You know that iconic Coco Chanel quote about looking in the mirror and taking one thing off before you leave the house? I find myself doing the exact opposite when it comes to winter dressing.
Coco, of course, was warning her fellow sartorialists about the dangers of over-accessorizing, but my add-on of choice enhances without drawing the attention that a flashy earring, statement necklace, or bulbous bangle might. When temperatures drop and I lean into layers, a cozy wrap scarf serves the dual purpose of added warmth and elevated styling. It’s amazing what a simple swath of fabric can do for the upper half of an ensemble.
While grannies and drama teachers alike have leaned into this look for some time, it first caught my eye—as so many good trends do—during fashion week. I remember the feeling of seeing one of the models at Brandon Maxwell’s Fall 2024 show in a collared navy knit and blue jeans. What transformed her runway walk from a simple strut into an elegant glide? A stretch of coordinating navy fabric wafting lazily behind her. It added drama, movement, and an undeniable cool.
Not long after, I got my hands on one of Bleusalt’s Signature Wraps in the 3-yard option to channel the same sort of look. I soon learned said wraps are most practically worn, well, wrapped. Draped haphazardly across the shoulders, they add to any blouse or sweater a cherry-on-top pièce de résistance that feels both wholly intentional and completely effortless.
I started stocking up on wraps in different materials, colors, and lengths, and it quickly became a signature staple of my look. It has become an easy way to innovate on the tried-and-true pieces within my wardrobe, as wraps can be styled over the same look in so many different ways.
One of my go-tos is to wear a wrap the same color as my top, creating the illusion of a matching set.
Lately, I’ve even noticed stores offering tops with scarf attachments already built in, which makes trying the trend in a one-and-done way even easier.
Rather than always go the matchy-matchy route, a pop of contrasting color can be just the unexpected thing to breathe life into an otherwise dull ensemble.
I often reach for my red wrap to drape over my plain black overcoat.
For maximalists—though Coco might not approve—the brooch revival has offered even more options for jazzing up my beloved wraps. Wearing one accented by a big gold brooch elevates any look for evening, in addition to securing the shawl so that I don’t need to drape and re-drape it as the night goes on.
Given the modesty and versatility of the piece, it’s no surprise I’m in favor of gifting a wrap to every person on your holiday shopping list. Who couldn’t benefit from such a practical yet luxe accessory? My favorites are by Bleusalt, available in three lengths. J Crew makes a gorgeous cashmere version as well as an oversized cashmere version, both of which come in tons of colors.
Time to wrap it up (pun very much intended!). Below, shop a few more of my favorite wraps for the season.
