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Cara Neish

Bringing Back Blanket Scarves

As winter is fast approaching, we begin to reach for the cosy winter essentials buried deep in our drawers - gloves, hats, and, of course, scarves. Yet this year, scarves aren’t just accessories; they have become style statements, a way to bring functionality to winter wardrobes without excessive effort.


And now, there’s a new standout making waves; the blanket scarf has arisen in past seasons as the ultimate expression of maximalism and the most practical accessory to combat the (undoubtedly) cold climate in St Andrews this Winter.


Whilst previous fashion trends are not renowned for their practicality, the chunky statement scarves seem to serve as a refreshing exception. In fact, students and trend setters alike seem to be turning to the blanket scarf due to its practicality. Even on the coldest days in St Andrews, whether you’re walking through town or along the beaches, the scarf is more than enough to keep you warm.



So where did it all begin? In 2012, Lenny Kravitz was spotted in New York City wearing a comedically sized scarf. Though it initially sparked laughter, the oversized accessory swiftly became iconic. Whilst the questionable look was accredited as a meme rather than any sort of cultural fashion movement, its popularity has still persisted into our modern world – even if this is on a slightly smaller scale.


Like many viral fashion trends, the chunky scarf picked up momentum in Europe. Especially in Scandinavia, influencers seem to be wearing chunky scarves regardless of the season. Our society's digitalised nature means the trends we follow manifest themselves through social media platforms, making fashion trends increasingly centred around visual impact. Accordingly, the blanket scarf’s frequent use of eye-catching colours and unconventional textures makes it the perfect expression of maximalism that digital media is seeking.


Having gained momentum in the fashion sphere, the maximalist form of self expression and identity has come to the fore-front of many peoples minds. Through different textures, mixed patterns and colours, maximalism, unlike its minimalist counterpart, encourages oversized silhouettes and unconventional colour pairings – and students seem to be on the same page.


To many, the appeal lies in the scarf's ability to balance subtlety and statement. Despite the scarf’s intrinsic design to be as noticeable as possible, it is still paired with colours that are considered “neutral” or “muted.” This is because people want a balance of noticeability without it being too overpowering in the context of the outfit.


It’s also important to consider why students reach in their drawers for the alluring scarf. As winter is fast upon us and students strive to stay fashionable in the cold, maximalism acts as a wearable realm of possibility which fosters the expression of individuality.


In a time where a sense of self and uniqueness is on the rise more than ever, fashion serves as an outlet for students to convey their identity. And as maximalism grows in popularity, the chunky scarf allows for endless options for creative layering – wrapped twice around the neck or draped over the head to shield against harsh winds, it is the easiest and most effective way to elevate a simple outfit.


Whether you wear it on a chilly morning, tossed over a shoulder for a brisk walk, or layered for a cosy coffee date with friends in town, it’s an essential that’s as much about the comfort it provides as the statement it makes. Undeniably, the blanket scarf is the staple piece to this season's winter wardrobes.

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