With the cooler autumn weather setting in and winter right around the corner, warmer fashions are sprouting up everywhere. So I knew when I set out to find the cutest (and cheapest!) scarves, I’d have a ton of options. I had to be a little picky, though. It had to not only be fashionable, but versatile as well.  Heavy enough to keep you warm on a chilly day, but light enough to keep on in a drafty classroom (or to impress that cute boy you sit next to!)

After searching through tons of name-brand stores, I ended up falling in love with Old Navy’s Two-Tone Printed Scarf ($12.50). My favorite thing about this scarf is that it’s trendy enough to spice up an average sweater and jeans look, but not too outlandish that it takes over the entire outfit. It’s also easy to match with a ton of different styles, but without being too boring. Although it also comes in yellow and pink, I love the black because it can be paired with everything from an urbanite purple cardigan to a classic black pea coat. The fabric is soft, but doesn’t look cheap, like some of the other scarves I encountered.  And for $12.50, it’s something even budget-conscious fashionistas don’t have to feel guilty about!

— By Kristy Shaulis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign