11 Ways to Wear a Blanket Scarf for Chic Coziness

Why wait until winter to break out this fuzzy staple?

A blanket scarf—a scarf that is long, wide, or substantial enough to double as a blanket — might feel like a pretty simple garment. Throw it on in the doldrums of winter with your warmest puffy coat, and voila: a simple but effective cool-weather outfit. But there's so much more to this basic piece.

Fashion stylist and style expert Naina Singla explains that you can wear it in so many different ways: tie it so it looks like a cape or layer it over your most casual outfits. It's worth noting that blanket scarves don't have to be enormous or tent-like. There are scarves on this list that are long and thinner or even square-shaped, and some of them are made of a thinner fabric so that they don't feel so overwhelming when tied around your neck. And believe it or not, you don't save a blanket scarf for winter. Trust us—it's more versatile than you think.

If you're tired of never knowing how to style that ginormous scarf you bought three seasons ago, or are hoping to break out of your fall styling rut, we've compiled 11 outfit ideas to wear your favorite blanket scarf.

With Joggers

"Elevate your matching jogger set with a blanket scarf worn as a shawl," says Singla. With casual pants in a softer knit, you need a different texture for contrast and some visual interest. In this case, the scarf is decorated with a large logo, which ties together the camel-colored wool jacket with the black knit and loafers. With the oversized lettering, this also works as a statement piece even though it's in neutral colors.

Travel Style

A thicker, heavier blanket scarf works especially well when you're on the move (headed to the airport or the office, for example), both for its obvious benefits as a travel blanket and also, Singla explains, because it "will elevate your look and will be functional as an added layer of warmth." In this look, Jeanne Damas used the scarf as contrast, as she's wearing red sandals, which you can replace with red boots in colder weather.

Add A Bold Detail

Let's say you've got a simple look that needs some "oomph," whether it is a simple leather matching set or a basic tee and jeans. Bring in a bright, substantial blanket scarf! "The print will be a great way to add color and dimension to your look," says Singla. You may want to match the scarf with something else (in this case, a yellow bag) so that it does not contrast too much with the rest of the outfit.

With Matching Shoes

Because you want cohesion in your outfit (but don't want to look too matchy-matchy), match your scarf with your accessories. In this case, gloves and silver-and-white sneakers. If that choice of footwear feels too casual, Singla recommends you "finish off the look with heeled mules for an overall look that is so chic and modern."

Instead of a Jacket

For a really substantial blanket scarf like this red Lacoste option, you can drape it over your shoulders and wear it like a coat (this is contingent upon the weather, of course, so make sure you'll be warm enough). If you're styling it as a shawl but want a little fashion-girl spin on it, Singla recommends you "wrap it around your shoulders in the front and drape one side over the opposite shoulder."

As a Cape

An even more dramatic alternative to a shawl, style your blanket scarf as a cape. "Fold it into a triangle and drape the edges over your shoulder so they hang in the front," says Singla. Alternatively, use a pretty (but still substantial) pin, as seen here. The gray color and silver bag are a near-match to each other, and the fleece-like quality of the knit is a nice textural contrast to the leather jacket.

Add a Pop of Color

"If you prefer wearing neutrals but don't mind a little color once in a while, adding a blanket scarf is an effortless way to introduce a touch of color to your look," says Singla. What's also nice is that a lighter blanket scarf can pair well with a warm-weather outfit, as we see here, and is a truly unexpected accessory. Throwing it over your shoulder once and letting both ends hang down adds a little flair without making you sweaty.

With a Cool Coat

In this case, this oversized scarf has some complementary gray hues throughout, with just enough contrast to be visually interesting. The whole look is cohesive, in other words, but the scarf brings in dimension. You could also wrap the blanket scarf around your neck twice for a thicker look that also keeps your neck and face extremely warm.

A Trendy Hue

If you're not necessarily a "trend" person but still want to look modern, accessories are a great way to channel a new color. "Olive green is a top trending color for the fall season. Add an olive green blanket scarf to jeans, a crisp white shirt, and ballet flats," explains Singla. "You could also do this with burgundy—another top color for the fall season." Bring back some cohesion by wearing a matching undershirt and lip color, as pictured above.

Tonal

"For a sophisticated and more minimal look, match the color of your blanket scarf to your leather jacket, blazer, or winter coat," Singla says. "This monochromatic look looks luxe and gives off 'quiet luxury' vibes." If you want to keep things interesting, stay away from the traditional black and go for gray, brown, camel, or another neutral color.

As a Finishing Touch

According to Singla, a blanket scarf is "also a nice alternative to wearing a light coat." For any outfit where you might reach for a light trench, for example, or a chunky knit sweater, try a blanket scarf instead. Here, the camel color is the same as a trench or coat, so the vibe is similar—just a little bit more flowy and casual. The item's a lot more versatile than you think, so experiment with it!

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