While many are looking forward to warmer climates during spring break or higher temperatures that will eventually find State College, it is hard to ignore the snow-covered fact that winter is not going away anytime soon.

Many people in State College are keeping out of the cold and heating up their wardrobes with one of this season's most popular winter fashions. Unique and versatile, they span color, pattern, texture, length and gender. Wear them loose; wear them tied; wear them wrapped around your neck or doubled over and pulled through. This year scarves aren't just warm. They're hot.

"We sell a lot of scarves," said Sarah Marshall, sales representative for Metro, 320 E. College Ave. "They are one of our top sellers. And it seems like scarves outdo all of the other winter accessories this year as well."

Corie Bowden, sales representative for Access, 224 E. College Ave., agreed.

"There has definitely been an increase in scarf sales," Bowden said. "Basically, any scarf is selling right now."

Bowden said there are several reasons scarves have become so popular, and the cold winter temperature isn't necessarily it.

"Color is huge right now, and anything that isn't just your basic black is really popular," Bowden said. "Especially here, people really need the warmth, but scarves can add a little spice to any outfit, and as it gets warmer, I think they are just going to get bigger."

Bob Steinbach, owner of Connections, 130 S. Allen St., said he has noticed the changing functions of scarves over the past year.

"They have made scarves more interesting fashion-wise, when for so long they were simply practical. I think the colors and patterns are a lot more adventurous, and the cold winter paired with all the exciting fabrics made for a good scarf season," Steinbach said.

Marshall said another style of scarf that has been very popular is a new twist on one of last season's most fashionable designs.

"The thick, long scarves that were a huge trend last winter are slowly fading out," she said. "But there are thinner scarves that are becoming very popular in their place now."

Steinbach said that while scarves are primarily a popular fashion piece for women, they appeal to men for different reasons.

"In a lot of places, I think guys are wearing scarves just as much as women are, but usually for much more practical reasons," Steinbach said. "But it's been darn cold this winter, and I think anyone can appreciate the warm, cozy feel of a scarf."

Marshall said she thinks the versatility of a scarf makes it a great accessory for anyone.

"There are so many multi-colored scarves, and ones with marbled effects to go with more things for more people," Marshall said. "And there's not just one way to wrap it or one way to tie it. Everyone can do something new and different and fun."