This Week's Look

Scarves are great, but sometimes a girl (or a guy) needs a cowl. Although, when men wear them I think they’re called gaiters.

Whatever you call them, I prefer tightly crocheted or knitted neck warmers with functional buttons because they offer more flexibility; you can go for a prim buttoned up look, a partially buttoned open collar look, or let it hang loosely down your shoulders like a capelet. Most cowls are also easy to stash in your purse or bag when not in use (depending on the size of your bag that is). One more thing, if you’re the fashionable type, definitely stay away from fleece cowls. Unless you’re going for that extreme camping look.

The absolute best place to find original, handmade cowls is etsy of course. Below are some of my favorites (there’s even one for dogs). Click on each image to see the listing.

Wool and acrylic blend gaiter in a warm curry spice. Made by gypseatree on etsy. $37. Other colors available by request.

The “Elizabeth I” crocheted neck ruff in mustard made by DesiredCrochet on etsy. $17.

Here’s a unisex, hand knitted acrylic cowl made by KYSAA on etsy. $20.

Dogs get chilly too! The Brown Barker here is a custom neck warmer/hood for dogs, made-to-order by HippiePups on etsy. $30.

Recycled, buttery soft leather and angora neck warmer from MacolieMonster on etsy. $36.

Brown, green and black ruffled acrylic scarf from Periay on etsy. $18.

Cranberry wool-blend cowl with functional buttons, handmade by WindyCityKnits on etsy. $30.

Mary Poppins would be proud to sport this ruffly cowl adorned with vintage buttons, made by CheshireFarm on etsy. $15.

Super-chunky, cable knit neck warmer made by LaimaShop on etsy. $68.

A beautifully simple and inexpensive teal cowl with vintage seashell button. Made by Witherwood on etsy. $9.

OK, I know I said no fleece, but the fleece is hidden on the inside here so it’s totally acceptable. Upcycled plaid neck warmer from OhMaudlinMe on etsy. $30.

Adjustable buttoned cowl made by Witherwood on etsy. $7.

Snuggly neck warmer reconstructed from a vintage faux mink coat, complete with black satin ties. Made by SewTrendy on etsy. $30.

Look at the versatility of this dark purple, crocheted cowl. The three functional buttons give you so many options. Made by TallentedCrafts on etsy. $12.

Perk up your drab winter with this sunshiny yellow neck warmer with orange toggle button by akphotoncrafts on etsy. $10.

Another highly versatile cowl made by wearaddiction on etsy. $17.50.

Elegant hand knitted leaf cowl made from 100% merino wool by LeafyDesign on etsy. $55.

OK, so maybe you’re not ready to commit to a cowl. Here’s one that’s a little bit cowl, a little bit scarf, complete with wood buttons. Made by FrogSong on etsy. $15.

100% cashmere, double-thick, brioche stitch, extra-tall cowl in steel blue. Made by kimbarelli on etsy. $49.95.

A striking caped cowl in 100% wool with wood toggle button. Made by lightist on etsy. $95.