Keep your head and neck warm stylishly

There is something cozily cocoonish about the chunky hooded scarves from Wild Mantle. Working mainly with naturally hypoallergenic Peruvian alpaca and polyester fleece, the small independent manufacturer knits these soft, pull-over mantles to keep your head and neck toasty, independent of whatever else you're wearing. When you don't need or want a head covering, the hood can be rolled down or draped like an oversize cowl scarf, or left hanging free for a sporty look, indoors or out. The most economical model is the Minky, made with a double layer of cuddly black or navy polyester fleece, with cotton drawstrings for extra windproofing. For the luxurious feel of wool, minus the itch, opt for the slightly stretchier alpaca model, available in ribbed charcoal gray, black, or deep red, and lined with Minky polyester fleece. The charcoal gray and black alpaca models can be ordered with the additional embellishment of three big decorative buttons sewn down the neck front. S'mores, anyone?

Wild Mantle Minky Polyester Fleece Hooded Scarf with drawstring is $99; alpaca hooded scarf with fleece lining, with or without front buttons, is $295; at www.wildmantle.com.