5 Scarf Styling Tips to Make the End of Winter Suck Less

Unless you live in California or something, looking outside around late March and early April is depressing, because it's still winter — 40 degrees or lower and snowing — and yet everyone's talking about spring fashion.

But just because the weather sucks doesn't mean your wardrobe has to follow suit. Go ahead and ditch your boring gray scarf for something more fresh and fun. Scroll on to see how to breathe a little life into your cold-weather clothing simply by the kind of scarf you choose.

Add Color

I know, I know. Gray is great, and it goes with everything. And while it's definitely fine to have a neutral scarf in your repertoire, think about wearing something more colorful now that spring is getting closer.

What's great about wearing a multicolor item is that, just like a neutral, it coordinates with a bunch of outfits. Take the striped stole above: It lends itself perfectly to the midi dress the model is wearing, because both pieces feature common hues. Same goes for the color-block rectangular scarf below: Since it has swatches of rust and blush, the model's monochrome getup is a great choice — and the accessory becomes the statement piece of the entire look.

First photo: Faux-Fur Stole, J. CREW, not available for purchase; Dress, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jacket, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jargon Leather Platform Booties, CHINESE LAUNDRY (Available at Lulu's), $149. Second photo: Rainbow Scarf, GAP, not available for purchase; Safety First Tee, MOTHER, $125; Sheer Jacket, SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Cobain Cargos, I.AM.GIA, $86

Think Pink

Still can't get the idea out of your head that scarves have to be neutral? Try one with a bit more personality. Blush and dusty rose are both soft enough hues to match with almost anything.

In the pictures above and below, patterns and other colors help the scarves stand out a bit more — and not get lost — against the models' bold outfits.

First photo: Blanket Scarf; MADEWELL, not available for purchase; Dress, SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Puffer, AMERICAN EAGLE, not available for purchase. Second photo: Rose Scarf, SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Dress, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jacket, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jargon Leather Platform Booties, CHINESE LAUNDRY (Available at Lulu's), $149

Cream of the Crop

If color of any kind just isn't your thing, you can still make a bold statement by wearing cream or white, which works with outfits along the entire rainbow spectrum, and it’ll really pop against most of your other winter clothes.

Apart from the brightness making your overall look more bold, white also adds an element of polish to your outfit. Check out how these models styled it with very different ensembles.

First photo: Snood, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, not available for purchase; Safety First Tee, MOTHER, $125; Sheer Jacket, SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Cobain Cargos, I.AM.GIA, $86. Second photo: Infinity Scarf, GAP, not available for purchase; Sweatshirt, I.AM.GIA, not available for purchase; Metallic Cigarette Pants, TOPSHOP, $85

Pattern Play

OK, OK, so you're a little scared to stray away from gray. At least make the shade more fun by adding patterns and textures.

Here, both models demonstrate how to take scarves from gray to yay. In the photo above, the bold black-and-white poncho with tassels is far from boring (and can double as a transitional jacket on a warmer day!), while the surprise of the puffer silhouette in the image below adds interest to the outfit's shape.

First photo: Cape Scarf, J. CREW, not available for purchase; Sweatshirt, I.AM.GIA, not available for purchase; Metallic Cigarette Pants, TOPSHOP, $85. Second photo: Puff Stole, ZARA, not available for purchase; Safety First Tee, MOTHER, $125; Sheer Jacket, SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Cobain Cargos, I.AM.GIA, $87

Transition Time

Quick pro tip: Scarves are more than just winter accessories. Don’t forget this in the early spring, when the bad weather breaks but temps are still on the chilly side.

As the model above demonstrates, a bandana can protect your neck and goes wonderfully with any transitional jacket, including light puffers, leather motos, and oversize denim. A skinny scarf can have the same effect but has the added bonus of looking like a sleek choker — the perfect accessory to wear all day long, whether you're outside or not.

First photo: Star Bandana, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, not available for purchase; SCOTCH & SODA, not available for purchase; Puffer, AMERICAN EAGLE, not available for purchase. Second photo: Velvet Thinny, ECHO (Available at Amazon), $16; Dress, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jacket, ZARA, not available for purchase; Jargon Leather Platform Booties, CHINESE LAUNDRY (Available at Lulu's), $149

Fashion Editor: Rachel Torgerson
Photographer: Ruben Chamorro
Art Director: Abby Silverman
Photo Director: Kathleen Kamphausen
Photo Editor: Mylan Torres
Stylist: Aeyung Kim
Beauty Director: Carly Cardellino
Makeup: Fatimot Isadare
Hair: Ro Morgan

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