Number 1: A beautiful cashmere scarf or wrap

This is the best time of year for a soft, elegant piece of cashmere to wrap round the neck or throw over the shoulders. Nothing beats it for plush comfort and anyone worth their weight in little black dresses will recognize the fabric immediately.

Two labels to remember are Burberry and Loro Piana. They are the names behind iconic cashmere scarves and wraps, such as this classic Burberry scarf and wrap, and a Piana scarf and a couple of wraps (one more dressy with a burn-out pattern, the other simpler with tiny pleats). There are plenty of other retailers selling beautiful cashmere items, such as this La Fiorentina fur and cashmere wrap, or a simple one from Barney’s (on sale for $315). The Burberry scarves are about $250 and the wrap $665. Piana costs more: A scarf is $350 and a wrap is $1,575.

If you just can’t cough up that kind of money, check out the assortment at Macys, which are marked down and start at around $50. Dillard’s has a smaller selection, but many colors to pick from, and they start at about $60. Land’s End has several types of cashmere scarves, starting at $68.

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