Reader Question: Please could you do a post about choosing shrugs, wraps and pashminas for the different body shapes? My particular problem is being short with an O body type or Apple shape.
Should I use longer or shorter shrugs etc. to balance my proportions? Also With pashminas, I tend to wear as a thicker scarf (rather than across the shoulders) but would this be too bulky ? Thanks for your help.

You know that shrugs are back in style when your 20-something pilates instructor is wearing one while teaching pilates class (as happened to me this past couple of weeks – Mandy loves her shrug!).  I’ve always been a fan of them as they can be so handy when you need an extra layer of warmth.

Shrugs, wraps, and pashminas are versatile accessories that can effortlessly elevate your outfit while offering warmth and style. However, finding the right ones for your body type is key to creating a balanced and flattering look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect shrugs, wraps, and pashminas for your body shape.

1. Choosing the Right Shrugs

• Opt for cropped or short-length shrugs with curved rather than square hems, that fall above the waist to create the illusion of a defined waistline.  This can be a flattering look on every body shape.  This one below I knitted and is super easy to make (check out instructions here).
  
• A square hem shrug can work if the hem is at your narrowest point or if you have a defined waist (A and X shapes) for other body shapes, you’ll probably find curved hems are always more flattering.

• Avoid oversized or bulky shrugs that can overwhelm your frame and add unnecessary bulk to your midsection.
• Experiment with asymmetrical cuts or open-front styles to draw the eye vertically and create the illusion of length rather than cutting your body up into shorter horizontal pieces.
  
• Think about balancing your body – if you have a defined waist, you can end your shrugs at this point, but if your narrowest point is just under your bust, it’s best to wear a slightly shorter shrug.  But if you’re  V shape, then you may find longer ones suit you better, look for longer openings that create vertical lines through your body.
• A shrug that is short can be like a pair of sleeves and great to wear over sleeveless garments for warmth or just to cover your upper arms, I love these ones (above and below that I’m wearing)  from Amazon which are comfy and come in a great range of colours.

2. Selecting the Ideal Wraps

• Go for longer wraps that drape elegantly over your shoulders and extend below the waist to add vertical lines to your torso which will slim it down.
  
• Choose lightweight fabrics that provide coverage without adding unnecessary bulk to your midsection.
• Opt for wrap styles with v-necklines or lapels that create the illusion of a more defined waist and draw attention away from the midsection.
• Steer clear of overly bulky or chunky wraps that can overpower your frame and disrupt the overall balance of your outfit.
  
• It you’re petite, make sure that your wraps are not too voluminous as they will overwhelm you.
• A longer wrap in a busy pattern can be distracting and flatter your body if you have an O or H shape as you won’t notice the lack of waist.

3. Styling Pashminas

• Use thinner pashminas to avoid adding excessive bulk around your neck and shoulders.
• Opt for draping techniques that create vertical lines to elongate your figure, such as the loop-through or the classic drape.  You can easily wear a fine pashmina as a scarf – experiment with different ways of tying to find the most flattering style for you.
• Solid colors or subtle prints to maintain a streamlined and lower colour contrast look.  Or add fun and match your appearance with a multicoloured pattern if you have high colour contrast
• Don’t go too long with a pashmina worn as a scarf if you have short legs, otherwise, it will make your upper body look even longer and shorten your lower body more.
• You can wear a pashmina shrug style (get my tips on how to do it here – as well as a variety of ways to style your pashminas)

By selecting the right shrugs, wraps, and pashminas that flatter your figure, you can accentuate your best features and exude confidence in your style.

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