The magic of a ceremony begins with the dress and ends in the details. And if there's one accessory that can never be missing from a formal outfit , it's the stole . Initially used to cover sheer details or the neckline during ceremonies in sacred places, it has over time become a chic detail to enhance any look.
In-depth: The importance of accessories to complete your outfit
What is the stole?
The stole is similar in shape to a larger scarf, but more refined and sophisticated. During cool summer evenings or spring days when temperatures aren't as high, an elegant stole is the best solution for protecting yourself from the cold and sudden changes in temperature, while also enhancing your look.
A clarification: for a stole to be defined as elegant, it is important that the fabric it is made of is high-quality, such as sequins, georgette, satin, lace, and chiffon.
The stole is the best ally for wedding looks not only for guests or bridesmaids but also for the bride herself, who can match it with her dress during the religious ceremony or at the evening party.
A bit of history
The origins of the stole are very ancient, dating back to ancient Greece where only priests wore it.
For a long time, and to some extent still today, the stole remained an accessory strictly linked to various religions, obviously also influencing the customs of the Christian religion.
Only during the 20th century did the stole emancipate itself and leave its religious dimension, becoming an emblem of feminine style and elegance , both to cover bare shoulders and the décolleté during church ceremonies, and to ensure one was prepared for the whims of the mid-seasons.
The stole in modern times
Once reserved for the older generations, the stole has emerged from the shadows to become a true style icon for younger women as well. Precisely because of its importance, it is a prized garment, created from lightweight and delicate materials that give it an aura of lightness and refinement.
Perhaps you don't know: what's the difference between a stole and a scarf ? While a stole is made of fine materials like silk, lace, or fur and can be embellished with details like fringe, beads, embroidery, or brooches, a scarf is a square of fabric, usually silk or cotton, that can also be used in more basic ways.
How to wear a stole over an elegant dress
A stole can enhance any outfit it pairs with, but it's important to know how to wear it properly. Unless it's made from the same fabric as the dress , it's not always easy to find the right shade and material to match, so it's advisable to purchase a stole in the same fabric and color palette as the dress.
When faced with a dress with different patterns and colors, one idea is to identify the predominant shade and choose a stole in the same hue. For a single-color dress, the combination possibilities become endless.
In the presence of a V-neck or boat neckline, the stole can be tied at the front with a soft knot that leaves the shoulder straps of the dress on display.
If the dress has a halter neckline or a particularly elaborate neckline, it is preferable to tie the stole around the neck like a necklace, or to give the dress a touch of brightness, you can attach a brooch to the knot itself, simulating a real necklace.
If your arms are partially covered by the straps of the dress, you can tie the stole in the shape of a flower with an elastic band, which you can then place around your neck to create an asymmetrical look, leaving the edges free along the sides.
To create a draped bodice, you can cross it at the front and tie it at the back.
When using stiff fabrics where the front knot would be too bulky and risk weighing down the image, you can leave the stole plain on the front by knotting it on the back.
For those who don't need to cover up but want to enrich their outfit, they can use the stole as a real decontextualized accessory using a transparent fabric.
Our final tip: for your ideal stole, choose soft colors and match it to your dress, creating contrasts or sticking to the same shades; if chosen well, it can enhance the dress, making it even more elegant.