If you allow them to, scarves will work hard for you during the winter months to make that same old puffer and jeans look like an actual put-together outfit. I must admit that the one I wear most often is black—old habits die hard—but I like to mix in colors and prints too just to keep things interesting. This leopard print is pretty classic, and I like this one too.

Bouclé is a really good texture to add to the mix, and this one comes in several good colors.

Here we have a nice simple option in dirt-cheap Mongolian cashmere.

My second-favorite scarf is an old orange one from A Detacher, which this recycled wool number is a good stand-in for.

The color combination and print here are both nicely graphic.

And I like the check pattern here too: it’s a little preppier, but not too much so.

Here is a cashmere and silk option that is similar to (but cheaper than) my favorite Chan Luu scarf.

I dig the nubby texture on this Rachel Comey scarf—it looks like a perfect vintage find.

The yellow stripes on this one are cool, and it’s nicely oversized.

A splurgy camo print in a luxe waffle knit.

I love how chunky this one is, and as you might know by now I always like red and black together, so it’s aces in my book.

This cashmere ribbed scarf comes in a multitude of colors, and the price isn’t bad, for cashmere.

Here’s a lightweight cashmere choice for when you’re trying not to make things bulky.

Another favorite color combination; perfect for pairing with a classic wool overcoat.

This is actually a neck gaiter, but since I might not ever do a post on those I’m including it here cause I think it’s cute.

Just such an excellent, rich red.

This zebra print is nicely statement-y but at the same time it’s not overwhelming or costume-y. I like this choice too.

I love the look of layered necklaces, especially as my style has skewed increasingly tomboyish: they always add a nice touch of femininity to the proceedings. This pearl & black diamond number is really understated and elegant.

Were I in a position to splurge right now—and I am decidedly not, as I’m about to move to a new place, which always ends up costing a fortune—I’d go for this knockout diamond cluster necklace.

I like the cheeky French-ness of this one.

A tiny ruby on an ultra-thin chain would be an excellent addition to any necklace menagerie.

This looks like it’s Jill Platner and expensive, but it’s Madewell and it’s not.

I do love a coin pendant, and this one is so authentically ancient-looking.

For a while now, I’ve wanted a gothic initial necklace, and this one is so good.

A thick toggle chain makes a mighty statement.

A tiny diamond nestles so gracefully in this crescent.

I just love the slightly unexpected starbust here.

And the graphic stars on this one are appealing.

Why not a 14k gold-and-diamond initial necklace for somebody special on your list?

Opals are always so beautiful, and I like the simple setting here.

Black and white diamonds are an unbeatable combination, no?

Everyone should have at least one evil eye in her jewelry box, and this one is so good.

And finally: the pop of turquoise here adds a touch of brightness to the party.

They’re preppy, obviously, but also kind of tribal, and you can have all sorts of matchy-clashy fun with them, like here.

This one has a really hand-knit feel.

This would be way too busy were it more than one color, but in classic red and white, it works.

The light blue juxtaposed with the brown is so good (and unexpected) here.

A well-priced very classically preppy specimen from L.L. Bean.

Stark black and white takes this one in quite a graphic direction.

I like the zigzag business here.

Here’s a good choice for those who like prints, but like to keep things on the safe side—it’s pleasingly minimal.

This is made of extra-soft ragg wool, and looks super-cozy.

This merino wool number is the most sophisticated of the bunch.