There’s probably no better season than winter to wear neck scarves. Chilly temperatures send people grabbing attires that would keep them warm and comfortable. Some of the more common outfits include coats, jackets, sweatshirts, gloves, and yes, scarves.

While the primary consideration for most people for wearing clothes during winter is the prospect of being kept warm, who says your outfit should just be bent on beating the cold? Even in this time of the year, you can still be fashionable and scarves can be a versatile piece of accessory that can give you that touch of class you desire.

• Recommended qualities of the accessory: For a piece to be fashionable and practical at the same time, a length of 60” to 70” is recommended. This will allow the piece to be wrapped snuggly around your neck while allowing for the ends to drop and flow a little. A piece this long can also let you play around with way it can be worn. Whether tied in a knot in front or wrapped around your neck, a long piece can give you more options in coming up with your own desired stylish look.

Some favorite materials are Cashmere wool, woven wool mix, Pashmina blends, rabbit fur, thick velvet, cotton blends, and woven cotton. There are some unique pieces like those from Nepal that are made of knitted recycled silk threads. Whatever the make is, just be sure it can insulate you enough from the cold. No matter how stylish your piece is, if you still end up feeling substantially uncomfortable, you’d better reserve that piece for a more appropriate climate. Don’t worry; there are a lot of well-designed and equally attractive pieces out there so it wouldn’t hurt scouting for a temporary replacement for your favorite piece.

• Playing with colors: If you want to get noticed through bright colors, this season is the perfect time to do so. Because of the white snow that envelope the landscape, light of practically all wavelengths are easily reflected. That means a rich collection of colors, which make up white light, will be incident on your wardrobe. So the piece you wrap around your neck will stand out if it is splashed with bright colors.

Brownish and earthly colors that are deeply associated with furry materials are equally appropriate for the season. These colors will stand out as well. In fact, they will be more pronounced and rendered in richer hues. Thinking of a cashmere wool or rabbit fur blend? Watch them come alive as you walk down the paths covered with snow.

Perhaps one of the preferred shades is the one that has no shade at all – white. Especially when worn outdoors, a piece dominated by pure white will cast upon the onlookers’ eyes the beauty of white in all its most vivid splendor. Just be sure you don’t wear all white from head to toe unless you plan on looking like the snow queen. Remember that the fashion point of donning a winter scarf is to provide a certain accent to your outfit. Whatever the color is, just make sure you don’t look like a walking Christmas tree.

• The perfect Christmas present: With Christmas just around the corner, you may be wondering what possible presents you might want to give your loved-ones. If you want something practical but fashionable, a scarf can be a pretty good choice. Not all winter scarves are designed to fit just one season. There are those that can be pretty versatile. For as long as your choice of gift is based on practicality and style you can seldom ever go wrong in choosing the most versatile fashion accessory – the scarf.