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How to Wear a Pashmina With a Dress (Weddings, Christenings and Parties)

“A pashmina should look like part of the outfit, not something your aunt handed you in the car park. Pick a colour from the dress or one shade deeper, fold it so it sits neatly, and secure it once so you're not readjusting it all day.”Her take

When is a pashmina better than a jacket?

A pashmina covers your shoulders and arms without hiding the shape of the dress, which is why it's popular for church ceremonies, christenings and evening parties. It folds into a clutch or tote, so you can take it off in a warm reception and put it back on for photos outside or the walk to the car.

In real winter cold, a pashmina alone won't keep you warm outdoors. Wear a coat over the top for travel and outdoor photos, and use the pashmina for the cooler church or a draughty marquee.

Six ways to wear a pashmina with a dress

Most pashminas are a long rectangle, often around 70 cm wide and 180 to 200 cm long. Fold it in half lengthways first for a neater, narrower drape.

• Classic drape: across the back of your shoulders, both ends hanging evenly down the front. Simple and flattering on any dress.
• One-shoulder throw: drape it, then throw one end over the opposite shoulder. Warmer, and stays put while you walk.
• Elbow cradle: let it sit low across your back with each end resting in the crook of your elbows. Elegant for photos and evening.
• Pinned: drape it across the shoulders, cross one end over the other at the front and secure with a small brooch near one shoulder.
• Tied at the back: put it over the front of your shoulders and tie the ends in a loose knot behind your back, like a shrug. Good for dancing.
• Belted: drape it with ends hanging at the front, then wear a slim belt at the waist over it. Neat and warm with a simple day dress.

How do you keep a pashmina from slipping?

Slipping is the main complaint, especially on smooth satin or silky dresses. Pin it: a small brooch, a scarf clip or even a discreet safety pin on the inside where the two layers cross holds it all day. Pin through the pashmina only, or through the dress's shoulder seam, where small holes won't show.

Folding it lengthways also helps, because a narrower band of fabric weighs less and sits better on the shoulders. If your dress has thin straps, the tied-at-the-back method is the most secure.

What colour pashmina goes with my dress?

The safest choice is to pick a secondary colour from a printed dress, or go one shade deeper than a plain dress, such as navy with a powder blue dress or chocolate with caramel. Tonal looks elegant and lengthens the line of the outfit.

Contrast works too if it's deliberate. A cream or ivory pashmina over a dark dress looks fresh, but at a wedding, keep large expanses of white and ivory away from your shoulders so you don't look bridal in photos. Metallic or embellished pashminas suit evening parties more than daytime ceremonies.

Fabric and size: what to look for

Pashmina is a fine type of cashmere, light and warm. Wool, wool-silk blends and good-quality viscose pashmina-style wraps work well too. Very thin, shiny acrylic wraps tend to slip and look cheap in flash photos.

Choose a wrap long enough to fold in half and still cover your shoulders with ends hanging below your bust. If you're tall or wearing a long dress, a slightly longer wrap keeps the proportions right.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Fold it lengthways, pick a colour from the dress or a shade deeper, pin it once, and bring a coat for the cold outside.

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