Last year, I celebrated my 30th birthday in Paris — and no, I simply can’t fathom the fact that we now say “last year” to something that happened just last month. But alas, it’s 2024, and that’s exactly what we have to do, so let’s get back to it. I rang in the big 30 in the City of Love in 2023, and I’m still thinking about how epic of a birthday that was. The food? Divine. The sights? Utterly dreamy. The fashion? Simply chic, of course. In fact, Mary-Kate Olsen just reminded me of the one fashion staple I spotted all over the streets of Paris; it’s genius, it’s easy, and it’s a game changer for the cold-weather season.

Mary-Kate was photographed out and about in Los Angeles, and though she was on the West Coast, her look leaned very East Coast, too. The designer opted for comfy gray sweatpants, which I was exclusively living in during the holiday break, but as per usual, the Olsen twin looked totally cool with the addition of some stylish staples: that brown faux fur maxi coat, unexpected slipper mules that she paired with gray socks, and an oversized navy blue blanket scarf that’s a Parisian staple. In fact, it’s the accessory that saved me while I was freezing during my walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Nordstrom Wool and Recycled Cashmere Scarf

Nordstrom Cashmere and Wool Fringe Scarf

As a fashion editor, it should come as no surprise I paid close attention to the sartorial happenings on the Paris streets; there were lots of peacoats and a sea of sleek boots walking through the Louvre, but XXL scarves were the clear winners in terms of Parisian winter accessories — and for good reason, as I learned while I was there. 

A winter scarf that’s “normal” sized is fine and all, but given fashion’s fondness for all things oversized, bigger scarves win by a landslide — and not just in terms of look, either. They're vastly more practical, as they can double as a literal blanket, hence the term “blanket scarf.” You can casually wrap it around you for a nonchalant look, or fully hang it over your shoulders for added warmth when your winter coat just isn’t enough. Mary-Kate kept hers open, though she could easily throw one side over her shoulders for a super-chic approach to wearing the accessory. Love!

There’s no right or wrong way to wear a blanket scarf; every approach looks chic, not to mention keeps you warm — that’s a win-win in the accessory game, if you ask me. Shop the Mary-Kate and French girl-approved winter staple from Vince, J.Crew, and more below.

Get the Look:

Madewell Blanket-Stitch Scarf
Shop now: $55; madewell.com

J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
Shop now: $198; jcrew.com

Vince Double Face Cashmere Scarf
Shop now: $295; nordstrom.com

Maeve Heritage Houndstooth Scarf
Shop now: $27 (Originally $54); anthropologie.com

Madewell Beattie Plaid Scarf
Shop now: $36 (Originally $55); nordstrom.com

Everlane the Alpaca Patterned Scarf
Shop now: $63 (Originally $125); everlane.com

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap
Shop now: $100; quince.com

Marcella Bronx Scarf
Shop now: $83 (Originally $98); marcellanyc.com