These Multitasking Coats Will Replace Your Scarf This Winter

We’ve all been there: As you’re scurrying to work on a frigid morning, you realize you forgot your toasty blanket scarf at home. As such, you’re forced to brave the cold sans some extra (and much-needed) coverage. But what if we told you there’s innovative outerwear that proactively avoids this common fashion conundrum? Enter the scarf and funnel neck coats on the rise for winter 2025-26 and beyond. Thanks to the built-in fabric designed to cover your neck, you needn’t remind yourself to grab a scarf as you’re frantically running out the door—plus the trend-forward silhouettes will make you feel like a street style star.

With below-freezing weather soon rearing its head, scroll onward to read up on the practical outerwear trends replacing your scarves this season.

The Scarf Coat Trend

To be clear, the scarf-coat hybrid is by no means new. Some argue that it dates back to the 1980s, when American fashion designer Yeohlee Teng launched her iteration, while others credit Jean Paul Gaultier for popularizing the look in the early 2000s during his tenure at Hermès. But ultimately, we have Toteme to thank for its modern resurrection of the functional yet chic outerwear. In November 2021, the luxury label released its stitched jacket and attached fringe scarf look (you know the one!), which quickly went viral on TikTok. Since its inception, celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, and Katie Holmes have put their stamp on the silhouette. 

Fusing fashion and function, the trend was alive and well during the fall 2025 fashion month. At Burberry, former creative director Daniel Lee included plaid scarf coats in his second-to-last collection for the British fashion house. Meanwhile, Ferragamo debuted a gray wool scarf-adorned jacket featuring unique tailoring. Over at Sportmax, a model strutted down the runway clad in an oversized black iteration. 

With so many designer silhouettes to pick from, it’s no wonder the look hit its stride this fall, with a slew of fashion It girls adopting the silhouette. Jenner, a longtime fan, has worn various styles, many of which hail from The Row. And as you’re scrolling on Instagram this autumn, you’re bound to spot plenty of scarf coats on your favorite content creators.

The Funnel Neck Coat Trend

The funnel neck coat, named for the shape of its high, stand-up collar, is running rampant this fall. But just like the scarf coat, it’s not necessarily a fresh concept: The silhouette has gone in and out of style for decades, peaking at sartorially forward-thinking moments like the 1960s and mid-2000s. The modern trend started picking up speed in early 2024, largely thanks to Phoebe Philo. The former Celine creative director released a sleek brown leather iteration in her namesake brand’s inaugural collection in October 2023. The likes of Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney followed her lead, showing funnel coats on the fall 2024 runways to solidify the look as a red-hot item.

Flash forward to the fall 2025 shows, and more fashion houses hopped aboard the funnel neck coat train. One such label was Victoria Beckham, which presented a luxe leather jacket with an especially high, structured collar. Altuzarra and Khaite, too, introduced leather funnel neck coats, while Ashlyn went with a slinky silk satin. As always, the trend has trickled down from the catwalks to contemporary labels. Now, accessible brands like H&M, J.Crew, and COS have their own versions of the sumptuous silhouette. 

Much like scarf coats, funnel neck jackets have made the rounds in Hollywood this past year. Model and perpetual cool-girl Bella Hadid stepped out in Saint Laurent’s leather funnel neck bomber jacket, which retails for a cool $6100, last January. Jenner has professed her love of the silhouette, stepping out in a vintage Hermès trench coat style in March. More recently, this month, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a similar-looking funnel neck trench. 

The Appeal

As mentioned, ditching your scarves is perhaps the biggest draw of both outerwear silhouettes. Although the accessory is fun when you want to wear it, a long, oversized scarf can be somewhat annoying to carry around all winter long. Rooted in functionality, scarf and funnel neck coats are a real game-changer on windy winter days, as they keep you covered from just below the chin down to your waist or legs. Both styles are also available in a range of fabrics, including wool, leather, nylon, and suede. 

Though they’re especially of-the-moment right now, these coat silhouettes also boast a timeless appearance, making them a sound investment. Scarf coats are arguably warmer due to their often-fluffy, soft wool fabric that you can wrap around the body, whereas funnel necks typically stand a few inches away from the neck. Thus, if you’re someone who tends to run cold, perhaps a scarf coat is a better fit for you.

How to Style

There’s no wrong way to style a scarf or funnel coat, as both silhouettes are incredibly versatile. Plus, since the outerwear is bound to be the focal point of your look, there’s no need to go overboard with your outfit (unless you want to, of course).

For starters, if you’re wearing your outerwear to a fancy dinner or event, dress up the piece by throwing it over a slip dress and knee-high boots. Alternatively, if you’re reaching for a funnel neck or scarf coat for a casual weekend outing, pair it with a cashmere sweater, straight leg jeans, and sneakers.

Since many funnel and scarf coats come in neutral hues like beige, black, and brown, you might consider punching up the look with colorful accessories. Bright red tights or a chartreuse handbag are sure to make a splash, if you’re eager for a bold fashion moment.

The Best Funnel Neck and Scarf Coats to Shop

Convinced that you need one of these multitasking coats in your outerwear collection? If so, check out six Byrdie-approved styles below.