I’m approaching Christmas a little differently this year. I can’t believe how early the Black Friday madness has started and I don’t know about you but I already feel bombarded by gift lists and discount messages. I’ve been chatting to some of my old Selfridges colleagues this week about how our role at this time of year used to be to create magic for people – to make a trip into London worth it. There was no discounting before Christmas because there didn’t need to be, instead we worked slowly and carefully, curating it from February onwards so that in the end we delivered a feeling. It was about fragrance, flavour, music and sparkle – not about stack it high and sell it cheap.
So I’m not going to just pepper you with long lists of random stuff, instead over the next few weeks I’m hoping to have time to think about making Christmas special beyond the shopping – because it should be more than that. Rather than sticking to my weekly Friday schedule, I might just pop up with shorter posts like today’s. If I have time I’m hoping to be a bit like a sporadic advent calendar with gift suggestions, a recipe here, a decorating tip there and a few Christmas stories to build the mood. So if you’d like to know when I’ve come up with something you can have it delivered straight to your inbox here.
Updates straight to your inbox
Today's little edition is a quick surprise post focusing on one thing that you may or may not have come across. It is, however, the one thing that is exactly the right gift for any woman this season whether she's 9 or 90. Every year there's a sleeper trend that takes style by surprise and this year it's the triangle scarf which is great because it's practical, affordable and a very, very easy way for anyone to update their look.
So what is 2025's triangle scarf?
The triangle scarf is a knitted version of what our mother's would probably have called a head square and you'll find it in all kinds of yarns from acrylic to cotton to merino to cashmere. Sometimes referred to as a knitted bandana it first appeared in the middle of last winter when it started trending ahead of the cashmere hoods that had been dominating. This season some retailers were ready for it and others weren't (M&S don't have any for example) but those who don't have stock are scrambling to get hold of it. You see like the buffet dress in lockdown, the triangle scarf is great for brands because it's cheap and easy to produce and yet margins are high. And it's great for customers because it gives that little outfit lift that comes with a splash of colour at the collar – similar to the white t-shirt tipping effect under a crew neck jumper but easier. And yes a silk scarf would do the same but sadly the silk scarf still hasn't escaped its slightly frumpy connotations.
Ways to wear the triangle scarf
There are two sizes around – a smaller one that is designed for under your coat, the idea is that you wear it as an outfit 'pop' all day long…
And then there's the oversized triangle which is taking the place of an ordinary scarf worn over a coat this season.
Oversized triangle scarf – 8 options available
The triangle scarf is also a really good way of replicating the 'jumper thrown over your shoulders' look which is high trend this year but always so difficult to achieve without it looking bulky. The oversized triangle scarf does it beautifully – and it's less costly than doubling up on two jumpers.
Triangle scarf and jumper
So, if triangle scarves are new to you, hopefully you now have the idea. They're such an easy gift for the women in your life – or just for you, yourself because they're the fastest way to update a simple winter outfit. They're warm and much more comfortable than a polo neck. Mine have actually enabled me to dig out the pale grey cashmere that kills my complexion but that I can't bear to let go because it's years old and so, so soft. Now with a more flattering colour around my neck, it's back in my world and it's the same with plain navy jumpers, a triangle scarf just gives them the boost they need.
So I won't go into triangle scarf theory any more, I'll just give you a Tuesday smorgasbord of what's on offer – with notes.
The triangle scarf – cotton, wool and wool blends
Top to bottom L-R
- Navy triangle scarf – a smaller scarf for wearing over a jumper with added texture from the basket weave knit. Pure merino, well priced, also available in red, burgundy and cream
- Red triangle scarf with pink trim – it’s the bright boost from the pink blanket stitch trim that makes this one stand out. Also available in a camel and navy stripe – 100% RWS certified wool
- Turquoise triangle scarf – a lighter weight 100% wool knit on this one for anyone who’s worried about overheating and such a beautiful colour that will work to make navy, red and brown pop. A great choice for a gift
- Green textured scarf (on model) – made from sustainably sourced Scottish lambswool this has a grid stitch design for extra interest. Lots of 5 star reviews and also available in burnt orange or indigo
- Pink wool blend scarf – a lower price thanks to the wool blend, this mid-size triangle scarf is available in six colours
- Burnt orange triangle scarf – a nice little scarf if you’re looking for something smaller – this is 100% supersoft lambswool and it’s currently a steal at 25% off for Black Friday. Also available in oatmeal, grey and cobalt here
- Navy and ivory scarf (on model) – cotton for anyone who prefers it and the ivory border is a great idea if you’re pairing it with a navy jumper. Also available in red and white
- Burgundy triangle scarf – with an option for personalisation, this nice little B Corp brand is the one that launched the concept of the triangle scarf last year and so they have one of the widest selections all in 100% merino – you can see them all here
- Lilac donegal fleck – there are some fabulous colour options in this flecked scarf – green, mustard and rust too. It’s 70% merino with great texture and it currently has 25% off
- Blue wool blend scarf – this is an entry point scarf if you’re just keen to dip your toe in the water, slightly larger than the others and also available in brown or grey
The triangle scarf – cashmere
Top to bottom L-R
- Neat red triangle scarf – this is one of my absolute favourites because it’s such a neat way of adding a boost of colour. 100% cashmere and currently 20% off for Black Friday so it costs less than a lot of the ordinary wool options. Also available in navy or olive – when the next drop is gone there won’t be any more until January. They also have great value oversized cashmere triangle scarves in 7 different colours here
- Charcoal scarf (on model) – you’re shopping from a proudly Scottish brand based in Edinburgh here for high quality cashmere at a reasonable price This is a larger triangle scarf with a ribbed knit, available in four colours
- Mink brown scarf – beautifully soft cashmere, this will feel fabulous to wear, also available in a deep olive green
- Navy halo cashmere scarf (on model)- doesn’t she remind you of the Mona Lisa?! A neat little navy scarf in the softest, fuzziest cashmere
- Blue and white striped scarf – made from recycled cashmere where former jumpers are repurposed. Stock and colours are ever changing – find them all here
- Bright green triangle scarf – slightly larger than the others this has 10% off at the moment – there’s a matching jumper also discounted and a hood too. Charcoal grey is another option
- Brushed cashmere scarf – if you haven’t yet fallen for the new luxury that is brushed cashmere this is a great way to try it. It will feel fabulous nuzzled to your neck. A reasonable price for a very indulgent gift
- Ivory brushed cashmere scarf – another brushed cashmere option in a very versatile colourway, also available in soft, dense charcoal grey (20% off if you join their email subscriber list)
- Pink brushed cashmere scarf – this is just stunning with its matching brushed cashmere jumper – a great way of uplifting the dark winter days
I’ll be back again soon – who knows what with… some kind of pop up surprise! Have a great week.
