Ask Dethroner: What Scarf Should I Buy?

I’d like some advice on buying a scarf. I’m looking for something that will A) Keep me warm (obviously) and B) be able to be worn with a suit or jeans. Am I over-thinking this? Should I just go with the typical J Crew or Brooks Brothers type deal or are there more options out there?

To an extent, Jake, you are over-thinking this scarf purchase. It’s okay to have more than one; In fact, it’s recommended.

Which one you wear all depends on what you’re trying to pull off aesthetically. If you’re wanting to keep warm and under the radar, go with a basic, dourly-colored scarf that won’t draw any undue attention. If you want to make an outfit pop and draw attention to your floating, disembodied head, try something that is brightly colored or extra long.

I have a pink, puffy scarf that is about six feet long that, when coupled with the right outfit, absolutely shines. The ladies love a man who can pull off pink, trust me, and it’s so over-the-top that it makes me look stupidly assured. (Plus it’s warm as fuck.) I don’t wear it all the time, but it’s great to have as an alternative. You might consider picking up something equally as audacious as an experiment in self-confidence. (Unlike a flash, risky outfit, you can always just take a scarf off if you freak out.)

A final bit of advice: To keep a scarf from unwinding, fold it in half; drape the folded scarf over your neck; put a hand through the looped end and grab the two loose ends; pull the ends through the loop; gasp for oxygen; loosen; done! (It sounds complicated but it’s totally not.)

Big layers of scarves are definitely in this winter for both guys and ladies. Check out The Sartorialist’s front door (I just linked a single entry) and just walk down the page—you’ll see tons of good suggestions on styles and ways to wear a scarf.