Our ancestors wore scarves for practical purposes: over their shoulders to keep warm, on their heads for protection from the elements, and as sarongs to cover a botched bikini wax (okay, maybe our ancestors weren’t often worried about a botched bikini wax). Today we get to be fashionable and practical—and this season the selection is over the top. I listed some of my favorites below.

Leigh and Luca

Hand-woven in India on antique wooden looms using cashmere, silk, and cotton, these trend-driven scarves are adorned with elaborate hand embroidery and beading to add an exotic yet modern look to each piece. Their new oversize line converts from scarf to sarong with the tie of a knot. Designer Susan Luca conceptualized a new accessory category: a scarf that can be worn as a travel blanket. Imagine being wrapped in a luxurious cashmere scarf instead of a skimpy piece of cloth they call a blanket on a freezing cold airplane.

White and Warren

This company is known for quality cashmere and workmanship. They make gorgeous wraps such as the “Ruffle” and the “Wedding Wrap,” which has become a favorite among brides. With a growing commitment to the environment, W&W is introducing scarves made from bamboo and organic cotton to their fall line so you can go green with any color in the rainbow.

Love quotes

A favorite among celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Hilary Duff, these scarves are woven from Italian linen and viscose making them light enough for indoor wear, yet great as outerwear pieces as well. I always recommend scarves when asked for gift ideas because there are no sizing issues (yay!). Love Quotes scarves are a great gift because each one comes with a quote from a famous philosopher, artist, or poet. The company worked relentlessly to get the colors down to a science. When you see the lagoon color, you’ll immediately imagine Brook Shields in Blue Lagoon. If only she’d had a Love Quotes scarf back then.

BAJRA

Nepalese folk culture is the inspiration for this scarf line. Handmade in the Annapurna region of Nepal, these scarves are made from luxurious materials such as silk, cashmere, leather, and suede, then adorned with embroidery and beading. Some of the fabrics are made from bananas and pineapples. I don't advise eating them, but I highly recommend wearing them.

EPICE

This scarf line from Paris, made of 90 percent cotton and 10 percent silk, is a must-have summer accessory. The neckerchiefs are great for hiding an aging neck or covering overabundant cleavage. The longer scarves can be wrapped in a variety of ways on the inside or outside of clothing. Available in an assortment of colors and sizes, these scarves are getting as hot as the weather.

VERA

Calling all baby boomers. Once you see the Vera logo, you’ll immediately recall the days when Vera was the only game in town. Anyone who knows vintage scarves knows that Vera was famous for her geometric and floral patterns. Some of the earlier ones contain the ladybug logo because Vera thought of it as a symbol of good luck. I think we should all get one and wear it when choosing our lottery numbers.

If you add only one item to your wardrobe this season, let it be a scarf. No fashionista should be without one!