The scarf has loftier sartorial ambitions than would be implied by its (supposed) primary purpose of keeping a neck warm. The right scarf is a physical manifestation of fashion’s Holy Trinity of colour, pattern and texture, and adds a much-needed punch of personality to the otherwise bland overcoat or neutral trench. Personal but not too intimate, and one-size-fits-all, a scarf also makes for the perfect corporate gift (as long as you don’t ruin it with an embroidered company logo). - Steve Schelling
1. Wolford Iris Cape Cod cashmere. $390, Wolford, wolford.com
2. Cashmere Burberry signature plaid. $295, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
3. Scarlet wool/acrylic Chloë Angus button wrap. $129. Chloë Angus, chloeangus.com
4. Paul Smith violet wool. $100, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
5. Yellow bamboo cotton Chloë Angus jersey button wrap. $129. Chloë Angus, chloeangus.com
6. The Roots Robson Stripe. $34, Roots, roots.com
7. Echo lime green skinny scarf. $65, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
8. Signature Hermès orange cashmere. $425, Hermès, hermes.com
9. Cashmere Utrecht blue Burberry, perforated. $375, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
10. Cashmere Burberry blue and green tartan. $265, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
11. Paul Smith signature horizontal stripe. $150, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com
12. Portolano Cashmere cranberry basket-weave. $225, Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com