Dressy Shawls
From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion
Dressy shawls have the ability to transform an outfit from so-so to stunning. Everything from the most basic tops to the most eye-catching evening gowns can benefit from the addition of a glamorous topper. Not only does it add a little leverage to your ensemble, it also keeps you warm. During the winter, nothing can top that!
Keep Covered
You're headed to a holiday party, but you don't necessarily want to wear a sweater over your lovely cocktail dress as you mingle with the crowds. Perhaps you just feel a bit chilly during a fall soiree with close friends, but don't want to ruin your outfit's fluidity with a chunky cover-up. No matter: Sometimes sweaters, jackets and coats aren't even necessary. When you're indoors and just need a little something extra to keep your shoulders covered and arms lightly protected, consider the ubiquitous shawl.
Versatile, lightweight and available in a number of styles, the shawl serves several purposes. Its functional use, of course, is for keeping you comfortable should a slight chill invade the air. Its more intriguing purpose, though, is to add something special to your outfit. Don't underestimate the shawl's ability to do more than just keep you covered!
What Makes a Shawl Dressy
It's the details and construction that set dressy shawls apart from their more mainstream counterparts. Material is often a strong consideration – cashmere, velvet and silk are always elegant. Look for delicate enhancements, like fringe or lace, for a simpler look. More ornate styles may be beaded, sequined or metallic. Steer clear of anything with a vivid print, like stripes, large flowers or polka dots. These are far too casual and even youthful looking to really pass muster on a dressy occasion.
Ideas for Wearing Dressy Shawls
A basic shawl is practically indispensable – it can come in quite useful in casual wear situations. Dressier pieces, on the other hand, are usually not essential to a basic wardrobe. However, consider them a great investment piece if you spend plenty of time attending events; if you just happen to love wearing shawls regularly and want something indulgent; or if you want to keep especially warm when winter's brutal chill arrives. Consider the numerous styling possibilities of wearing dressy shawls:
- Wearing jeans and a basic T-shirt? Drape a large cashmere shawl over your upper body, essentially covering your shoulders and upper arms. Throw one end over the opposite shoulder and leave the other end hanging freely.
- Headed out for a dressy-casual evening date? Slip into a pair of dark rinse jeans, throw on a fitted dark top with three-quarter length sleeves and finish by draping an elegant shawl in a contrasting color over your shoulders. Allow it to hang freely; this will look especially impressive your shawl is detailed with lace or some sort of embellishment.
- Wearing that new sleeveless or strapless evening gown to the opera or theatre? Choose a shawl that matches it exactly but has a contrasting detail (like a touch of lace). Wrap it lightly over your shoulders and allow it to drop slightly lower once you're indoors.
- Want to wear that shawl during spring? Wrap it loosely around your neck like a scarf. This is cute with a jersey dress or a pair of jeans and tank top.
Shopping for Dressy Shawls
Believe it or not, you can find shawls year round. The best selection is naturally found during the fall and winter months, but you can definitely track down an elegant shawl in the spring or summer. Depending on your budget, you may decide in advance that you don't want to splurge on something too costly – and some shawls are definitely high end in that regard. Steer clear of purchasing designer name shawls if frugality is the goal. Opt instead for a well made yet affordable piece from a store like Macy's or even Target.
If you can afford to spend a <i>bit</i> more, check out the selection at Nordstrom – the store's own tissue-weight pashminas are always reliable. For higher-end selections, look no further than Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman for the ultimate in luxurious shawls.Learn More
This page has been accessed 414 times. This page was last modified 13:53, 3 August 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook