How to Wear a Shawl: 5 Easy Styling Ideas

A shawl is a flat, loose garment that wearers wrap or drape around their bodies, similar to a large scarf. Shawls come in various shapes, including rectangular, square, triangular, and more. These different styles enable the wearer to customize the garment into different fits, such as ponchos, dupattas, or scarves. Shawl wraps also come in various fabrics, including silk, cashmere, wool, chiffon, or knitted yarn.

There are hundreds of stylish ways to wear a shawl. For some inspiration, start with these easy shawl styling ideas.

1. 1. Stick with tradition. The most traditional way to wear a shawl is to drape it over your shoulders and the back of your neck. The loose ends of the shawl should hang evenly in front of the body to cover your shoulders and parts of your upper arms. This styling option adds warmth to a winter outfit without constraining your arms in the way that a cardigan would. Alternatively, toss one side of the shawl over the opposite shoulder so that it hangs loosely down your back, which is a popular way to style Pashmina shawls and blanket scarves.
2. 2. Belt it up. Cinch the shawl to your waist for extra coverage and security. Drape the shawl over your shoulders, and lay both sides of the fabric on top of one another, over your chest. Wrap a belt around your waist to secure the fabric of your shawl.
   
3. 3. Criss-cross into a top. Make a top out of your shawl or blanket scarf by crossing it in the front and wrapping it around your waist. Simply begin with the shawl draped over your shoulders. Wrap the end of the fabric on your right shoulder around to the left side of your waist so that it is behind your back. Do the same thing on the opposite side. Tie both loose ends of the fabric behind your back. Make sure you’re wearing a tank top underneath this style to ensure maximum coverage.
4. 4. Fashion a poncho. To make your shawl an asymmetrical poncho, start by draping the fabric over your shoulders. Using a few safety pins, secure the ends of the shawl together down the center of your chest. Rotate the pinned shawl to the side so that the long sides hang down your arm to create an asymmetrical look that effortlessly falls down one shoulder. Wear this poncho over a white T-shirt and skinny jeans or leggings for a cozy, casual outfit.
5. 5. Make a bolero. Fashion a DIY bolero jacket out of any type of shawl in your closet. Drape the shawl over your shoulders, then wrap the loose ends of the scarf under your biceps. Behind your back, fasten the ends of the shawl into a knot, then pull down the rest of the fabric so that you have the ideal amount of coverage.

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