Donning the Shawl

What most women face a dilemma with is: the shawl.

Although available in fabulous patterns, designs and colours, the way its worn can become monotonous. The same old draping over the shoulders, or folded on one shoulder, or whatever which way, are all quite yesterday's news. 2016 is coming and its time to get a little innovative with fashion to really begin the New Year with all the newness you can.

The knotted shawl

This is a fantastic way to wear your shawl like a cute, trendy wrap. You begin with the age-old draping it above your shoulders, but then you add a twist and completely change the outlook. It's slightly more advanced (and also stylish) version of the wrap. All you have to do is wrap the shawl around your shoulders, and make a half knot in the back with the ends. Pull the ends tight and up high on your back. Pull the scarf fabric down to cover the ends. And voila! Now you can boast owning more wraps than you ever bought!

The cape wrap

This is a very fancy way of wearing the shawl. Worn with a dress or western outfits, this will add a little panache and sophistication to your outfit. You just have to open the full face of the shawl, make the ends meet and turn is into somewhat of a triangle. You place the triangle over your shoulders and adjust it in a way so that the longest straight end is at the centre of your back. Make a square knot with the two triangle ends, in front, and there you have it!

The makeshift coat

You may ask, why not just wear a coat, right? To be stylish, that's why! To add some spunk to your outfit, you have to drape the shawl over your shoulders and let the back hang across your back. Keeping it over your arms till the elbow, you pull the rest in front of your waist. And then, you wear a belt over your waist! Yep, you wear a belt. Turn around and look in the mirror - yes; you have a brand new, awesome coat!

The easygoing shawl

Sometimes, you just want to wear the comfy cosies on the lazy days. But life is hard and sometimes, on lazy days you just have to go outside - work, meetings, chores, etc. On those days, your shawl can be your best friend, depending on the way your wear it. While you can wear your home jumper and a pair of jeans, you can still scrape off some serious style with your shawl. Just tie a knot with two ends, put your head through the hole that tying the knot creates, place the knot on one shoulder, it's as easy as that!

The cape (just cape!)

Remember the cape wrap? This is just the bigger and warmer version of it. Drape the shawl over your shoulder, tie a knot in the front and that's all you have to do. It's not too difficult to be stylish, is it?

The blanket scarf

This one's really fun. It gives you a very laid-back but equally trendy look. You have to fold your shawl into a triangle. Now by keeping the long end of the triangle in your frontal centre, tie the triangle ends around the back of your neck. Make sure the ends of the knot are long, and then pull them in front. This particular way of wearing the shawl looks awesome with a pair of jeggings and a sweatshirt.

The layered necklace

This method is quite simple and is a must-try. All you have to do is tie a knot at two ends of the shawl. Then drape the shawl around your front and tie a knot behind your neck with the ends that you had knotted up previously. Then you twist the front and put your head through the hole and you have a beautifully draped and hung layered necklace across your chest.

The hair-band trick

This trick can help you wear your shawl in two ways. You can drape the shawl over your shoulder and then bring your elbows out front. Tie the ends in the front with a loose hair-band that camouflages with the shawl. Another way you can wear it is just move the part tied with the hair band to your back, and there! You have two brilliant new ways to wear shawl, which look both stylish and elegant.

With eight new ways to wear your shawl, not only will you have your own new winter attire this month without having to shop much, you may even have the urge to just buy some new shawls. Use different colours, different patterns, chequered or striped, or even with the lavish designs, use these techniques on them and you will be sure to look the part throughout the rest of the season.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Asif Khan and Jolly
Make-up: Farzana Shakil
Wardrobe of Asif: Kumudini
Shawl of Jolly: Designed by Maheen Khan, Mayasir
Location: Picture Perfect Image Solutions