As the most special of occasions, weddings offer the perfect opportunities to demonstrate your elegance, poise and timeless fashion sense. Yet, finding the perfect wedding guest dress or two-piece is just the beginning!
There is after all a huge range of accessories available, each of which can be used to complete and enhance your wedding outfit. Out of them all, the shawl is a stand-out and truly versatile piece.
Even during the height of summer, a shawl provides the practically perfect finish wedding guests need to take their ensemble from day to night, and stay stylish, cool and comfortable throughout. Here we shine the spotlight on the wedding shawl, including why it’s the accessory for you, how to wear it just right, and the shawl styles that should make the cut when shopping for your wedding guest outfit.
Where does the shawl originate from?
The humble shawl has been a style staple for as long as we can remember. Its elegance has transcended the trends as well as the seasons to deliver comfort across the eras, and its history goes back a lot further than many people think as Roving Crafters explains:
“Technically the shawl as a garment and as a word comes from 14th century Persia. They were woven rectangles worn over the shoulders and made from Kashmiri goat. That’s significant I think because Kashmir was a major trade centre. Knowledge and supplies and all sorts of other goodies coming out of India had to go through Kashmir to get to the western world.”
Why choose a wedding shawl?
Fast forward centuries later and the shawl remains a go-to accessory. Its versatility has proved to be a real lifesaver, even in the height of summer, with air-conditioned churches and reception spaces, and cooler summer evenings, no match for wedding guests rocking a stylish shawl.
This accessory really does add an element of grace to any outfit. It’s perfect for those looking for a little more coverage in more formal settings and religious venues too.
Which shawl style should you pick?
Shawls come in all shapes, sizes, styles and fibres, which means, whatever your wedding outfit, you are certain to find something for you!
While lace, silk and embroidered shawls are great choices for summer weddings, wool is in fact an unlikely hero on the wedding scene. Whether crafted using 100% baby alpaca wool – like our Lilly shawls – or boasting a blend of Merino wool and cashmere (take a look at our Elemento range for just that!), wool shawls provide the lightweight, comfortable cosiness that’s made for any occasion, including year-round weddings.
As our Lilly shawls also prove, wool wedding shawls are ideal for introducing a splash of colour and texture to your outfit. This will work wonders if your dress or two-piece is a solid or neutral colour. By adding a shawl as the final flourish, you can ensure an eye-catching focal point.
How do you even wear a wedding shawl?
We mentioned the wedding shawl was versatile right? And this comes down to the very way you wear it!
A shawl can be worn in several styles to create a whole heap of unforgettable looks. Most shawl wearers opt for the classic drape, where the shawl is simply draped over the shoulders allowing it to hang down evenly on both sides. This timeless look is elegant and effortless, not to mention suitable for both formal and casual weddings.
Another way to wear a wedding shawl is as a wrap. This offers a more secure option by wrapping the shawl around the shoulders and crossing it in front of the chest, letting the ends hang down the back. Wraps keep the shawl in place while creating a structured look.
You can also create a chic knot by draping the shawl over your shoulders and tying the ends together at the front or side. It’s perfect for adding a modern twist to your look. Last but certainly not least is the off-shoulder look. This asymmetrical style creates a romantic and relaxed vibe by draping the shawl off one shoulder and letting it cascade down your arm for added drama and elegance.
Shop our wedding shawls today
Whether draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the arms, a shawl is the way to complete your wedding look and add a touch of sophistication. A well-chosen shawl can transform a simple dress into a stunning ensemble. So, what are you waiting for? Shop our wool wedding shawls today to find your perfect match.