Scarf coats aren't going anywhere – here are the chicest on the market
Now, I know I don’t need to regale you with why a great winter coat is such an essential – most of us are practically living in them at the moment. But if you're wanting to liven up your look, it makes sense to invest in the one item that’s actually on display, and there’s a semi-fresh style in town that’s gaining plenty of traction. Allow me to introduce you to scarf coats.
As the name suggests, this chic piece of outerwear steps into accessories territory, coming complete with an (often detachable) scarf in a coordinating colour and fabric, making the silhouette of the classic coat immediately appear much more striking.
Why can’t we just wear an ordinary coat and scarf? I hear you ask. Well, although you absolutely can (and should), the scarf coat’s beauty comes from this coordination, which lends it an effortlessly elegant style that will make your outfit look much more put together.
So, if you spotted the large number of influencers and fashion insiders swanning around in matching scarf and coat looks last Fashion Week, of which there were plenty, the two-in-one scarf coat would be the secret. Plus, it's actually incredibly cosy as well.
The origin of the scarf coat, however, is up for debate. While some credit American fashion designer Yeohlee Teng for creating the style in the 1980s, others argue it was Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermès that truly leant into the look. Although it was Stockholm-based luxury label Toteme that made it mainstream in 2021, with countless iterations of the two-in-one jacket now available on the high street.
Luckily, this now means there are plenty of built-in scarf coats available to snap up at every price point, whether you’re after a luxurious cashmere or wool blend or an affordable Asos option. And they come in a wide range of designs, from thick black puffers to lightweight wrap jackets, meaning there’s something to fill any wardrobe gap.
Just be sure to shop for one that works with the rest of your wardrobe. If you're prone to wearing neutrals, a simple cream, beige or brown will be the perfect addition. Or, for those who love their all-black outfits, darker shades are sure to suit you just fine. Remember, you can always add interest through texture by opting for a faux fur or bouclé option as well.
Yet, no matter which scarf coat you opt for, one thing's for sure: gone are the days of losing our scarves on the train! So long as you keep it attached, that is.
What are the best scarf coats to shop? Keep scrolling for my selection of the chicest styles.
If you've spotted an influencer in a scarf coat, chances are it's this Toteme OG. Crafted from a wool blend, it's certainly cosy yet still striking thanks to the contrasting stitch detail and fringed scarf. Simply pair with jeans and let this piece of outerwear take centre stage.
- Colour availability: Dark grey/ black/camel.
- Size range: DK32-40.
- Material: Wool blend.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Sharp and sleek, this Sandro wool scarf coat is a great find for those after a timeless piece of outerwear. Worn alone, it gives a classic formal feel, yet add the detachable scarf and you're on to a trend-led piece. Easy.
- Colour availability: Olive green/black.
- Size range: EU34-40.
- Material: Wool.
Trust Topshop to take the scarf coat trend and make it even more dramatic. Adding a borg, AKA teddy coat, texture into the design, it's sure to be warm and snuggly, especially with the extra large scarf detail attached. It certainly brings all the cosy vibes, that's for sure.
- Colour availability: Brown.
- Size range: XS-L.
- Material: 100% polyester.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Wrap coats provide a blanket-like cosy comfort, so add on a scarf and you'll be extra snuggly – particularly in one made with a wool-blend and lovely long sleeves.
- Colour availability: Moondust.
- Size range: UK6-24.
- Material: Wool/polyester.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Joseph is known for its effortless elegance and this scarf coat is no exception. The extra large fringed scarf adds a great amount of detail to the otherwise minimalist coat, making it a rather versatile find. Plus, it's crafted from a wool-silk blend, making it extra soft.
- Colour availability: Oak.
- Size range: UK4-16.
- Material: Wool/Silk.
If you love the idea of a coat that comes complete with a scarf but aren't quite sold on the wool-like styles, perhaps a puffer style will take your fancy? This Zara option is even water-repellent, making it a great find for winter.
- Colour availability: Black.
- Size range: XS-L.
- Material: Polyamide.
For a shorter piece of outerwear, why not try a scarf jacket? This minimalist felt find from H&M looks striking in winter with the detachable scarf and, once removed, will see you through the summer months as well.
- Colour availability: Beige.
- Size range: XXS-XL.
- Material: Polyester.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
All-white outfits have been on almost every fashion editor's mood board this season and this River Island scarf coat certainly fits the bill. With a faux fur texture, it will add interest to any outfit, especially with the built-in scarf detail.
- Colour availability: Cream.
- Size range: XS-L.
- Material: Polyester.
A classic trench coat can be hard to beat but, luckily, Massimo Dutti has made one of our favourite outerwear designs complete with a matching scarf. It's functional yet highly fashionable and wouldn't look out of place on your way to the boardroom or to brunch.
- Colour availability: Camel.
- Size range: UK10-14.
- Material: Cotton.
Searching for a slightly snazzier scarf coat? Perhaps a pinstripe will take your fancy. Formal enough to wear to the office, this maxi coat complete with a removable matching scarf will polish up any outfit in an instant.
- Colour availability: Multi/black.
- Size range: UK6-16.
- Material: Polyester/wool blend.
Isabel Marant's scarf detail coats are so popular almost all are sold out, apart from this chic cream iteration, that is. So, we're in luck. With a wrap-like design, deep pockets and fun fringing, it takes the scarf trend into the boho style.
- Colour availability: Cream.
- Size range: Uk4-16.
- Material: Wool blend.
John lewis is famous for being a great place to find outerwear, but the department store's own brand shouldn't be slept on. Case in point, this scarf coat. Available in three classic colourways, the wool-blend style is a timeless classic.
- Colour availability: Khaki/camel/black.
- Size range: UK10-16.
- Material: Polyester/wool.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.
Toteme, the OG scarf coat trend creators, now have a number of iterations of the classic style. My personal favourite? This black midi length wool blend option with signature piping and tassels. Chic.
- Colour availability: Black/camel.
- Size range: DK32-42.
- Material: Wool blend.
This wool blend scarf jacket is sure to become a staple in any wardrobe. Without the detachable scarf, it's a classic collared jacket that can be worn for any occasion, yet once the neck accessory added it becomes a rather striking style.
- Colour availability: Taupe.
- Size range: XS-XL.
- Material: Wool/polyester.
Few fabrics scream ‘winter coat’ quite like faux fur, so if you're looking to make a statement, there's no question of which scarf coat to go for. The maxi length and detachable scarf only gives it more of the ‘mob wife’ vibe.
- Colour availability: Black.
- Size range: EU38-44.
- Material: Polyester.
If you're searching for an ultra luxurious scarf coat, look no further than Loro Piana. Beloved by many a famous face (hello, Jennifer Lawrence and Angelina Jolie), the cashmere-heavy brand excels when it comes to timeless elegance and this coat is a great example of that.
- Colour availability: Beige.
- Size range: UK6-16.
- Material: Cashmere.
The blanket stitch detailing, the detachable scarf, the short jacket cut: this Manière De Voir option certainly looks similar to the Toteme and yet it comes in at quite a lower price point. Of course, it's crafted from a wool/polyester blend, but if you're looking for the signature shape for a smaller budget, it's certainly one to have on the radar.
- Colour availability: Grey.
- Size range: Uk4-6.
- Material: Wool/polyester.
The built in scarf trend isn't exclusive to coats, oh no. We're now seeing ponchos, capes and cardigans featuring the neck accessory, and this Mango find is exceptionally chic. Pair with cream trousers or leggings and boots for a classic minimalist look.
- Colour availability: Chocolate.
- Size range: One size.
- Material: Acrylic wool blend.
Save when you shop for the best scarf coats with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
Yes, it's another Toteme option. After all, it seems fitting as they are the trend makers of the now-famous scarf coat. This time, I'm taking a moment for the classic camel shade, perfect for those who keep to a neutral colour palette.
- Colour availability: Camel/black/dark grey.
- Size range: DK32-40.
- Material: Wool blend.
Asos can always be counted on for affordable versions of trending styles and the scarf coat is no exception. A strong white piped edge, it makes quite the striking statement while the fit is very simplistic, perfect for styling with jeans, black trousers or skirts.
- Colour availability: Black.
- Size range: UK6-16.
- Material: Polyester.
This A.W.A.K.E. MODE option certainly offers a more luxe look. Crafted from 100% wool with an oversized poncho-like design, it's an incredibly chic silhouette that will elevate any outfit.
- Colour availability: Beige.
- Size range: XXS-XL.
- Material: Wool.
