Romancing The Shawl ~ Your Perfect Winter Companion
Well, the November frost
wrapped around its cloak
and stroked us with bare fingers ~
the winter chill couldn’t
have been more icier!
Crisp, cool days are upon us, and what better way to usher in the winter season than wrapping up in a luxurious winter shawl!
Winter is slowly walking in; unmasking its various depths of frostiness. Although I have never been a winter person, I find that the season has its own delicate charm and sublime beauty; where the glow of twinkling lamps, bright rangolis, sparklers, and sweet treats of Diwali, and the pre-festivities and colours of Christmas lingers in the air. This brings in a wave of positivity that stays up until the end of the year, giving a magical twist to the static lives we lead.
It goes without saying that a cup of coffee, cinnamon tea, or hot chocolate tastes the best during this time of the year. But my favourite part about this season is the fact that I can bundle up without overheating {read ~ wrap myself in a beautiful shawl}. Be it going out for a walk, or dining out, or attending a fabulous soiree ~ a lovely wrap becomes my companion to keep the chill at bay, while lending colour, distinctness, and meaning to my ensemble and personality.
I adore stylish wraps as they make for the ideal mix of elegance, comfort, and bohemian mystique. And with so many styles, patterns, and textures to choose from, shawls can be worn to spruce up an outfit even if you’re not especially jazzed about pulling yourself together. Pair with a classy silk blouse and trousers or a beautiful dress, and they redefine comfort and style to give you an eternal, timeless look. Not to mention, wearing an elegant embroidered shawl with an Indian ensemble is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. And during winter, I need a lot of hugs to make the coming winter months enchanting, ethereal and whimsical. 🙂
The beauty of the shawl and its appeal is largely attributed to comfort, but the various ways of draping and styling gives it a sense of individuality and you, a different personality, each time it is worn. I thought this season I would curate a selection to showcase how you can work your shawl beyond the conventional drape. Read on for my take on romancing the shawl ~ your perfect winter companion!
The Coat Drape ~ this style of draping goes well with both formal and casual attire and is one of the most innovative and aesthetic ways you can wear your shawl. Place it across your shoulders with the sides hanging in the front from each shoulder while ensuring the length is even. Pick a chic belt to wear with it, looping it behind you and over the front ends of the shawl. Now you are ready to make an impression when you step out.
The Layered Look ~ you can have a combination of different shades, mix and match, or even use complimenting textures to create this layered look. You may wear one around your neck and let the other shawl fall a bit longer blending in the hues perfectly. So, step out boldly and ace the colour blocking trend with this style this season.
The Infinity ~ this is a casual yet elegant way of keeping warm. Loop the shawl around your neck and tuck in the ends giving it continuity. Wearing it this way makes the shawl look like one single loop. My advice would be to keep the shawl flat and spread out as you wrap it around for a thicker look. Not only does this style look great but it’s also super cosy and warm.
The Handkerchief ~ this is the one style I am partial to because it keeps me warm and does not camouflage my outfit and its beauty. To create this look, make a triangle by halving the shawl length-ways and then again diagonally. Place the point of the triangle at the front, and tie the ends at the back of your neck ~ you could alternatively tuck in the tails. I especially love this elegant look over party dresses!
The Unconventional Traditional ~ for me this style is elegance personified! Once again you may use two colour coordinated shawls of the same length and drape them around your body in the usual way. This drape works in two ways; beating the winter chill and adding an unconventional dimension to your look.
A Different Broach ~ you can accessorise your shawl with a traditional jewel-encrusted brooch to add an element of creativity. This aesthetic detail will also help bring out a decorative feel to the drape while creating a mesmerising effect. How to wear this look: create a drape that you like and keep it in place with the broach of your choice. Although it’s a small piece of jewellery, a decorative pin can make a style statement and breathe life into your shawl.
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Style note: Have an intricate embroidered shawl that you especially adore? Then ditch statement neckpieces in their favour and set your imagination free. Break the monotony this season and try out some of the drapes I’ve curated for you; you’ll be warm and look amazing at the same time! So, go ahead and indulge in the season’s most-wanted accessory, bringing out the hidden aura that has been lying dormant within you!
To note: Ideally I would have preferred shooting these stunning shawls in a more cosy setting in the evening, but decided on a day shoot to capture the vibrant colours and pattern.
Location: Blue Lagoon Island, Fiji
Promote craft. Support the artisan. Preserve a heritage.
Do you have another way to wear the shawl? Feel free to share in the comments below!
You have no idea how excited I am about this, Tanya!! I love making shawls yet am totally form tested when it comes to appealing ways to wear them! I’ll be devouring this post.
For most women, shawls are only a winter wear. However, if you invest in the right shawl and know how to wear it the right way, it can be your absolute everyday favourite!
So lovely, Tanya! Your blog is a fresh reprieve from my hot and muggy city of Brisbane! Anticipating going along with you here frequently!
Aw, thank you so much, Judy!
This is so pleasing! Many thanks for all these brilliant styling ideas, Tanya.
Wearing an exquisite shawl, is like wrapping yourself with art ~ a priceless piece of workmanship!
Another great blog post!! The refreshed look for the simple shawl is just amazing! It will now be so much fun to accessorise with them! 🙂
You might wear the most sought after designer saree but is an outfit even complete if it’s not paired with the right accessories?
I feel regretful having such a large number of shawls/stoles/wraps just sit in my wardrobe, rarely getting worn. But now that you have given me permission to wear two at a time… dare I say, maybe even three… 🙂
An Indian wedding party is a great excuse to try out some of the above styles, Isha.
Perfect post! You’ve done it again, only better. You are an inspiration to all fortunate enough to know you, Tanya. Brightest Blessings!!
Thank you, Swagata. 🙂 Draping a shawl right is super-important.
Floral weaves to perfect your winter style! Tanya, you are such a beautiful person all around and I can hardly wait to see what other experiences this blog holds for you. xx
Thank you for your kind comment, Ariya. 🙂
Delicate shawls, in the colour of the season! I need to concede that the photographs got my attention and shouted “must get this pattern.” Love the shawls featured & will follow you to the end of the earth! ❤️
Shawls are a comfortable add-on that can be worn gracefully at any time in the day or night.
Big hugs, Kajal!
I think these styles are simply so fresh and new… I love it, Tanya! Never would have thought about layering my shawls. And I have so many!!
Wearing your shawl correctly and styling it according to the mood of the event go hand in hand, Saranya.
I’m delighted you love shawls like I do. Enjoyable to see it through someone else’s eyes. Can’t wait for your next fashion post, Tanya. xx
A beautiful shawl can be so easy to style, which is why I think it is a gift to womankind, Rashmi. 🙂
I may very well need to have a go at layering shawls. I’ve never done it, but we’re heading into the chilly season and I’m all for trying to keep warm and being fashionable, at the same time! 🙂
The shawl is beautiful and effortless, and is definitely my go-to accessory for the festive season, Preeti!
Am I happy I found you! Layering shawls in winter is a great idea. As a rule, one lace weight should be sufficient. 🙂
A nice thing about shawls is that they can be removed and then draped back on, depending on the temperature of the room or the outdoors ~ perfect for layering in chilly weather. 🙂
I only have a minute, but what I have seen so far is breathtaking. Thank you for continuing to share you! You are so inspiring, joyful and giving, Tanya!
Thank you, Bhawna. One fall/winter fashion item that I feel doesn’t get enough attention, but really should, is definitely the shawl.
Can you imagine sipping a cup of delightfully hot chocolate and reading a good book outside in the crisp air while wearing shawls in these styles? I can! xx
I just love this idea, Sneha!
Shawls are nice because they are a unique look, not quite the same as sweaters – but I am yet to master the art of wearing them. Thank you for sharing, gorgeous!
If you haven’t tried wearing a shawl in the styles specified above, I would encourage you to give it a try. Shawls are so comfortable and great for layering, Subhashini.
Accessorise with shawls to make a statement! What is better than a cool and classy ethnic look?! 🙂
A versatile shawl can be styled in several ways of your choice. Compliments a western, formal or casual attire.
Unique and statement weaves to make me the happiest this season! I’d love me an uplifting multicoloured woven shawl with tassels! 🙂
Forever a style statement,Diksha!
Oh love! Shawls are such a great way to add confidence and style quotient to your evening outfits! And, a great way to bring up your indo-ethnic game to level A! ❤️
An easy, chic shawl draping style to add a fun element!
“A shawl is a statement that you wear not to fit in but to stand out.” Really in love with today’s shawl drapes. Fall on fleek! ❤️
Adding a shawl sure can change the look of an existing outfit! Stay warm, Reshma.
Gorgeous look and the colour is brilliant! Love the way you have draped the shawls, Tanya! The vibrant patterns suit you so well! xx
Fashion is about suspense and surprise and fantasy. It’s not about rules… 🙂