We might still be sweating it out in a balmy haze, but winter is not far off. Before you shiver in anticipation of the colder months, remember that a whole new season of fashion awaits. And despite a resurgence of hoods and fluffed hats, this year’s stalwart is the snug and affordable scarf.

Knotted, knitted, tied and trailed, the scarf is one of this winter’s most warming accessories. At February’s New York Fashion Week, Lacoste wove its models in especially snug-worthy scarves. The girls might have strutted down the catwalk on a gigantic bear rug (note: Tragic does NOT approve), but it was their neck gear that got most of the attention. Cosy jumpsuits in geometric greys were paired with thick mauve, blue, cheque, stripe and purple knit scarves, a style that’s sure to come into play this winter (maybe skip the ear muffs).

In more left-of-centre accessory interpretations, Nicole Miller showed speed skater-like tendencies with her tight hoods. Whereas at Verrier scarves migrated onto heads creating a look reminiscent of a quashed beefeater. Our accessory pick? Tragic votes one for the humble scarf.

Images courtesy of AP, fashionweekdaily.com