<p>It’s a wonder how a single piece of garment can make a world of difference to your entire look. Not long ago, stoles and shawls used to be worn only during winters. But now, they are must-have in every wardrobe. Bangalore-based Deepika Govind, who recently came out with a range of stoles made from eri silk called Eri — The Traveller’s Collection, speaks to Metrolife on the current trends in stoles for both men and women. <br /><br />According to Deepika, “Both shawls and stoles are staple accessories. The obvious difference between them is the size. A shawl’s size is similar to a dupatta, while a stole is half the size and is normally used as a wrap.” She adds, “Often described as the ultimate classic and timeless accessory, they can add a much-needed burst of colour, drama and even warmth to an otherwise typical outfit. Their two-fold advantage of both luxury and functionality make them quite a coveted wardrobe staple.” <br /><br /></p>.<p>Deepika says that a variety of prints and weaves, from stripes to tribal, tie and dye to pop art prints, are totally in. “For men, it’s a lot of checks and stripes in white and black, white and blue etc. Men can also drape them in the military-inspired style — the cravat style.” She goes on to say that one can go for thick woollen shawls when it’s cold. <br /><br />There are many colours one can choose from. “While fashion trends in the West predict pastels, beige, ivory, black and grey; on home ground, there is nothing like rich, vibrant Indian shades. Shades of red like crimson, carmine or burgundy, to autumn shades like burnt orange, or a range of blues from teal to midnight.” <br /><br />While buying them, Deepika says to choose a colour that goes with most of your everyday clothing. “If you are fond of wearing white topwear or monochromes, your options multiply. Vibrant hues like red, royal blue or hot pink would add a dash of colour to your ensemble,” she advises. <br /><br />Which are the various fabrics available? “A soft woollen shawl or a Pashmina are worth investing in. Pure woollen stoles with woven motifs, knitted shawls, lace wraps — the variety of fabrics is endless,” she answers. “Silk is the another common choice. And there’s a multitude of varieties — soft plain silks, gauzy chiffons, georgettes, tussar silk etc.” <br /><br />Ask her on where one can find nice stoles and shawls in Bangalore and she says, “Stroll down Commercial Street and its bylanes, or Brigade Road and you will find plenty of varieties to choose from. For better quality, and genuine Pashminas, head for designer retail outlets.”<br /><br />Finding many uses </p>.<p>Nandini, a student of biotechnology at St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, simply loves wearing stoles and has one in almost every colour. “I wear a stole whenever my top is slightly low-necked, or I can’t find a chain to put around my neck,” she smiles. She speaks about the TV show Roadies on which she saw VJ Rannvijay and some of the participants draping stoles in a stylish manner. “I became a fan of stoles after that,” she says. “For those who don’t like wearing accessories, stoles are the perfect choice.” <br /><br />Nandini vouches for Tibetan Market on Brigade Road. “You get the best stoles here for as less as Rs 100. I have bought all my stoles from there.” She adds, “Not only they make you feel warm and comfortable, but they make you stand out in the crowd. Wear them with plain tops and they give you a great look.” She notes, “You don’t even need to leave your hair open.” </p>
<p>It’s a wonder how a single piece of garment can make a world of difference to your entire look. Not long ago, stoles and shawls used to be worn only during winters. But now, they are must-have in every wardrobe. Bangalore-based Deepika Govind, who recently came out with a range of stoles made from eri silk called Eri — The Traveller’s Collection, speaks to Metrolife on the current trends in stoles for both men and women. <br /><br />According to Deepika, “Both shawls and stoles are staple accessories. The obvious difference between them is the size. A shawl’s size is similar to a dupatta, while a stole is half the size and is normally used as a wrap.” She adds, “Often described as the ultimate classic and timeless accessory, they can add a much-needed burst of colour, drama and even warmth to an otherwise typical outfit. Their two-fold advantage of both luxury and functionality make them quite a coveted wardrobe staple.” <br /><br /></p>.<p>Deepika says that a variety of prints and weaves, from stripes to tribal, tie and dye to pop art prints, are totally in. “For men, it’s a lot of checks and stripes in white and black, white and blue etc. Men can also drape them in the military-inspired style — the cravat style.” She goes on to say that one can go for thick woollen shawls when it’s cold. <br /><br />There are many colours one can choose from. “While fashion trends in the West predict pastels, beige, ivory, black and grey; on home ground, there is nothing like rich, vibrant Indian shades. Shades of red like crimson, carmine or burgundy, to autumn shades like burnt orange, or a range of blues from teal to midnight.” <br /><br />While buying them, Deepika says to choose a colour that goes with most of your everyday clothing. “If you are fond of wearing white topwear or monochromes, your options multiply. Vibrant hues like red, royal blue or hot pink would add a dash of colour to your ensemble,” she advises. <br /><br />Which are the various fabrics available? “A soft woollen shawl or a Pashmina are worth investing in. Pure woollen stoles with woven motifs, knitted shawls, lace wraps — the variety of fabrics is endless,” she answers. “Silk is the another common choice. And there’s a multitude of varieties — soft plain silks, gauzy chiffons, georgettes, tussar silk etc.” <br /><br />Ask her on where one can find nice stoles and shawls in Bangalore and she says, “Stroll down Commercial Street and its bylanes, or Brigade Road and you will find plenty of varieties to choose from. For better quality, and genuine Pashminas, head for designer retail outlets.”<br /><br />Finding many uses </p>.<p>Nandini, a student of biotechnology at St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, simply loves wearing stoles and has one in almost every colour. “I wear a stole whenever my top is slightly low-necked, or I can’t find a chain to put around my neck,” she smiles. She speaks about the TV show Roadies on which she saw VJ Rannvijay and some of the participants draping stoles in a stylish manner. “I became a fan of stoles after that,” she says. “For those who don’t like wearing accessories, stoles are the perfect choice.” <br /><br />Nandini vouches for Tibetan Market on Brigade Road. “You get the best stoles here for as less as Rs 100. I have bought all my stoles from there.” She adds, “Not only they make you feel warm and comfortable, but they make you stand out in the crowd. Wear them with plain tops and they give you a great look.” She notes, “You don’t even need to leave your hair open.” </p>
