Shawls are a timeless accessory that effortlessly combine fashion and functionality. Although the item itself is timeless, the addition to your outfit and how you wear the shawl itself can completely transform your style.
From casual wraps to glamourous drapes here's your comprehensive guide on mastering the art of shawl styling and how to choose the right shawl to perfectly complement your outfit.
What is a Shawl?
A shawl is an item of clothing, usually rectangular in shape and can be loosely worn over the shoulders, head, or upper body.
A pashmina is a type of shawl. Pashmina is a type of cashmere and the name given to the wool derived from the neck and under-belly of the ‘Capra Hircus’ goat that thrives in the Himalayas at altitudes above 12,000 feet. Natural cashmere fibres are extremely fine (between 10-14 microns in diameter, or 6-8 times thinner than a human hair) which gives cashmere garments an incredible warmth-to-weight.
What is the Difference Between a Shawl and a Scarf?
Shawls are typically rectangular in shape whereas scarves are usually much longer and thinner. Scarves are also usually made of much thicker and heavier materials. Scarves are primarily used for warmth and in the winter or colder months whereas shawls have an element of warmth but can also be used as more of a fashion accessory and statement.
Why Pashmina’s Make the Perfect Shawl?
Pashmina’s make the ideal shawl due to their versatility, elegance, and the quality of the material. At Signature Cashmere, we specialise in pashminas and have a wide variety on offer to suit everyone. When you’re thinking of how to wear your shawl, is imperative to choose the perfect type, material, colour way and size to complement your outfit.
Classic Pashmina Shawl: These pashminas come in 37 colour ways from vanilla cream to valentine red. They also come in four different sizes from small to extra-large (90 x 200cm). Our classic-fringe pashminas are expertly hand-woven in Nepal by master craftsmen using the finest 2 ply cashmere wool and the highest quality 210 grade silk. The fabric is made with 70% pashmina wool and 30% silk and hand finished with elegant 9cm tassels.
Our classic shawl is perfect to add an extra layer in the slightly chilly Spring evenings. Drape our Valentine Red Classic Pashmina shawl over a Breton stripe long-sleeved top for some French chic style.
Cut-Fringe Pashmina Shawl: Our elegant cut-fringe pashminas come in 24 different colourways from Teal to Woodland Taupe. It’s available in our large size, 70 x 200cm. Crafted using the finest 2 ply cashmere wool and the highest quality 210 grade silk. The fabric is made with 70% pashmina wool and 30% silk and hand finished with a chic and modern cut fringe.
The beautiful woodland taupe colourway takes inspiration from nature, its neutral colour palette enables it to work with multiple outfits. Drape over one shoulder, for when you need an extra layer of warmth for running errands round town.
Reversible Pashmina Shawl: Our reversible pashmina comes in three different colours and is available in our large size only (70 x 200cm), crafted from 70% pashmina and 30% silk. The vibrant purple can add an eclectic pop of colour to a simple white top to help you transition an outfit at a moment’s notice.
You can drape this pashmina shawl more casually over one shoulder, so it resembles a classic scarf but in a much lighter and more elegant material.
Ring Pashmina Shawl: Our ring pashminas come in 17 elegant colourways and two sizes, the perfect complement to a wedding guest outfit. Made with 100% pashmina wool, they are sumptuously soft and lightweight, draping in perfect waves around the body and over the shoulders. The larger size of our ring pashmina shawl is ideal for draping around the whole body for elegant evening attire and the cooler evenings at a Spring/Summer wedding.
Drape the shawl evenly over your shoulders, ensuring that both ends are of equal length. Allow the fabric to cascade gracefully over your arms and back, creating a flattering silhouette.
Shaded Pashmina Shawl: In five beautifully bright colourways, the shaded pashmina shawls help you make a statement. Hand-woven from 70% pashmina and 30% silk, the shaded pashmina has the same elegant drape and exquisitely silky quality as the other pashminas in our 70/30 range. The pigments are captured in the fine cashmere wool during the hand-dying process and gently fade from a darker shade to a lighter shade across the pashmina, making each item truly unique. By draping this shawl across the body, you get the benefit of the lighter and darker hues, providing multiple accessories in one.
To keep the shawl in place throughout an evening, consider securing it with an elegant brooch or decorative pin. This not only adds a touch of glamour but also prevents the shawl from slipping off your shoulders.
Ultra-Fine Pashmina Shawl: In eight exquisite colourways from daffodil yellow to blazing orange, these colours are perfect for Spring. Made with 100% pashmina wool and available in out large, stole size. Synonymous with spring blooms, the daffodil yellow pashmina is bright, colourful, and reminiscent of sunny days.
If you’re feeling that brisk chill in the air that often accompanies the beginning of spring, wrap the daffodil pashmina around your upper body as the ultimate fashion accessory.
There are multiple ways to wear a shawl, whether it’s for a casual walk in the countryside, that picturesque spring wedding or for an evening dinner party, our range of pashminas in different sizes, styles and colours are the ideal match.
It’s the quality of the shawl itself and how it complements the outfit that is the true answer to how to wear a shawl.