Shawls... The Many Benefits of These Beautiful Fashion Accessories

If you’re feeling adventurous in exploring how to wear a shawl, then you’re definitely on the right track. Wraps and shawls are as versatile as they are chic.

This multi-functional fashion add-on can be different things to different people. Some see it akin to a mother’s embrace, a stylish addition to one’s outfit, or simply protection from the cold. However way one uses this accessory, here are some fashion do’s that you would do best to keep in mind when finding out the ways on how to wear a shawl.

• Keep one handy for whatever the occasion:
  Having a good shawl or two is a sound fashion investment. Indeed, you can never understate the studied elegance and comfort that comes with pairing it with a great pair of jeans and a simple shirt, or even that little black dress for the occasional evening out. Most stoles are light enough so as not be a burden being carried around, and could even fit easily into a handbag.

• Wear it as a style accessory as much as a clothing protection:
  While wraps do make good coverings for chilly nights, never forget that they make perfect fashion accessories as well. Perhaps a stole in a vibrant color or a unique design could just be the thing needed to put a little zing to your outfit that seems to miss something. Be creative and try out all the fun and eye-catching ways of making the most of your cashmere or silk wrap.

• Wear it in more ways than one:
  Still trying to find out how to wear a shawl? If you’ve just thought of only two or three ways, then you’re way behind in the fashion world. Try to check out the web and you’ll find a myriad of ways on how to wear shawls wraps. You can even find specific techniques for specific fabrics like silk or pashmina. Some of the more popular styles of wearing them are the one shoulder wrap, full (shoulder) wrap, front accent drape, carried drape, neck wrap, European knot, front knot, sarong style – the list just goes on.

• Have a merry mix of vibrant and neutral colors:
  Trying out different looks on how to wear a shawl can be pretty fun given the right ingredients. And how much better could your stole wardrobe get than having the right mix of vivid colors while neutralizing these with earth tones? The bright hues are for that dinner and dancing date, or spicing up your daily running-about-town getup. The neutral colors on the other hand, are for a sleek and chic accessory to your corporate attire or business suit. Now how’s that for dressing to impress?

• Think men also when evaluating its versatility:
  While figuring out how to wear a wrap is more a lady’s dilemma, don’t count men out. After all, it is not only those of the female gender who want to look good. And believe it or not, not too few gentlemen are coming to know the advantages of having a pashmina shawl in your closet. Whether having some daddy time with the kids in a large, warm, and soft cotton throw, or discovering the delights of having a wrap while traveling, men are indeed sitting up and taking notice of this wardrobe must-have. Oh, and babies and grannies love them just as well.

So what are you waiting for? Experiment and have fun learning how to wear a shawl. Discover the different refreshing looks that you can achieve with this fashion favorite of both men and women, across all ages.

The benefits of cashmere shawls! There are some days where all you and I, want to do is throw on a T-shirt and jeans to stay comfortable and casual. Other days you really feel like wearing something special and luxurious. To amp up the luxury of any outfit, put on items made of the cashmere.

Cashmere is incredibly warm and unbelievably soft.

It feels better against your skin than any cotton/knit while projecting a polished look full of panache. Pieces of apparel made of cashmere are truly timeless and ageless. Literally anyone can incorporate cashmere pieces into their wardrobe. Cashmere garments will make you look and feel special.

The most basic and common clothing items made of cashmere include cashmere scarves, sweaters, twin sets, and gloves.

Every person should own at least one piece of cashmere for their wardrobe. To ensure you pick a piece that you will love forever and will go with a variety of outfits, pick neutral, solid colors such as cream, beige, or black. Even men look great in cashmere scarves and gloves.

Nothing looks more masculine and professional than a man in a long black wool coat paired with a silk, pashmina or cashmere scarf under the lapel.

Women can be sure to look fantastic when wearing cashmere pieces in classic colors. No matter your size, shape, age, or style, a cream cashmere sweater will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Cashmere pieces to tend to be pricey, but when you consider how timeless and durable the pieces are, they are worth every cent. Cashmere scarves, sweaters, and the like will never go out of style or appear dated. They will remain a favorite item in your wardrobe for years. Because cashmere pieces are so classic and universal, they also make fantastic gifts. You can never have too much of this super soft fabric in your clothing collection!

Not many people consider a cape and poncho a good idea for a gift. They think it might be considered so far out; and something they wouldn’t ever have a chance to use. Like, what comes to your mind first with the mere mention of the word?

A magician? Superman? Sherlock Holmes? Count Dracula?

With these names on the list, you couldn’t think of any other word to describe such an idea for such a gift except … ridiculous.

But is this piece of cloth really so outrageous? A closer look at the real-life people who have worn and still wear this piece of clothing brings us to a realization: not many fashion accessories can even come close to the effect this piece can bestow on a person’s get-up.

Surf around the Web, grab fashion magazines, even take on an encyclopedia. There are certain personalities, respectable ones at that, who have worn and are wearing this piece of garb.

Jacky O, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, King Henry VIII, Pope Benedict XVI. Want more glitz, glamour? How about these two: Kylie Minogue and Posh herself, Victoria Beckham. Still think the word “ridiculous” is apt for such an idea?

This is one gift that, although it could end up being used only sparingly, can rise to the occasion when needed… big time.

You’ll never know when you get the chance to attend a ball, a formal occasion, or watch a performance at the opera house. Sometimes, these occasions call for a more glamorous get-up than just your most elegant outfit. Sometimes, you figure you could use a little more pizzazz. A cape would be all you’ll ever need. Put it over your prized outfit, and it will elevate your look many levels higher.

Making a fashion statement isn’t the only reason for one to don a cape. Practicality can be another. Some are made of fluffy material such as fleece or fur, and can be a very good alternative to a jacket during cold weather. For men, it can project a smarter and more gentlemanly look. What’s more, the material can be lightweight thus providing you with the warmth without having to be heavy.

So the next time you come up with a shortlist of a possible present for someone special, include a cape. Not only will it come as a big surprise but also that the recipient will always remember you every time he or she wears it.

Many women find themselves easily chilled in public places. They are always looking for something to bundle up in and usually end up looking rather silly sometimes. Instead of reaching for that blanket or worn out cardigan, next time be prepared with a beautiful shawl wrap.

I tend to follow the latest fashion trends not because it is my job... because I am passionate about it. Of all the fashion trends that are around, I love to see the way the simple shawl is used to enhance an outfit.

A shawl is not just a simple piece of accessory. It's more than that. It enhances my beauty and elegance without being garish or outlandish. I mean, just look at the Hollywood celebrities who are usually seen sporting a shawl. Now, don't they look elegant and graceful even without trying? That is what shawls are supposed to do. Worn to enhance a dull or drab looking outfit, or it is worn just to look and feel stylish and attractive.

I am very careful about the colors I buy. I am very particular that each shawl matches my style and dress sense. But I do go for bright colors for those cold and gray winter days but ensure that they complement my outfits. Neutral colors and pastels are easy to mix and match with any outfit so they form the major bulk of my shawl collection.

Wearing a silk or cashmere shawl with an evening wear makes me feel sophisticated. Besides that my outfits look tasteful and stylish without any efforts. Of course any wardrobe is incomplete without a Pashmina, the king of all shawls. I have classic Pashmina shawls in gray, black and white. I treasure my Pashminas not just for the warmth they provide but also for their beauty. Each Pashmina is truly a work of art with its unique patterns.

Nowadays designer shawls are available and I do profess to own a few. I don't think they are a waste of money. Rather I use these shawls for special occasions. Each designer shawl is a true masterpiece with special fabric and pattern. The simplicity of a designer shawl just adds to my appearance, especially when I combine it with appropriate clothes.

There are many online stores that sell quality and cheaply priced shawls. This makes the purchasing process easy and simple. And, if you take good care of your shawl, it can last a life time. The fact that a shawl will never go out of fashion, it can be passed on from one generation to the next.

Shawls come in all kinds of shapes, colors and sizes!

There many different ways to tie a shawl and each way works to making me feel beautiful, elegant and gorgeous. The way I tie my pashmina shawls is an extension of my personality. That is why I consider a shawl to be more than a fashion accessory.

As a fashion expert, it is my job (and passion) to show my clients different ways to tie a shawl. I use many of the suggestions myself because I am rarely seen without one. This is a multipurpose accessory. Occasionally I tie it like a belt, while at other instances I use it as head cover. Sometimes I use my shawl to protect myself from inclement weather and on other times I use it to enhance a beautiful evening dress

Different Ways to Tie a Shawl:

• I use the Ascot style more frequently in winter. It is simple, looks chic and still keeps me warm. The way to tie a shawl like this is to fold it into two, wrap it around your neck and then take the ends pull them through the loop which is formed when you fold the shawl in half.
• The reverse shawl is my favorite for evening wear, especially when I am wearing a very formal dress. I just take a complementing rich-looking shawl and then drape the open shawl over my shoulders, with the ends down my back. It looks elegant and sophisticated. This way of tying a shawl is ideally suited for women who are tall and slim. Sometimes when it suits me, I just knot the two ends behind my back to get an immediate appearance of being chic.
• When I wear jeans, I just love to enhance my hips with a shawl. I take my shawl and keep folding it lengthwise until it is a just a couple of inches. I then take it and either loop it through the belt hoops or wear it low on my hips. I tie the ends on one side and let them fall.
• Sometimes I just don't feel like doing anything with my shawl so I opt for the poncho style wherein I take a triangular shawl, drape it over my back with the ends meeting in front. I either fasten the ends with a shawl clip or just knot them loosely. Many of my clients hate knotting the ends because they feel it has grandmother appearance to it. So, they just use a decorative shawl pin or brooch.
• The stole style of wearing a shawl is simple and elegant. It can be worn with a casual or formal outfit without feeling out of place. The best part is that this style can be easily worn both in winter and summer.
• I love the Grace Kelly style of wearing a shawl. Just take the shawl, cover your head and throw each end casually over opposing shoulders. Viola! Elegance without too much trouble or effort.

Most people and especially those that appreciate fine fabrics recognize the word cashmere. Many of us also recognize the fabric term pashmina but are not so familiar with what it really is and why it is considered such a wonderful and luxurious addition to our wardrobes.

Generically the term refers to the finest cashmere wool but true pashmina is made exclusively from the inner coat of fur grown by the changthangi or pashmina goat. These animals only shed their winter coat each spring and produce only 3 to 8 ounces of wool per animal. This breed of goat was originally breed in the high Himalayas for its superior wool. The garments made from this fine wool were originally hand spun and hand woven by peoples living in the Himalayas. Many times the fabric was also hand embroidered by these peoples.

Authentic pashmina shawls have been made for thousands of years by hand and reached a level of beauty that could be viewed as artistic expression. The animal, the rarity of the wool, the location, the people producing these shawls for thousands of years, all this leads us to feel the pashmina shawl is an exotic and coveted piece of apparel.

The appeal of this material is not without basis. The fabric surpasses the requirements for a quality fabric. The warmth is unrivaled for such a lightweight fabric. Pashmina shawls are loosely woven yet warm. It has the breathable quality expected from a natural fiber. It adds color and style without weight and bulk. It wears well with use and age without sacrificing the delicate appearance. Like a fine oriental rug, wear only adds to the appeal of an exotic and luxurious shawl.

The mysterious Himalayas are somehow expressed in the appearance of this fine fabric. The artisan’s hand embroidering these shawls gave them a one of a kind beauty that we in the west usually perceive as expensive and desirable. After pashmina shawls became popular in our western culture many people became interested in manufacturing them without as much attention to the true pashmina fabric. They many times blended the weave with other materials, many being synthetic. Although these are attractive articles of clothing they cannot display the warmth and feel of the real deal.

Read the label. Many manufacturers loosely use the term pashmina without the fine wool being present at all. Pashmina is one of those rare substances that deliver both beauty and function. Many beautiful items are lovely to see but do not behave well when placed in everyday use. It is warm, never coarse or scratchy, is easy to work with embroidery and a wide range of trims and embellishments. In short it delivers both comfort and good taste. A pashmina shawl can create so many looks. Everything from a wildly fringed brightly dyed and embellished gypsy shawl to a subdued soft, sharply tailored neutral hued scarf.

These shawls look equally right around the neck and crossed over the chest of a well-dressed woman headed to the office or tied to the side on the hip of a trendily attired young woman with flair. Look for real pashmina, expect it’s warm and soft feel and receive admiring looks when it becomes a part of your wardrobe.

Well-made articles of clothing express good taste. An article of clothing as fine as a pashmina shawl can be worn in quirky ways and still be found in good taste. We consciously admire fine clothing and when we wear fine pashmina we subconsciously express confidence in our appearance.