There's a reason I keep defaulting to a scarf coat. Ever since the scarf coat catapulted into the mainstream in 2021, thanks to that trending Totême jacket, I can't give up the elegant, luxurious looking wool coat.
Scarf coats tick all the boxes as an easy elevation to my winter outfits; they're, warm, they're chic and surprisingly practical. I don't think I've ever felt more elegant when wearing one, as I throw the attached scarf over my shoulder with a laissez faire attitude of someone who's sauntering the streets of Paris, despite my reality being rushing on the school run.
- Affordable scarf coat: Matalan Brown Checked Detachable Neck Scarf Coat, £45
- Black Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Monsoon 'Mae' Black Boucle Scarf Coat, £130
- Brown Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Phase Eight Kaja Coat, £57.60 / $133.60
- Cream Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: H&M Handmade Wool Scarf Coat, £129 / $149
- Grey Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Next Grey Short Coatigan Scarf Jacket, £55 /
And they're still one of the most in demand high street coats, with affordable scarf coat iterations in muted colours, bright shades, checked, puffa and more.
With good reason, in my opinion. They're rich-looing, and offer the most sophisticated of silhouettes. The addition of an attached scarf is the best way to keep you cosy - no more lost scarves and accessories on your morning commute, because these coats have them attached, although some scarf coat styles do offer a detachable version.
There's a scarf coat at every price point and in every type, too. Cashmere and wool options are the most prevalent - and closest to the original - but you'll find quilted scarf coats, cotton versions and lightweight wrap versions.
© Leanne BayleyI've never received as many compliments on a coat as I have done when wearing my high street dupe of the Totême jacket, and my HELLO! colleague Leanne Bayley loved Mint Velvet's take on the trend earlier this year.
Scarf coats - the rise of the trend
Cast your mind back to 2021, as we emerged from Covid lockdowns and months of wearing practical puffa jackets and waterproof raincoats. Enter Swedish label Totême, who took us all by surprise with their bestselling - and now iconic - scarf coat.
The draped, wool-blend coat was distinguished by its blanket-stitch border and matching fringed scarf, with the most popular colourway of dark grey with white stitching selling out continuously through its first season.
© InstagramCue countless high street iterations, all looking to emulate the easy elegance of the trending Totême jacket. Even those sold out when released, with new versions trickling through throughout the seasons. Now the scarf coat has become a staple high street coat style.
I spoke to stylist Helen Canning on the rise of the scarf coat: "Scarf coats have been in high demand ever since Totême introduced their iconic wool version, a piece that really set the tone for modern, minimalist outerwear. This season, the style is everywhere, and it’s easy to see why, because the integrated scarf detail adds an effortless, elevated touch that feels refined. It’s a look that brings instant polish to any winter outfit and no matter your budget, there’s a scarf coat for you."
Scarf coats - how to style
Treat like you would any other wool coat, and wear for any a occasion, from a smart jacket to evening to your everyday winter essential. Can you wear one with sneakers and a woolly hat? Absolutely, but swap the woollen hat for a baseball cap and you'll bring it right on trend.
© InstagramConsiderations should be taken when choosing the colour of your scarf coat, taking into account the colours you wear most. If you're someone who wears denim or black the majority of the time, you can afford to go for any shade of scarf coat. But winter neutral fans should stick to their colour palette of light greys, creams, and nudes.
A pop of colour like a red or pink scarf coat is always welcome in the darker months, but you might find a classic black, grey or chocolate brown will be worn more. Burgundy, a perennial winter tone, is a hot choice this year for a scarf coat, as are checked and boucle versions - think heritage chic with added elegance.
How I chose the best scarf coats
- Popular brands: Every single brand in this edit, I've shopped, and most for a winter coat so I can vouch for the quality and value for money.
- Inclusive sizing: Where possible, the scarfs are available in petite sizing, curve and every single shape and size.
- Variety: Scarf coats are not a one trick pony, and while wool is the most popular I've also found them in quilted, cotton and boucle.
- New in: The coats featured are new in for A/W 2026.
Shop the best scarf coats
1/9
Matalan Checked Scarf Coat
© MatalanEditor's Note:
This is such an affordable coat that looks luxurious and expensive - the attached scarf is the ideal width for draping, and the cute short length hits just above the hip.
2/9
Monsoon 'Mae' Boucle Scarf Coat
© MonsoonEditor's Note:
Designed in a classic black shade, the Monsoon scarf coat taps into the boucle jacket trend, with a built in scarf at the neckline and trimmed with leather.
3/9
Phase Eight Kaja Scarf Coat
© Phase EightEditor's Note:
The burgundy tone is spot on for right now, if you want a little warmer colour than black, navy or grey.
4/9
H&M Handmade Wool Scarf Coat
© H&MEditor's Note:
A stunning, cropped wool coat from H&M, this comes in cream or dark brown. It has a flattering boxy shape, giving a bomber jacket aesthetic complete with neck scarf.
5/9
Next Short Coatigan Scarf Jacket
© NextEditor's Note:
A cardigan-jacket hybrid, Next's scarf coat is made from a soft knit, with a detachable scarf and relaxed silhouette.
6/9
Mango Scarf Anorak
© MangoEditor's Note:
Mango has elevated a quilted jacket with its scarf addition. It is detachable, but with the scarf in matching diamond quilt, it's a stunning waterproof jacket that comes in cream, too.
7/9
Boden Short Scarf Coat
© BodenEditor's Note:
Boden's Check Scarf Jacket features a shorter, triangular neckerchief detachable scarf in a green and blue check.
8/9
White Stuff 'Frankie' Button Scarf Coat
© White StuffEditor's Note:
Made from a smart tweed fabric, it comes with a matching, button-on scarf, is fully lined and drapes beautifully, with button-up fastening and smart patch pockets.
9/9
Massimo Dutti Quilted Bomber Jacket with Scarf
© Massimo DuttiEditor's Note:
How chic is this as an anorak? With a bomber jacket shape and scarf, it's an easy waterproof to smarten up any outfit.
