How to Wear a Shawl

The Versatile Shawl

A popular accessory that has been used for centuries by men and women alike, the shawl is probably best considered a warming garment that protects and covers the neck. Its shape, however, lends itself to coverage of the arms and even the trunk of the body. Available in rectangles and squares, shawls are incredibly versatile and, as such, do a bit more than basic scarves in terms of protecting the wearer from the elements. This is evident in the sheer number of ways to wear shawls!

How to Wear a Shawl

Whether it's freezing and you crave a little extra warmth or you just want to drape something over your dress as you head out for the evening, you can count on a shawl to do the job for you. How you wear the shawl, though, can make all the difference in the world. There are many creative methods for wearing shawls, and your choice may depend simply on what looks best or suits your purposes most effectively.

Casual Styles

Shawls can make a brisk day more tolerable.

Worn with a casual outfit, such as jeans and a t-shirt or a denim skirt and tank top, a shawl can spice things up a little and add new drama to an otherwise simple ensemble. Try one of these understated looks:

• One-Shoulder Wrap: Drape the shawl over your neck so the ends hang over both shoulders. Fold one end over the opposite shoulder and leave the other end hanging loosely. This style is quick and no-fuss. Note that it does not offer any support, so you may want to affix a small brooch to the shoulder area if you are concerned it will slip.

• Full-Shoulder Wrap: This equally easy method simply involves draping the shawl over the shoulders. This style works best with larger shawls that provide some upper arm coverage.

Chic Styles

Dress up your hip outfits with a shawl for a little change from the norm. For example, skinny jeans, a fitted blazer and a tank instantly look even chicer with one of these looks:

• European Knot: Great for thin, lightweight shawls, this knot entails folding the shawl in half, draping it around the neck and pulling the loose ends through the hole on the other end. Pull it taut to complete the look or leave it slightly loose for a more relaxed effect.

• Neck Wrap: Alternately, treat a thin, short shawl as you would a scarf. Drape it around the neck and tie a knot. This style is particularly great if you're wearing a necklace; the ends of the scarf can easily be spread wide apart enough to allow your jewelry to peek through.

Cozy Styles

Sometimes it seems almost necessary to sacrifice style for comfort. With a shawl in your fashion arsenal, that problem is easily a thing of the past!

• Full Shawl Wrap: A large shawl can easily be worn as a cute little cover-up over a top or dress. Just drape it around the shoulders (extending down the arms), pull it taut below the bust and tie a secure knot. The upper arms should be completely covered. This smart style is ideal for office wear.

• Poncho Wrap: Appropriate for large square shawls, this style adds a unique shape to your garment. Just fold the shawl into a triangle and drape it over the neck. Choose fringed shawls for a more playful take on the exotic poncho style.

Other Shawl Ideas

Wrap it on for a day at the beach!

Of course, there's more to that shawl than meets the eye. Try one of these tips if you're looking to maximize your shawl's potential and get the most bang for your buck!

• Drape an evening shawl loosely over the shoulders before heading out for the night. It's a fabulous alternative to a cropped metallic jacket or even a regular coat, and it can transform that little black dress into something completely new.

• Wear it as a sarong. Wrap it around the waist and tie it low on the side. This is a great way to lend straighter shapes the illusion of curves.

• Go Hollywood. Learn how to wear a shawl, celebrity-style! Just bundle two shawls together and wear them at once. The European Knot is a popular way to pull off two at once. This is fun if the weather calls for a serious chill and you want to brighten your look a bit. Try two contrasting shades for a unique appearance. Remember that you'll need relatively lightweight shawls.

A Universal Accessory

Shawls can be worn year round, and their versatility is evident in the number of outfits they pair so perfectly with. Wear it in the summer with casual garb for a bit of polish, or use it to stave off winter's chill. Either way, you're destined to get plenty of use from your shawl.