10 Ways to Wear a Shawl over a Dress

Style experts show you how to bundle up for comfort and fashion

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: March 17, 2023 References

If you’re heading out for the night and your arms are a little chilly, you might reach for a cozy shawl. Shawls can easily transform your outfit into one of elegance and beauty, and they’re very versatile pieces. There are so many ways to tie a shawl, you can try a new one every time you go out! In this article, we’ll show you 10 chic ways to style a shawl for any occasion, for any dress. Let’s take a look!

1

Shoulder Wrap

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Keep your arms warm with this simple wrap technique. Pull your shawl over your shoulders and let it drape over your arms to keep your hands free throughout the night. ^{[1]
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Research source} ^{[2]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.}
- If you want to keep your shawl closed in the front, use a safety pin to hold it together.
- If a shawl isn’t warm enough, you can put a scarf or a cardigan on underneath it.
- If it has a lot of fabric, place 1 side of the shawl over 1 shoulder and let the other side dangle down in the front. ^{[3]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Jordan Stolch
 Image Consultant & Style Advisor
 
 Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.}

2

Behind the Back Tie

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Let the front of your dress shine while keeping your shoulders warm. Put your shawl on over your shoulders, then pull the hanging ends behind your back. Tie the ends together in a double knot to keep most of the fabric pulled behind you. ^{[4]
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- When it comes time to take your shawl off, simply untie the knot and slide it off your shoulders.
- This is a great way to transform the top of your dress without covering up any embellishments or designs on the front.

3

One Shoulder

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This twist on the classic wrap is more for fashion than function. Drape the shawl over your right shoulder for a cool, asymmetrical look. ^{[5]
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- Your shawl won’t be attached to anything, so use a brooch or a safety pin to keep it in place if you’re worried about it falling off.
- This is a fun way to add a pop of color to a black or neutral dress.

4

Scarf

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If your arms are covered, use your shawl as a neck covering instead. Fold your shawl accordion style until it’s about 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Wrap the shawl around your neck once to keep it in place like a scarf. ^{[6]
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- To make this style a little more fancy, try tying the loose ends of the scarf together in the front.

5

Asymmetrical Wrap

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This elegant style is perfect for an evening event. Drape your shawl over both shoulders, then pull the right end across the front of your body. Tuck the right end of the shawl underneath the left end to keep it in place. ^{[7]
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- This look is perfect for long evening dresses or cocktail dresses.

6

Draped

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Use your shawl as an extra long layer for an evening dress. Drape your shawl across your right shoulder, then pull the ends together underneath your left arm. Use a safety pin to pin the ends together and keep your shawl in place. ^{[8]
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- This is a great way to call attention to a floor-length gown.
- Use this method as a fun way to spice up a monochromatic dress.

7

Front Wrap

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Make your shawl a focal point with this innovative technique. Pull your shawl over your chest, letting the hanging ends fall over your shoulders down your back. Pin the shawl together behind your back with a safety pin to keep it in place. ^{[9]
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- Add a long necklace as a statement piece to stand out against your shawl.

8

Cape

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Turn your shawl into a modern cape for an elegant night out. Pull the shawl over your chest, letting the ends hang over your back. Pin the ends together behind your back to keep the shawl in place, then tuck the excess fabric in front underneath itself. ^{[10]
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- This isn’t a very common way to wear a shawl, so you’ll be sure to stand out wherever you are!

9

Overcoat

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You can turn your shawl into an overcoat for an extra layer of warmth. Wrap the shawl over your shoulders and pull the ends together in the front. Secure the ends together by placing 3 to 4 safety pins in front of your chest. Now, your arms are free and you don’t have to worry about the shawl falling off! ^{[11]
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- To disguise your safety pins, pin your shawl from the inside.
- This look is a great accent piece over a long gown, and it also works as a cute coverup over a mini dress.
- Define your figure by wrapping a belt around your waist.

10

Head Wrap

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Protect your head from the sun with your shawl. Fold your shawl in half lengthwise, then drape it over the top of your head. Cross the ends underneath your chin to keep them in place all day. ^{[12]
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- This is a fun summertime look that pairs well with some large sunglasses and red lipstick.
- If your shawl feels a little too tight, gently pull it down around your face to loosen it up.

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Question

How do you wear a shawl with a formal dress?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

Drape the shawl over both shoulders in the front, and then slip a skinny waist belt around the shawl. The belt pulls the whole shawl into the dress and keeps it tight, so there's not a lot of fabric.

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Use a thin cotton shawl in the summer and a thicker wool shawl in the winter.

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10 Ways to Wear a Shawl over a Dress

Steps

Shoulder Wrap

Behind the Back Tie

One Shoulder

Scarf

Asymmetrical Wrap

Draped

Front Wrap

Cape

Overcoat

Head Wrap

Expert Q&A

Tips

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References

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