Evening Shawls

Evening vs. Day Shawls

Some people think that shawls are only for elderly ladies and this is simply not true. When the pashmina came on the scene, women began to embrace how shawls could accessorize an outfit and take it from ordinary to extraordinary. Still, you wouldn't want to take a shawl that you wrap up in during the day and try to sport it for a dressy evening event. A cozy day shawl would look out of place on top of a cocktail dress.

Elements of evening shawls that separate them from shawls you'd slip on during the day include:

• Embellishments such as beads and small gems
• Beaded fringe
• Metallic materials
• Rich fabrics such as velvet and silk
• Embroidery

You'll find a range of evening shawl styles, including these:

• Thin and gauzy
• Lacy
• Satiny
• Brocaded

Evening shawls come in a large variety of colors and fabrics. If you have to choose just one, it's best to go with a color that will accessorize the majority of your outfits instead of just one. You'll get more use out of a shawl that can be worn with different dresses.

How to Wear Evening Shawls

In case wearing a shawl is new to you, there isn't one particular way you have to wear it. Just as there are several ways to wear a pashmina, there are various ways to sport a shawl over your evening wear. While shawls and evening dresses go hand-in-hand, you can also wear one over an elegant evening suit.

Formal Wear

Make the most stunning evening dress more captivating by adding an evening shawl to your glamorous image. Thin, silky or embellished shawls are perfect accompaniments to formal dresses that sweep the floor. You can wear your shawl:

• Over your shoulders and tied in front (this works particularly well for triangle shawls)
• Wrapped around your body, with one end dramatically thrown over your shoulder
• Casually draped over both shoulders with the ends hanging free
• Draped over your shoulders and held in place with a beautiful shawl pin

Less Formal Wear

Don't save your evening shawl just for those times you attend formal events. If you go out in the evening, you may need to carry one along, even in warm weather. A nighttime ensemble that calls for chic black slacks, heeled boots and long leather gloves can be accentuated with a thicker shawl in a material such as velvet. You'll look dramatic and mysterious.

While evening shawls are perfect for operas and galas, they can also be worn for dinners at upscale restaurants and private parties.

Where to Buy

Looking for the perfect evening shawl? When the holiday season rolls around, expect to see more of them in department stores (they can be scarce during the spring and summer). You can also shop online where you may have better luck year-round. Some online retailers who carry a selection of evening shawls include:

• Evening Elegance
• Fashion Scarves & Shawls
• Hamsa Shawls

Elegant Chic

It doesn't matter your age. You can add style and sophistication to your ensemble with this one easy accessory. Whether it's for a once-in-a-lifetime event or just dinner out with your significant other, you'll be warm, elegant and supremely stylish.