How to pick a scarf or shawl according to your body shape
Scarves and shawls are must-have fashion accessories for the winter season. But if you want to turn heads with your stylish look, knowing which type of scarf suits your body shape and how to wear them is key. French scarf is here to share some tips on choosing the perfect scarf or shawl based on your body type. Let’s start by breaking down the most common body shapes. To keep it straightforward, we’ve categorized them into 5 silhouettes: O, A, V, H, and X.
BODY SHAPE O:
This is the silhouette of slightly round women! Opt for fluid and light materials; for example, a long open jacket over a flowing dress can create a beautiful chic and elegant ensemble. Avoid pleated skirts, bright colors, horizontal stripes, and dresses that are too short. Colors that enhance a round silhouette are generally dark shades with a touch of a bright and vibrant color. And this pop of color can be a monochrome silk scarf! To elongate the silhouette, go for long scarves that you wear lengthwise without knots; don’t add volume around the neck. For example, wearing a draped stole is a good choice; let one end fall in front and throw the second one behind. This knot is chic, elegant, and very popular for evenings.
BODY SHAPE A:
This is a pyramid-shaped figure, featuring slender shoulders and curvy hips. When it comes to your outfit, aim for pieces that accentuate your bust without being too loose or too snug. Adding some volume around your neck and upper torso will help balance out your proportions. Consider opting for padded jackets, boat necklines, and steer clear of overly tight tops. Go for thick, wide scarves that flatter your upper body. Draping a shawl over your shoulders will add a touch of elegance. Feel free to play with fun details like bright neon colors, flashy patterns, or oversized designs!
BODY SHAPE H:
For those with an athletic, often described as rectangular, figure, usually slender, go for loose-fitting tops paired with low-rise skirts or pants for a flattering look. If you have long legs, straight-cut or capri pants work well. Also consider fitted or open jackets. Avoid overly tight belts and high-waisted pants. Like A-shaped silhouettes, you can add volume to your upper body with thicker, larger scarves. Wrap the scarf around your neck multiple times and tie the ends in front. Opt for large rectangular scarves.
BODY SHAPE V:
When your body shape tends towards an inverted triangle, go for clean lines and structured styles, like a nicely fitted jacket paired with low-rise pants. You want to create balance around the hips. Choose scarves or shawls made from fluid, lightweight fabrics. Opting for beautiful silk stoles can add a touch of elegance. Avoid adding excessive volume around the neck.
BODY SHAPE X:
With hips almost the same size as the bust and a slender waist, it’s the silhouette of celebrities. This figure, also known as an hourglass, means you can rock anything! Opt for plunging necklines, tailored cuts, fitted dresses or tops, miniskirts, vibrant colors, patterns, and even sequins to enhance your figure. Avoid an all-dark ensemble and overly loose clothing. When it comes to scarves or shawls, you have plenty of options. To maintain a balanced silhouette, steer clear of adding too much volume around the neck. Simply drape large and beautiful stoles a bit loosely—they can work wonders. Another stylish option is to wear a large plaid scarf like a poncho, cinched around your waist. (Check out the Passion model for inspiration).
In practice, body shapes can be divided into two groups. Silhouettes that benefit from concentrating volume around the neck and bust, like shapes A and H, belong to the first group. Those that generally benefit from emphasizing length and lightness, such as shapes V, O, and X, fall into the second group. In any case, you’ll find the scarf that suits your body shape on our website, French scarf.
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