Sorry Beanies & Gloves, Oversized Scarves Are Our Go-To Winter Accessory

Beanies? Gloves? Sure, they're important come days when the wind chill falls to double-digit negatives and your extra hot coffee order gets cold in 10 minutes flat. But on the winter fashion scale, both tend to be sort of basic. Au contraire, scarves are anything but. Silk ones, skinny ones, plaid ones, cashmere ones, even scarf jackets... see what we mean? But if there's one scarf we'll always hold closest to our hearts (literally), it's the oversized scarves that keep us warm and snug all winter long.

From what we've seen, designers agree. Every brand is putting its mark on this cold-weather accessory. From luxe cashmere options to colorful, playful patterns and minimalistic tinted blanket scarves, there are zero excuses for your neck to get cold and to be fashionably decked out. So next time you think about spending $10 on your fifth pair of black "tech-friendly" gloves that you already own or a looks-like-every-other-beanie, opt for an oversized scarf that's just as much of an accessory as it is a necessity. Plus, since it's extra long, it can also double as a chic balaclava.

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Minimalistic Oversized Scarves

Calling all the minimalists. Browse through our selections of neutral-hued, oversized scarves. They add a subtle, stylish twist to your all-black or navy 'fits.

Acne Studios Fringed Checked Knitted Scarf, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Madewell (Re)sourced Oversized Scarf, $, available at Madewell

Multicolor Oversized Scarves

Bring on all the rainbow colors and free yourself from the winter blues.

Free People Skye Stripe Fringe Scarf, $, available at Free People

hffx Rainbow knitted scarf, $, available at Etsy

Vince Brushed Oversized Alpaca Striped Scarf, $, available at Shopbop

Cashmere Oversized Scarves

Take luxe to the next level with an ultrasoft oversized cashmere scarf.

White + Warren Cashmere Wrap Scarf, $, available at Anthropologie

Guest In Residence The Below Zero Blanket Scarf, $, available at Guest In Residence

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap, $, available at Quince

COS Chunky Ribbed-Knit Pure Cashmere Scarf, $, available at COS

Oversized Knitted Scarves

What could be better than an extra long knitted scarf to keep you snug and cuddly in the winter storms and breeze?


NA-KD Knitted Scarf, $, available at NA-KD

Everlane The Felted Merino Waffle-Knit Scarf, $, available at Everlane

Boardmans Knitted Scarf In Multi, $, available at ASOS

H&M Wool Scarf, $, available at H&MPhoto Courtesy of H&M.

Gucci Fringed Checked Knitted Scarf, $, available at Net-A-PorterPhoto Courtesy of Net-a-Porter.

Urban Outfitters Sophia Cozy Nubby Oblong Scarf, $, available at Urban OutfittersPhoto Courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

My Accessories Super Soft Extra Long Scarf, $, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of Asos.

Acne Studios Boucle Scarf, $, available at Acne Studios

Topshop Heavy Brushed Scarf, $, available at TopshopPhoto Courtesy of Topshop.

Mango Knit Maxi Scarf, $, available at Mango

Wilfred The Classic Wool Scarf, $, available at AritziaPhoto Courtesy of Aritzia.

Destin Hand Finished Scarf, $, available at Need Supply

Isabel Marant Alany Wooly Scarf, $, available at ShopbopPhoto Courtesy of Shopbop.

Zara Patchwork Scarf, $, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.

Bershka Textured Scarf, $, available at BershkaPhoto Courtesy of Bershka.

Calvin Klein 205West39NYC Wool Scarf, $, available at SSENSEPhoto Courtesy of Ssense.

& Other Stories Oversized Wool Scarf, $, available at & Other StoriesPhoto Courtesy of & Other Stories.

The Elder Statesman Longstocking Striped Cashmere Scarf, $, available at Moda OperandiPhoto Courtesy of Moda Operandi.

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This Limited-Edition Tennis Collection Plays A Big Game Off Court

While it may be winter in these parts, it’s peak summertime in the Southern Hemisphere. And in Melbourne, the Australian Open is currently underway, and the world’s top tennis players are competing for a Grand Slam title. Timing-wise, it’s fitting that the Sydney-based activewear and yoga brand The Upside recently dropped its first-ever, limited-edition tennis collection — and it’s unlike any other tenniscore apparel we’ve ever come across. The stuff we’re seeing blurs (and crosses!) the tennis court lines straight into streetwear. A sampling of looks: a crochet mini dress reminiscent of yester-decades, a crisp white poplin mini dress with a princess flare skirt, a matching terry-towel tracksuit that a member of The Sopranos would proudly don. To put it into tennis terms, this capsule is an ace.

As a brand that prides itself on blending fashion with function and encouraging its shoppers to look and feel their best when it comes to working out in high-quality activewear, The Upside veered toward embracing retro aesthetics when developing its limited-edition tennis line. Naturally, these athleisure pieces are also designed to seamlessly work as everyday wardrobe items year-round. (Although for now, those of us in the Northern Hemisphere may need to pair the short stuff with leggings or stockings.) We caught up with Jodhi Meares, creative director and founder of The Upside, via email on how this renegade tennis collection came to life.

The Upside Palmer Louie Sweater, $159.99

Shop The Upside

How did the idea for a tennis collection come about after many years primarily in the yoga space?

“We’ve always aligned well with tennis; it’s a sport that resonated with us [since] the outdoors is really part of the brand, and we have always been connected to nature. The first tennis collection we designed was based on some beautiful pieces I found when I was in a vintage store in Argentina. This was before tennis really hit as a trend and before recreational tennis boomed since the pandemic. People didn’t quite get it then, but we started on that journey very early. That was about six years ago. Now that the tennis trend is not going anywhere, I think people will always look for ways they can bring their personalities and personal style into the activities that they choose to do.”

The Upside Rally Quinn Jacket, $159.99
The Upside Rally Noah Pant, $139.99

Shop The Upside

This collection is inspired by ’70s silhouettes and accent colors. I’m curious to know what images or references were on the mood board when coming up with these designs!

“Our mood board combines the playfulness of tennis with vintage court-side glamour. We had a blast creating the mood board — it’s gorgeous, and it also has the quirkiness you’d expect from The Upside. We really wanted that playfulness that inspired our mood board to come out in the details of the collection, the shapes, and silhouettes, like the flounced skirts and deep V-necks.”

“This collection is representative of the heritage of our brand, so I really wanted to have that classic but contemporary feeling, that was obvious from the beginning [like] preppy colors of red, white, and blue, which is not anything new to The Upside. We were also inspired by the dress shapes worn by iconic Australian tennis players, such as Evonne Goolagong Cawley, and paid homage to their style of dressing through the design process.

“Lastly, we are always inspired by the outdoors — we kept conjuring up beautiful outdoor aesthetics of grassy and clay tennis courts, particularly from the ’50s and ’60s, with a classic style of dressing and artful play.”

The Upside Matchpoint Gracie Mini Dress, $189.99

Shop The Upside

This collection features lots of unique fabrics and textures not found in “typical” tennis apparel, like terry towel, cotton crochet, and 100% organic cotton. How did the team land on these materials instead of performance synthetics?

“Some pieces are more for fashion or for post-play outfits, such as the statement crochet dress, which we have worked in that retro tennis inspiration. For example, the V-neck is a classic training top silhouette inspired by the elegance of the sport. 

“We do also have true performance pieces, which feature moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton pique and four-way stretch peached fabrics for our high-waisted skorts and dresses. We also tried to add elements like carefree, joyful, flouncy pleats, which are sure to make the tennis season one of enjoyment. [These are style] pieces that people can really have fun with.”

Below, shop the rest of The Upside’s limited-edition tennis collection:

The Upside Palmer Elsa Mini Dress, $289.99

A crochet mini dress so fitting for everyday wear, you may not want to break a sweat in it.

Shop The Upside

The Upside Love Morgan Jacket, $219.99
The Upside Love Rory Bra, $99.99
The Upside Love Charlie Skirt, $159.99

This three-piece set can be worn all together or separately depending on how retro you’re feeling.

Shop The Upside

The Upside Love Fay Dress, $189.99

Another variation on the “Love” styles above, this tennis dress ditches the built-in bra and bodycon construction for a more relaxed fit.

Shop The Upside

The Upside Matchpoint Isabel Tank, $89.99
The Upside Matchpoint Ash Skort, $139.99

If you ask us, this teed-up look is also fashionably suited for the driving range.

Shop The Upside

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Gabriella Karefa-Johnson x Target Is The Joyful Answer To Winter Wardrobe Blues

The new year is always a good time to explore one’s personal style. And Target’s upcoming collaboration with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Vogue global contributing editor and stylist, is here to help. 

Available January 29, the collection — which is part of Future Collective, a Target line in partnership with influencers and tastemakers launched in 2022 —  features nearly 100 pieces ranging from puff-sleeve dresses and monochrome bright suits to easy knitwear sets and high-waisted denim cutoffs. “I wanted there to be things that if you’re still exploring your own personal style, it’s all ready for you,” Karefa-Johnson tells Refinery29. Even better: It is all under $50, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X.

The California-born editor has risen to fashion world prominence, thanks to her vibrant editorials and her equally colorful street style looks, which have included Chopova Lowena skirts and New York City-themed graphic shirt, paired with a mini skirt and Zebra-printed shacket. “Tension and disparate elements are really at the heart of [my fashion aesthetic],” she says. This came through in the Target collection, which is full of pieces ready to mix and match with bold colors and prints being a heavy focus throughout. “I love mixing color and I love mixing textures,” she says. “I think that’s like the stylist in me to see the possibilities of clothes.”

Although the collection is largely made for everyday wear — work-appropriate suiting and cargo pants among them — Karefa-Johnson is excited for people to explore some of the vacation-ready options available in the lineup. “[It] reminds me of my California upbringing,” she says, referring to the palm tree-printed pieces in the lineup, as well as the denim cut-offs and airplane-ready knitwear sets. For people looking to spice up their wardrobe with this new drop, Karefa-Johnson urges them to remember that “fashion should be joyful.”

Karefa-Johnson’s line is following Future Collective’s collection with Kahlana Barfield Brown and Target’s designer collabs with names like Christopher John Rogers and Victor Glemaud. “Bringing our points of view and our voices to this massive audience, it’s really a privilege and an honor for those of us who get to collaborate [with Target],” she says. 

The Gabriella Karefa-Johnson x Future Collective collection is now available online and in stores. 

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