Let's be honest, you've probably been feeling the early morning chill and wondering when the official start of scarf season is. Fashion has decided for you - it's now. Enter, the scarf coat, the ingenious two-in-one jacket that blends outerwear with the cosy addition of a built-in scarf. It all started in 2021 when Stockholm-based label Tôteme dropped a scarf-jacket hybrid. Said style naturally sold out within a matter of days and if you were lucky enough to get one, you had the cult item of the year. Luckily, the brand has brought back its iconic design year after year, with this year being no different.
Not only that but there's now a whole new genre of outerwear based on the same concept: scarf coats, which have emerged as one of the best coats of the season. So many other brands now have iterations of their own. And while the Tôteme version will set you back £810, there are styles that are just as dreamy from the likes of M&S, John Lewis and COS that'll be much gentler on your bank account.
At this time of year, the 'is it too early to wear a scarf?' debate every morning is real, so these built-in versions make the decision easy for you. Equal parts stylish and cosy, there's something that looks so sleek about the matchy-matchy vibe these two-for-one jackets deliver. Anouk Yve (above) shows how to keep it classic by teaming with tailored separates - and it's the perfect work look if you're in an office. And, as much as we love the trusted trench coat, it's far too cold (read: freezing) to rely on it for much longer.
Luckily, scarf coats offer the best of both worlds. They exude effortless sophistication while keeping you snug on even the coldest of days. Whether you're drawn to Tôteme’s original design or a high street alternative, there's a scarf coat for every style, and more importantly - budget.
Shop our pick of the best scarf coats below.
Shop: The Best Scarf Coats 2024
www.net-a-porter.com
Totême's signature jacket is now available to shop on Net-a-Porter - but not for long.
www.marksandspencer.com
The M&S Scarf Wrap Coat is incredibly similar to the designer original, except it comes in at under £80, not £800. It features delicate white stitching, a cosy detachable scarf and a round-neck design, the M&S alternative oozes elegance.
mintvelvet.com
If you didn't just want to settle on a black winter coat, pale pink is another good choice. It's not particularly autumnal but can be really easy to style, particularly with some brown or burgundy accessories. The coat has a crew neckline, built-in fringed scarf and long sleeves, with a button fastening through the front to combat wind chill.
shop.mango.com
The Mango Detachable Knitted Scarf Coat has a clean, straight-cut design, accented by a scarf, making it an ideal addition to your A/W wardrobe. The charcoal hue means it can either be dressed up or down, whether you're heading out for the day or wanting something a little more polished. Crafted from a blend of polyester, acrylic and a touch of wool, it promises warmth without compromising on style.
www.cos.com
This A/W COS added some chic detailing to its classic wool coat. The Leather-Trimmed Wool Scarf Coat is designed with a detachable scarf and clean round edges that juxtapose with the butter-soft leather. Plus, it's double-faced for a more luxe finish. This is the type of coat where you put it over any basic outfit and the coat immediately becomes the outfit.
www.johnlewis.com
John Lewis have also caught onto the scarf coat trend with its very own high street option. This coat effortlessly blends a classic tailored fit with a unique scarf-collar design. Not only does the ANYDAY Crop Scarf Coat bring a new silhouette to your wardrobe, but its recycled polyester makes it a more sustainable pick too.
axelarigato.com
Although Axel Arigato are a brand known for its extensive offering of sneakers, turns out they can in fact design great coats too. The Dew Scarf Detailed Jacket has that signature branded label on the scarf, as well as an adjustable cuff tab, removable scarf with button fastening and side pockets.
www.johnlewis.com
It seems like John Lewis are well and truly jumping on the scarf coat trend by releasing another design - except this one is a longer length. The Scarf Coat is a great piece of outerwear for practical layering, especially with the built-in scarf detailing. Plus, the coat is made out of a wool-blend fabric, which ensures you'll stay cosy on even the chilliest days.
uk.maje.com
Maje call this coat 'the epitome of Parisian chic' and feature that signature Toteme black and white contrasting features. We know this coat will easily become one of your favourites, with its soft, warm fabri and chunky removable scarf. Plus, the scarf can either be tied at the neck, or it can also be tied around the waist, as a belt for said coat. It's basically two coats for the price of one - what's not to like?
4thandreckless.com
4th & Reckless are a brand that aims to mix timeless tailoring with modern designs, and that's certainly echoed in its scarf coat. The design is that of a classic tailored double-breasted coat, meanwhile the scarf gives it a modern edge. The pinstripes also make it feel slightly preppy, and can easily be styled to either head into the office or out on a crisp walk.
Main image credits: Instagram/@seema.styles, @klaudia__d__, @marksandspencer_zarah
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).