Acne Studios Scarf Dupe—Should You Save Or Splurge On The Real Thing?

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When I went to Paris earlier last year, there was one “must buy” item at the top of my list: either an Acne Studios scarf dupe, or the real thing. I fell in love with the brand’s oversized plaid scarf two years ago and had not yet worked up the courage to swipe my credit card for it. I vowed to myself that if I still was longing for the massively oversized scarf this winter, I would drop the $200+ dollars to get one.

Once I arrived in Paris, I took advantage of the reduced prices (designer pieces are often less expensive in Europe) and wow, am I glad I did! You may have seen the brightly-colored checkered version of the Acne Studios scarf on your FYP as it has come into some TikTok fame. But if you aren’t sure whether to splurge on the reach thing or find a budget-friendly dupe, allow me to provide some guidance.

I wear my Acne Studios scarf every day once the weather drops below 45 degrees (which allows me more than a few months of wear in NYC). Not only does the scarf help keep me warm outside, I’ve found that it is quite functional indoors as well. I always pack the scarf in my airplane carry-on to use as a pillow or blanket alternative during the flight—because yes, it really is that big.

I’m even wearing it draped over my shoulders like a shawl right now (!) as I write this. Because the scarf was an investment piece, I plan on capitalizing on its many uses. Personally, I went for a neutral color combo instead of the now-very-popular rainbow check option, so as to ensure it won’t become too trendy as well as to maximize the number of outfits I can wear it with. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I love the bright, colorful version of the scarf, but would recommend shopping for a fun colorful dupe and saving your money for a more versatile winter accessory. Not wanting to break the bank on a scarf is also a perfectly valid reason to opt for a cheaper scarf with a similar aesthetic! Or, perhaps you want the look with a color scheme that better fits your wardrobe.

Luckily, there are lots of great lookalikes out there this season that can give you a similar vibe for way less. These scarves will help elevate any winter jacket and photograph beautifully in snow day pics (I speak from experience). Whether you are committing to the famous Acne Studios scarf dupe or the real deal, get excited to be fashionably bundled up in your colorful new scarf.