Any outfit can be enhanced or ruined by the choice of accessories. Things like shoes, bags, jewellery, gloves, sunglasses, hats etc play such an important role in ones wardrobe, a wrong combination of any of the accessories can make even a Versace gown look bad. The most versatile of these accessories are stoles, scarves and shawls. One can experiment with them in so many different ways and change the look of any outfit, and let’s not forget they are practical and very handy.

Stoles- A stole is very much like a shawl but narrower. Usually stoles are made of chiffon, silk and other light material and have light embroidery. They can be mixed and matched with salwars, instead of the usual dupattas. Tie a simple plain stole around the neck like a scarf on formal wears. One can also throw an embroidered stole around ones arms to complement an evening dress. If you are wearing clothes that are of the same colour, for example a dress, which is of just one colour then stoles add that touch of extra colour and break the monotony. There are of course stoles made of fur if you need that extra glamorous effect and if you can carry it off.

Scarves- If you look at it, a scarf is just a piece of cloth, but you would be surprised at the amount of uses it has. A knitted scarf can be used as mufflers, or just hang it loosely over your coat or jacket. If a plain boring formal shirt is accessorised scarf with simple printed scarf, it can change the whole look. Just ensure the colours complement the shirt and are not loud. Use a scarf as a bandana or tie it around a nice hat. Tie a nice coloured scarf to your casual hand bag when you are in the jeans/t-shirt look to add that slight touch of glamour, or tie a small sized scarf on your hand like a wrist band when you are wearing tracks or shorts.

Shawls- Shawls have been used as a fashion accessory since ages. Shawls have been used across the world from Spain to China. In India shawls have been mostly associated with cold places and mostly used as a garment that keeps you warm rather than as an accessory. Thanks to the designer shawls and beautiful pashmeenas they are now being exploited and used on all kinds of outfit. The shawls can be used on anything from jeans to sarees depending upon the material, size, design and most importantly the occasion. On a heavy embroidered saree, loosely pin a similar coloured shawl on one shoulder. Use a nice pashmeena as a dupatta. Use a simple pashmeena around your shoulders with jean or trousers instead of sweaters. Imagine this, you are all set for a party but you might need to walk for a little while before reaching the venue and you are wearing a nice halter neck op and are uncomfortable walking on a busy street with that. You cannot top that with a sweater or a jacket, so use a nice matching shawl or a pashmeena, which is not helpful but also beautiful.

Use them as something to keep you warm, use it to break the monotony of a dress, use them on formal wear, use them as a bandana or a wrapper on your swimsuits, use them over salwars or evening gowns, just go out and experiment with them.