A Shawl, Y'all!

I like getting dressed up to go into the office. I do not, however, like to be hot. Yes, even though I am from Miami. Yet I remember days at my old Boston job when we'd have big meetings in the conference room, and it would be sweltering. Our conference room was directly hit by the afternoon sun, and in an old building like that, despite AC and fans, it just got hot.

So I like this cool alternative to a blazer (available here). It's open and breezy, but with its light wool-blend composition, you can still look professional and meeting-ready. Here are some ideas on how to wear it:

1. Turning Tieds

Tie it with a belt or a long scarf to give it some structure. Under the arms will still be free, so that should make it nice and cool.

2. Empire Waist

If you wear the belt or scarf a bit higher, you get an empire (pronounced Ahm-peer) waist. I personally like this line. The good thing about this silhouette for this piece is that it leaves the sides more open. So now, not only do you have AC vents under the arms, but you have them along your waist, as well!

3. Kimono Style

An easy variation of the original belted wrap, you just fold along the middle seam and pull it to your preferred side to accomplish this shape. It adds some cleaner lines for a playful elegance.

4. Funky Folds

This look, a bit more origami-like, can be done by putting on the shawl horizontally so that the long sides are over your shoulders (so you look like a winged creature). Take one side by the side seam, and fold it so it reaches the middle of your chest. Do the same with the other side, and pin the two together. This is a good look to use with a shirt without a collar so you don't wrinkle it. A simple shell is a good under-companion for this.

4. Sideways

This is a simple look that takes little effort and makes for extra breeziness. Simply wear the shawl sideways with seams along the shoulders.

5. Brooching the Subject

For some shimmery gracefulness, wear the shawl with the longest sides on the front and back. Gather the front, and secure the gather with a pretty pin. If you don't have such a pin, you can safety pin it on the inside so that only the gather is visible.

Play with it and see what else you come up with. If you want, take a picture of your ideas and post them here! I'd love to see what people think of!

I hope you enjoy!