Styling Tips: How to Wear a Shawl Wrap
File the shawl wrap under “things you didn’t know you needed.” Sometimes known as blanket scarves, these versatile pieces provide considerably greater warmth than the average winter scarf and are a smart and sensible substitute for a jacket or a sweater on less brisk days. They’re also decidedly more structured than standard scarves. You might call it one of the most essential cold-weather accessories out there. Here’s how to wear a wrap shawl with all your favorite pieces.
Pair It With Your Denim
There’s nothing like wearing a great pair of jeans that helps you look and feel your best. Even better when you’re trying to ward off a chill outside — denim helps pull together your look, especially when you pair it with something refined on top. To give your shawl wrap some mileage on a cool, fall afternoon or even on a milder than average winter day, slip on your favorite skinny jeans, pull on a sleek turtleneck, and finish with your wrap.
If you don’t like the feel of skinny jeans, try a straight cut instead. The idea is to create a balanced look that allows the more voluminous fabric on top to shine instead of being overwhelmed by excessive fabric on the bottom. Step into a pair of your favorite suede booties to complete this chic and timeless ensemble. Wearing a shawl with jeans will become your favorite fall outfit.
Wear It With a Belt
The beauty of shawl wraps is that they’re almost shockingly versatile. At a glance, you might think that the best you can do is simply drape it over your shoulders for a warming layer. But you can transform it into a more snug piece by cinching it at the waist with a belt. There are several ways you can make this work, and it depends largely on what you’re wearing on the bottom.
A slender belt is the right choice if you’re wearing wide-leg pants. The aforementioned balance is always key, and if you prefer to wear more relaxed bottoms with your shawl wrap, cinching it at the waist will help create a more streamlined look from top to bottom. Or, pull on your favorite pair of leggings, slip into a comfortable long-sleeve top, and use a wide belt to secure your wrap.
Play With Your Prints
It’s fun to mix and match colors and patterns — in fact, that’s one of the best things about fashion, period! There are several ways to bring your look to life using a shawl wrap. If yours features a bold color palette or a vibrant pattern, then it makes sense to wear simple colors underneath so that the wrap stands out and the rest of your outfit doesn’t steal any attention away from it. A smooth black turtleneck, matching leggings, and booties can look astoundingly chic when paired with a shawl wrap that contrasts completely.
If you’re wearing something patterned or more colorful underneath, though, you can use a shawl wrap to bring it all together. In some cases, opposing patterns may look great with one another. Timeless horizontal stripes in crisp blue/white and black/white, for example, contrast well with a bold plaid wrap. If you’re combining different prints, be sure to include at least one solid piece in the mix so that you aren’t overwhelmed by different elements. Simple jeggings or pants work well.
How to Wear a Shawl Wrap With a Dress
Is it possible to wear a shawl wrap with a dress? In a word: yes! There’s no reason to limit yourself where this versatile garment is concerned — and adding one over your dress is a great way to layer up on a slightly cool day when you don’t really want to wear a jacket.
So, how do you wear a shawl wrap with a dress? To make it work, consider the silhouette of the dress. Avoid fit-and-flare styles, which contradict the structure of the wrap; when the two pieces meet, they’ll look conflicted on your body, and the wrap will simply overwhelm the dress. Instead, go for something easy to pair with the more complex shape of the wrap, like a shift or a sheath. Both lend themselves well to this particular style because they won’t compete with the wrap. Try a dress with long sleeves if it’s cool out there; you can also wear leggings or tights if you need the added warmth, or step into a pair of knee-high boots if you prefer the look.
Go for All Out Coziness
No rule states you can’t wear your shawl wrap at home! In fact, it makes a great addition to your loungewear collection. Try yours with relaxed joggers and a soft fleece top to lock in body heat and stay comfortable throughout the day. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch or meeting up with friends for a quick coffee later, you can rock the same outfit and never miss a beat. With so many great ways to style this effortless piece, you’ll easily find dozens of ways to make it an integral part of your wardrobe now that you know how to wear a wrap.