I prefer without. I think it's because of the color of the scarf. If you had something darker, like a navy scarf, to match the jeans, that might make a difference.

I like both, but especially with the scarf. I wear a little neckerchief like that several days each week. I almost always get compliments. I love the french girl vibe. I got a couple very nice ones at Madewell last year to add to my collection, but probably have more than a dozen in total. Most of mine are darker but I do have lighter ones like yours that I wear more often in warm weather. I think it is an easy way to chic - up a basic outfit. Team scarf. But that said I am getting rid of most if not all of my much longer light weight scarves that were so popular a few years ago. The ones you doubled around the neck and wore looser? I have too many of those, and wear them infrequently if at all these days. I'll keep one or two because they are good for travel, planes, etc.