How do I choose the right shawl for my outfit?

Match the shawl’s color, texture, and pattern with your outfit to enhance your overall look.

Which shawl colors go best with casual outfits?

Neutral shades like beige, gray, or pastels complement casual daywear effortlessly.

Are bright shawls suitable for festive occasions?

Yes, vibrant colors like maroon, royal blue, and mustard add elegance to festive attire.

How to select shawl material for different seasons?

Lightweight silk or cotton for summer, and warm pashmina or wool for winter outfits.

Can shawls enhance formal or office wear?

Absolutely, structured or plain-toned shawls add sophistication to formal and office looks.

Should the shawl size vary with the outfit type?

Yes, long shawls suit dresses and gowns, while smaller wraps work well with casual wear.

How to pair patterned shawls with plain outfits?

Bold patterns on shawls can elevate a simple outfit, creating a stylish contrast.

Are embellished shawls appropriate for evening events?

Yes, embroidered or sequined shawls add glamour and complete an elegant evening look.

Jul 22, 2025

How to Choose the Perfect Shawl for Your Outfit: A Complete Guide for Women

Shawls are more than just a cozy accessory! If you think otherwise… “Talk To My Hand”!

What… okay, I was Just kidding! Im here to explain why they are not…. Just a cozy accessory!

Shawls, in my eyes, are a fashion statement that can make or break your outfit. But let’s be real, more than you remember, you have stood in front of your closet with shawl in hand, wondering if it actually goes with what you’re wearing.

Am I right, or Am I RIGHT?

We’ve all been there. Second-guessing whether that floral shawl pairs with your fave jeans or if the chunky knit is too much for a casual brunch.

Owing to all that, choosing the perfect shawl can feel like a puzzle, but it doesn’t have to be!

In this guide, I’m spilling all my personal tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect shawl and how to style a shawl like a pro.

By the end, you’ll be draping, wrapping, and styling shawls with confidence—trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Why Shawls Are a Wardrobe Essential

Before we understand how-to, let’s talk about why. Why do shawls deserve a spot in your closet?

First, they’re versatile. Shawls are known to be timeless styles that can elevate any look. From a basic tee and jeans to a fancy evening dress.

They are a perfect styling option for layering on those unpredictable weather days.

I was first introduced to the shawl as an infant, just like any other Indian baby. And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that I’ve been obsessed with shawls since then and through my teenage years.

After countless trial-and-error moments (including one infamous neon green disaster—more on that later), I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.

So, let’s get into it!

Understand Your Style First

Well, as a stylist, let me tell you this, ”No shawl is going to look good if it doesn’t go well with your personal style.”

So, knowing your style is step one. I used to buy shawls just because they were pretty….without thinking about whether they fit my usual style.

Any guesses what happened to those pretty buys, well….they ended up collecting dust in one corner of my wardrobe.

Take a quick look through your wardrobe—what patterns, colors, and textures do you gravitate toward?

If your closet is full of earthy tones and flowy fabrics, a bohemian-inspired shawl with fringe might be your go-to.

But if you’re all about sleek lines and neutral colors, a simple cashmere wrap could be your best friend.

Pro Tip: If you’re still figuring out your style, try this:

Pick three adjectives that describe your ideal look (e.g., “edgy,” “romantic,” “classic”). Keep those in mind when shopping for shawls. It’ll save you from impulse buys you’ll probably never wear.

Color Co-ordination Matters

The color of your shawl can make you look like a star or a fashion faux pas. The goal of the shawl is to complement your outfit. It’s not to compete with it or overpower it in any way.

Here’s how you choose the perfect and complementary shawl color with your outfit:

Neutrals are your BFF: If your outfit is bold or patterned, go for a shawl in a neutral color like beige, gray, or black. It’ll balance things out without stealing the spotlight.
Pick up a color from your outfit: If your dress has a hint of blue, a shawl with blue tones will tie everything together. It’s like accessorizing with jewelry but cozier.
Add a pop of color: Wearing all black is not a good idea for occassion wear. A vibrant shawl can be the statement piece that takes your look from “uh-oh” to “wow.” Think of it as your outfit’s exclamation point!

Let me tell you about my neon green shawl disaster. I once paired it with a red dress, thinking I’d look bold and trendy.

Instead, I looked like a runway fail. There were too many bold colors… all competing for the audience’s eyes.

So, always….always check if your shawl complements your outfit’s color palette.

A quick trick that works here is, “Hold the shawl up to your outfit in natural light. If it feels off, trust your gut and try something else.”

Choose Fabric Wisely

Not all shawls are the same. Essentially, all of them are the same rectangular pieces of fabric…. But still, some vary in design and color, while others vary in weave and texture.

All of these things play a huge role in how they make you look and feel. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fabrics that you should choose:

Cotton or linen: Although these shawls are not so popular in the Indian market, they are perfect for summer or spring. They’re lightweight and breathable. If you are wondering about its uses, “these shawls are ideal for a casual day out or a beach trip.”
Wool or cashmere: Trust me, these two fabrics are your winter warriors. They’re known to add that luxurious touch to any outfit.
Silk or satin: These are your choices for formal events. They drape beautifully and add an elegant touch.

Quick Tip: Always check the care instructions. Some fabrics, like cashmere, need extra love during care. If you’re not into hand-washing, stick to machine-friendly options like cotton blends.

Styling Your Shawl for Any Occasion

Now that you’ve got the perfect shawl, how do you wear it? The beauty of shawls is their versatility. There’s no one “right” way to style them. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of shawl styling:

Do experiment with different styles. Shawls are versatile and are meant to be played with!
Don’t choose a shawl that’s too bulky for your frame. If you’re petite, a massive knit might overwhelm you.
Do consider the occasion. A sequined shawl might be perfect for a party but overkill for a grocery run.

Own Your Shawl Style!

Finding the best shawl should not be hard! First, determine what your own style is. Then decide on the colors that work with your clothing. Also, pick a fabric that suits the occasion, and go ahead and experiment with different ways to wear it!

Remember, fashion is about feeling good in your clothing, so if you like it, wear it!!

Next time you’re staring at your closet with a shawl in hand, you’ll know exactly what to do. Now go forth and drape, wrap, and slay, queen!