A ‘Pavement Scarf’ Is The £12.50 Update Your Wardrobe Needs Right Now

A scarf used to be something of an afterthought or a means to an end (that end usually being a warm neck). Not any more. On the streets of New York, with temperatures below freezing for the majority of fashion week, it became such a cold-weather necessity that show-goers went all in, styling their scarves in ways so intentional that a new category entirely has been spawned: pavement scarves.

First came scarf coats, then triangle-shaped scarves. Now, however, it's all about a scarf so long and theatrically styled that it practically sweeps the pavement (or sidewalk). Lisa Aiken paired her greige outfit with a lengthy charcoal scarf, letting one fringed end sweep to almost the hem of her skirt instead of flinging it over her shoulder. Still maintaining optimum draught exclusion but creating a rather dramatic silhouette at the same time, it was just one approach to styling one's scarf on the streets of NYC.

Editor Madeline Harper Fass also selected a grey scarf as her cold-weather companion but looped hers around the neck just once, tucking the ends into a leather waist belt for added sharpness.

In Oslo, which has also seen its fair share of bitterly cold weather this winter, Nnenna Echem devised yet another take, wearing a rectangular scarf back to front so that its ends trailed behind her neck (imagine turning a necklace around so the pendant hangs down your back). Used to blanket a business-casual outfit of grey slacks and pointed ankle boots, it added a hint of softness, not to mention much-needed cosy-factor.

Pure wool and cashmere scarves will obviously be the warmest, but they'll cost significantly more than blended materials and require maintenance in case of piling (one of the best for colour range and butter-smooth feel is Rise & Fall). My favourite high street option is from M&S, however, whose rib-knit scarf in an elegant shade of taupe costs £12.50.

P.S. Its namesake might suggest a floor-sweeping length but, rest assured, a few inches above the ground will suffice.

Shop: The Best Scarves To Shop Now

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s senior fashion news editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).