5 More Ways to use your Shawl
A girl’s wardrobe is as complicated as her mind, and this is directly proportional to her age. It puzzles me how boys can fit all that he needs for an overnight trip into a very small Jansport backpack, which can only fit a girl’s toiletries set. I envy boys my age who care not about what he is going to wear for so-and-so’s debut, or whether he is going to use the same tie at some formal event, or how he can manage, at the age of 18 to own just a pair of Chuck Taylors for school, skate boarding, gimmicks with friends, and even black tie invites. And here we are, forever looking for the perfect pair of shoes for every event we have to attend, dying to fit all beachwear and sunnies and beauty products in the smallest possible luggage so as not to look like a brat, and always in touch with a dressmaker since you’ve bumped into someone on the same party wearing the same clothes you bought from Topshop.
Every girl is in search of something versatile to add to her wardrobe, be it a nice pair of shoes that can go from day to night, nice tights for all seasons, or a set of diamonds that can last forever. Few women have yet ventured into some serious shawl-hunting, though. Unlike the ancient times, shawl is now used by many women of all ages, across religions and socio-economic status, for a wide array of uses. Here, we are presenting some of the fresh ideas on how to use your shawl.
1. Cover-up for the beach or over some spag-strapped top on a hot summer day. If you have some nice see-through-ish shawl, this is really nice over your bikini or summer outfit. Place the shawl over your neck, ends on the front and should be touching your thighs. You can choose to pin the sides (the ones near your armpits) at the back or not. Overlap the ones on your front. Put a tiny belt around your waist to secure the shawl. You should have something like this:
2. Carrier for the baby.Also known as the Mama sling. Tie the ends of the shawl. Place it over one shoulder and put your baby on the sling. Make sure to secure it to prevent the baby from falling down. There are many versions of the Mama Sling. Just find one that is comfortable for you and your baby. It should
look like this:
3. Belt. One of the classic ways to use the shawl. You can either put it through the loops of your pants or just over your jeans for a more laidback effect. Let the ends drape over your jeans or double wrap it around your waist for a cleaner look.
4. Headscarf. I’m not sure if we are violating some Muslim practices if one would wear a hijab or the veil worn by Muslim women. Anyway, if you are planning to use a shawl as a headwear, choose something that is light and thin so as not to place a bulk on your head.
5. Something wonderful. This last tip may be used as any accessory you can think of, on any part of your body possible. Take a nice shawl and fold it in half lengthwise. Drape it over your neck, the ends at the back. Loop both ends over so that they are now on your front. Take the right end and turn it over the loop:
Continue turning. Then, take the left end and do the same. It should now look like this:
Beautiful, isn’t it? You can choose to let it be or style it more –maybe loosen up the loops and drape it nicely on your shoulders. You can work from there. Use it to accentuate your decollate. Maybe use the same technique in styling your shawls as a belt, or even as a bag wrap.
See now, ladies, we have lots of options. Stay beautiful and shine on!
Author bio: Alexis Thompson is a Fashion Junkie, former Mountain Backpacker and a 26 year old mother of 2 daughters, Sophie and Rhian. She is into almost all types of Music especially The Fray and Hillsong. She also has a passion in Singing and Scrap Booking. Follow her escapades on her Twitter.
