It’s that time of year again when it’s necessary to sprinkle vitamin D tablets onto your porridge and switch the on SAD light just to be able to haul yourself from out beneath the covers. And they call this the most wonderful time of the year?

One thing that does warm our cockles, however, is that the frostier months provide the opportunity to add an additional accessory to our sartorial arsenal. And speaking of Arsenal, well we’ll get to them in a bit.

We are, of course, talking about scarves. Beloved by Rupert the Bear, Lenny Kravitz and all knitting beginners, they’re a winter essential – but it’s not as simple as just throwing any old one on.

Winter Scarves Buying Considerations

Style

When it comes to scarf shopping, take a practical stance, “The first thing to consider is the purpose,” says Chris Hobbs, senior style editor at MatchesFashion.com. “Is it a day scarf to keep you warm on the early morning commute? Is it more as a statement or a fashion buy? Or do you want to add a pop of color into your wardrobe?”

Ultimately, like most items of clothing, there are a lot of choices, so being clear about why you want the scarf helps the decision making. “Personally, I like big scarves that envelop me – I want them to be fit for purpose and to keep me warm.” If the answer to all of the above questions is “yes” then it might be smart to buy a few different scarves for different purposes.

Fabric

With shelves groaning under the weight of everything your chilly neck could desire, it’s an open playing field when it comes to choosing a style of scarf.

If you’re looking for a lifetime scarf, then natural fabrics like wool and cashmere are going to be best. Wool is warm, breathable, sustainable and biodegradable. The only concern is looking after a more traditional scarf. “Most are made from natural wools and cashmere and can snag easily,” warns Hobbs. “Be careful about how you store them and beware of moths.”