Reader Question: How To Wear a Shawl Without Looking Like a Grandma

Hi everyone! I'm back from my bout with H1N1. Folks, if you even see anyone who looks like they have a split hair, RUN. This virus is nothing to fool with. Anyway, I'm back and it's time to dive right into it, shall we?

I get reader questions every now and then from Facebook but I usually just answer them. This was one of those items I thought everyone might be able to use.

Reader Question: Hey, quick fashion question. Just bought this cool shawl and don't want to look like a granny wearing it. What is the best way to wear a sweater-type shawl?
Ann B., Charlotte, NC

There are actually a lot of ways to wear a knit shawl like this gorgeous Cable Knit Shawl from 7 for All Mankind ($158, shown above), so let's take this fab accessory off the rocking chair and into the real world. Here are three suggestions and instructions on how to rock a knit shawl:

1) European Loop - Fold the scarf in half and place the folded scarf over the back of your neck. Take the fringe end and pull it through the loop made at the folded end to desired tightness. Let the fringe ends hand loose in front through the new loop.

2) Casual Chic - Place the widest end of the shawl over your chest with the ends facing behind you on each shoulder. Cross the ends behind your neck and pull them to the front. Loosely tie the ends in front or loop them again if you have a super long shawl, then loosely tie them in front.

3) The Brooch Approach - This one is really nice for evening. Take the shawl and place the widest part on your back. Take one end and throw it across the opposite shoulder underneath the shawl, then take a brooch and secure the two pieces together over the shoulder.

There are lots of ways to wear a shawl so just experiment with my options or try one of your own. I'm sure even Grandma would approve of your fabulous new style.