A Baker's Dozen Ways to Use a Pashmina

Column by Marilyn Wetston for week of February 18/07

The article below ran in the Osprey chain of papers in Ontario Canada. Here we have added photographs of Marilyn demonstrating how to tie the styles described in the text. Hover over the images to see which photo matches which tip.

Gwyn writes,
Dear Marilyn
My valentine gave me a lovely red pashmina shawl and a heart shaped pin. I have never worn a shawl before. What can I do with it?

Dear Gwyn
I am happy to hear that romance is alive and well in cold Ontario! Your gift can be useful to you throughout the year in many ways.

Here are 12 ideas to play with:

1. As a hood: Place the shawl on your head then place the ends criss cross over your shoulders. Slip on your jacket. Voila` your hood. No hat hair!

2. As a collar: Place as you would for a hood then slip your shawl back and place it so that it keeps your neck warm and the colour frames your face. It is also a great way to hide an old coat collar that may look worn.

3. As a winter ascot: Simply loop the shawl in half and wrap it around your neck. Then slip the ends through the loop, ascot style. Cashmere and silk feel luxurious, soft and also warm.

4. As a long winter scarf: The shawl will compress so that you can place it as you would any long outerwear scarf.

5. As a cowl style scarf for an open neck coat: If you don't like scarves close to your throat, try draping the scarf loosely around your neck with the ends behind you. Then bring the ends back forward over opposite shoulders. Position the front so that it creates a cowl neck and frames your face. Then slip on your coat.

6. As a feature neckline: When you need neck fill for an oval neckline top place the shawl on you sweater to create the cowl neckline as in #5 except slip the ends together in front and fasten with your heart pin or another brooche.

7. As a cowl neckline for your top: To help the shawl stay in place and look as if it is attached put the shawl on to form the cowl then put on your sweater. This will keep the edges of the scarf and the ends inside the neckline and keep your shoulders warm. Pull the cowl to desired drape. No pin will be necessary.

8. As an accent scarf on a suit or blazer: The pashmina will compress so that you can simply drape it under the collar of your suit jackets and leave on as an accent. You can also use it as a shawl when you remove your jacket.

9. As an accent scarf on a heavy shirt or sweater: Put the elongated scarf around your neck and then tie it above or below your chest depending on your needs.

10. As a winter wear shawl: To add warmth and volume to an outfit slip the shawl equally over your shoulders and let it drape in the back. Tie the ends to control the amount of shawl that shows at the back or as an alternative you can use a scarf holder such as a stylish fur or silk rosette or your pin to keep your shawl in place.

11. As an evening wrap: The pashmina will do the job of a cover up and warm you when needed. Simply drape it over your shoulders and enjoy.

12. As a sash: Simply tie at the waist and place so that it flatters you. It can circle your waist or be tied so that it drapes diagonally on your hip and knots at your waist.

Bonus tip!

As a colour combo tool: Once you have two or more pashmina shawls, you can use any two to create a spectacular look. Pull together your favourite wardrobe colours and make your unique statement.

Pashmina shawls can be used for practical purposes in exciting ways, all your round all times of day and in many contexts. Experiment and select the looks that feel right for you. Enjoy your Valentine gift this season and for years to come!