Cool Hunting

The perfect accessory to complete any winter ensemble, the ubiquitous scarf as fashion must-have dates back to the days of ancient Rome, where it started as a sudarium (Latin for sweat cloth). Still a functional adornment as much as sartorial statement, current times have the scarf focused more on keeping in warmth rather than wiping it away.

To round out our guide to this season's top jackets, we've put together a collection of some of the best scarves that will help you through the cold months ahead.

Rachel Comey's handmade Peruvian Tassel scarf makes a resplendent rendition ideal for everyday wear (pictured at right). The subtle black and green, 100% baby alpaca wool will keep your neck happy, while adding a touch of opulence and playing to the ease of wearing the scarf in a variety of settings. Available online from Totokaelo for $240.

The season's most talked about style from NYC's hottest new knitting shop (more on the new store opening tomorrow), Wool & the Gang's Snood Dogg has us picking up a ball of yarn and making our grannies proud. One of the store's many clever kits, the Snood looks best when crafted with your own two hands but the knitting needle-challenged can also pick this scarf up from the Wool & the Gang online shop for $139.

For the Linus in all of us, Lutz & Patmos' Inifinity scarf is like a security blanket disguised as a never-ending, super soft scarf. Intended to be worn for many seasons over, the New York-based design duo uses high-quality fabrics and a long-lasting construction. The double functioning cashmere and wool tubular scarf can be twisted around the neck twice for a cozy feel or worn as a snood. Sold from the Lutz & Patmos online shop for $350.

Recently highlighted in an Urban Daddy feature, the Julian pocket scarf cleverly keeps essentials at hand—but out of hands. Not trusting coat checks and tired of dancing with a large purse, Wintercheck Factory designers Sarah and Kristen crafted the scarf in a variety of complimentary colorways for nights out on the town. Pick up the Julian scarf online for $30.

Also capitalizing on the convenience of a hidden pocket, Nau insulates their down pocket scarf with 650-fill down but weighs in at only three ounces, providing an ideal way to keep warm on a winter hike or an early morning jog. The pocket scarf sells online and at the current Nau pop-up shop in NYC for $65.

The Adidas Knit Sleeve scarf is a novel take on their Originals collection. Designed in the shape of a sleeve, the scarf boasts their trademark 3-stripe pattern for an authentically sporty look. Available from the U.K. Adidas online shop for £25.

For an understated but equally sports-infused scarf, turn to Saville Rogue for their striped cashmere football scarf. The ultra-soft scarves feature a simple color scheme designed to show support for a favorite team without the flash of ungainly logos. It sells from Saville Rogues for £39.

New takes on animal-patterned fashions continue to pop up everywhere this season, and See by Chloé's sheep pattern knit scarf illustrates the charm of the trend. The scarf—and matching hat—sells from Farfetch for $214.

Kind's quirky Sock scarf adds a little humor to oft-drab winter wardrobes. A blend of angora and wool, the scarf feels as soft as it looks distinct. It's available from Labour of Love for £135.

So unbelievably soft, it's difficult to believe that J. Peterman's Faux Fur Rabbit Hooded scarf is indeed animal-friendly. A hood and scarf combo, the thoughtful design includes details like the leather strap at the neck for securing the scarf portion around your neck. From J. Peterman for $68.

The epitome of luxury, Pringle of Scotland's mink fur and cashmere cable knit scarf shows how the nearly 200-year-old company became so famous among celebrities like Grace Kelly. Gorgeous and exceptionally crafted, the scarf is available at select Pringle of Scotland stores. Bergdorf Goodman sells a similar scarf for $1,830.

Curiously sophisticated, Salvor Projects—led by designer Ross Menuez—applies their eclectic style to a series of scarves this season, providing more reason to unwrap and relax. The eye scarf makes a mesmerizing example of Menuez's passion for silk-screening and op art. Available from Oak for $236.

A label focused on designing for a woman who is "constantly evolving with the world around her," Eryn Brinie's sleeve muffler scarf allows just that, with its multifunction personality. Worn as a scarf, shawl or cardigan, the focus is on staying warm throughout. Available online from Eryn Brinie for $100.