Nothing knotty about it

Unlike women’s scarves, which serve a more “decorative” purpose, men’s scarves are usually worn for warding off intense cold. The decorative function in men’s case is taken care of by the tie. Winter scarves tend to emerge as the most flattering accessory for men, imparting that unmistakable luxurious feel.

The colours: Men’s scarves are a popular accessory.

Dark blues and blacks are what you usually associate with men, but the hot colours for this season are pumpkin orange, scarlet and forest green.

The pairing: If the coat’s colour tone is tan, beige or light brown, then a dark coloured scarf, say a chocolate one, will look good. With a dark leather jacket, a long, knitted beige or off-white scarf for the ace pilot look will also work well. A dark brown suede jacket will get you all the attention when teamed with a bright coloured, loose-knit scarf with bold orange and yellow stripes. A blue denim jacket paired with a brown cashmere or pashmina scarf exudes exciting elegance.

Length: Soft luxurious men’s scarves are fit to be worn under winter jackets. Top coats will probably head the list. The neutral colour palette for cashmere or cotton scarves is popular. Grey has made a huge comeback and works with several colours. Scarves should be about 60-70 inches in length. Avoid one’s that are too long or short.

The great outdoors: In winter, throwing a vividly coloured pumpkin orange or forest green scarf around the neck and pairing it with a long, black, wool trench coat, can create a powerfully handsome look. It’s professional, stylish, and practical, all at the same time.

The quality: The best scarves are made of cashmere, but wool is a less expensive substitute. Inexpensive scarves can be found at various retail outlets but it is advisable when choosing one, to ensure it does not feel scratchy or itchy against the skin. Such a reaction indicates low-quality wool. Longer scarves are a trend this season and are easier to knot into different styles. If you follow this trend, the scarf should reach the waist when draped over the neck.

—As told to Anumeha Chaturvedi

What to wear and when

Fringes on scarves are avoidable at the workplace, but permissible for casual wear. In general, formal scarves should have a tighter weave, while casual scarves can have a looser one. However, if you are pairing the scarf with a knitted sweater, an “opposite” weave blends better. Patterns and checks should be kept to a minimum and preferably eliminated. However, if you do opt for patterns or checks, go for the tiny checks and very tight plaids or very narrow lines, as a herringbone looks very nice and it’s the kind of pattern that’s difficult to see. Also, don’t get colours that are bright and big and bold. Keep them subtle.

Wrap’em up

A scarf can be tied in various ways. Here’s a quick look at the different styles.

Slipknot

Fold the scarf in half creating a loop on one end and place it around your neck. Pull both loose ends through the loop created by your fold. Adjust accordingly to tighten or loosen it.

Tie knot

Place it around your neck with one side crossed over the other. Take the bottom end and pull it up, bringing it inside the loop. Pull the bottom end out until it is even with the top end.

Ascot

Fold your scarf and place it around your neck. Flip the right end over the left. Bring under, up, and over the top to the front. Adjust and you're set.

Twice around ascot

Place scarf around your neck with one end longer than the other end.

Pull the longer end up around your neck and bring it back to the front.

Loop one end over the other, leave loose or tie in a knot, then adjust it accordingly for comfort.

—Anumeha Chaturvedi