidence. “The mark of a good scarf is its timeless wearability and versatility. You want something that will last from season to season, while also holding up against the always-changing trends,” Seroya says. A good scarf is all about how it’s worn. Free People stylist Julie Parladé adds, “Get creative with how you wrap your scarf, from casually hanging on the neck to wrapping and tucking the ends into any number of shapes. Scarves are the perfect vehicle for your creativity to shine this time of year.”

So here’s to the scarf, an annual adornment we will wear to its last threads. Lend your respects with one of the 20 best scarves for women on the market. And that’s a wrap.

Patou

farfetch.com

$257.00

The bubblegum pink gives this cashmere ribbed knit scarf a playful quality. Simple and youthful, this scarf transitions perfectly into the winter.

Free People

freepeople.com

$58.00

Available in five patterns, this striped Free People scarf is an autumn classic. The boho fringe is just waiting for its fall debut at the apple orchard; throw on one of the brand’s classic fleeces for an extra-cozy effect. When styling, Parladé recommends, “While starting to bundle up, layer that scarf as the cherry on top of a tonal look, or forgo the jewels and wrap smaller scarves around the neck.”

Canada Goose

farfetch.com

$194.00

Canada Goose, master of cold weather, steps in with a classic wool knit. There’s nothing this scarf can’t handle.

Alexander McQueen

luisaviaroma.com

$670.00

McQueen’s iconic fringed skull jacquard is just begging to go with a leather jacket. And combat boots. And some silver cuffs.

Saint Laurent

Matchesfashion.com

$550.00

The monochromatic logo adds just the right amount of branding to this easy style. So subtle, Saint Laurent.

GANNI

mytheresa.com

$136.00

Mohair is the material you need this season. GANNI utilizes a fuzzy blend to set its scarf apart, fringing the edges for further texture. We never get sick of the brand’s fun with colors, as the blue and red provide an effortlessly stunning contrast.

Sandro

farfetch.com

$215.00

Sandro knits a wool scarf in a lightly hued blue that makes us envy whoever wears it. Perfect for the office or out to a dinner, this style is limitless.

Max Mara

saksfifthavenue.com

$765.00

A piece I would take from my grandmother’s closet, Max Mara’s Teddy Scarf is exactly what every single winter party outfit needs. Now I just need one of the woolen trenches to match ...

Isabel Marant

shopbop.com

$390.00

Chunky and enveloping—pure comfort beckons. The brushed felt is everything we imagine when we think “winter scarf” and more. Added bonus: The light gray goes with just about anything.

Loewe

net-a-porter.com

$390.00

Loewe has outdone itself with its latest collection of scarves. The stately logo is reflected in a variety of hues, creating a print on this fringed scarf. The silk, wool, and cashmere blend also makes it lovely for lighter temperatures.

SER.O.YA

retrofete.com

$165.00

On designing this new piece, Seroya says, “This season, we’re loving chunky, oversized fabrications like [this] soft wool-blend bouclé. Our scarves give an edginess to your look, while also keeping you super cozy. We wanted to design something you can style for a night out, but also wear with a chic airport fit.”

Burberry

mytheresa.com

$470.00

Burberry brings Alabaster Rose to its iconic check print for a scarf that will brighten any winter day. This piece will live in your closet for years to come.

Falconeri

falconeri.com

$175.00

Falconeri’s accessories are an absolute necessity for winterwear. Available in 10 cashmere colors, these scarves can pair with anything. We are especially loving the navy: rich and luxuriant for the transitioning between seasons.

Moncler

mytheresa.com

$795.00

More bouclé, this time from an Italian powerhouse. Moncler knits a teddy bear onto your neck in a mix of wool, alpaca wool, and mohair. The extra-long length is ideal for multiple circular envelopments to keep you protected against harsh weather.

The Elder Statesman

net-a-porter.com

$494.88

No one can do tie-dye like The Elder Statesman. Relaxed yet posh, this scarf is a punch of color you’ll appreciate with each use.

The Row

net-a-porter.com

$3850.00

Oversized, chunky, and thickly knitted speaks to us. Drape it over your shoulders as a shawl, loop it around as a traditional scarf, or curl up on the couch and pull it over you as a blanket. The Row gives you three pieces in one.

The Westside

thewestsideshop.com

$295.00

This California-inspired boutique based in New York always delivers. While The Westside carries a variety of brands, its own label produces quality collections too. For example, its cashmere scarves are the spring, fall, and winter essentials you will be stocking up on.

Acne Studios

ssense.com

$290.00

When you wear this, everyone knows what’s up. Acne’s oversized mohair style is a fashion insider’s classic, down to the logo patch.

Etro

bergdorfgoodman.com

$410.00

Now this is a year-round scarf. A light pink paisley print juxtaposed with lime green fringed edges breathes energy into any outfit it is thrown over. Etro’s scarves have a timeless quality that will never let you down.

Loro Piana

bergdorfgoodman.com

$1175.00

Another fashion house playing with color, Loro Piana’s ombré scarf brings dimension to any outfit. Composed of cashmere and silk, this is pure luxe neckwear.