The Winter Trend Every Woman in NYC is Rocking

New York winters will humble you. The wind off the avenue doesn’t care how chic your wool coat is, and anything that isn’t doing actual work becomes decorative fast. Which is why I’ve been paying attention to the one accessory I keep seeing on real women around the city—not just influencers posing in streets, but coffee-line regulars, and speed-walking downtown girls. The knitted triangle scarf is everywhere right now.

If you’re picturing the silky headscarf trend from last summer, forget it. Its warmer, more practical cousin is a soft, wooly triangle that ties around your neck like a bandana, but feels like a hug. The reason it works in New York is because it’s practical. A full blanket scarf can feel like you’re being swallowed alive, but the triangle scarf lands right in the middle; very easy to tuck into a coat, and not constantly slipping off while you’re juggling a coffee and a tote bag.

In chilly temps, girls are tying it snugly at the front and tucking it into a wool coat so it acts like built-in insulation. When they’re wearing a leather bomber or a blazer, they’ll let the point hang out over the top, which adds a softer layer. On the coldest days, it’s often layered under a puffer so it peeks out as a knit detail rather than a bulky scarf situation.

Triangle scarves work best when the rest of your outfit is simple and classic, because they add texture without overwhelming everything. If you’re new to the trend, start with a long coat, straight-leg jeans and tall boots, then add the scarf as the finishing touch. For a more casual look, pair with a white tee, vintage denim or baseball cap. The knitted triangle keeps you warm, layers easily, and makes even the most basic uniform (barrel jeans, boots, coat, repeat) feel like it has a point of view.

Have a longer scarf and in need of a new way to style it and keep warm? Try this: