Due to the sheer size of women’s scarf shawls, they have been adopted to fit a number of styles making them an extremely versatile accessory for any occasion, season or sex.

How a shawl or pashmina is worn says a lot about the woman wearing it. According to Karen Homer in, Things a Woman Should Know about Style, (Prion 2003), "a pashmina knotted at the neck says city trader, a pashmina untidily wound round over a denim jacket says wannabe model." Over the last few years pashminas have become increasingly popular, with women's fashion experts coming up with never-ending new ways of wearing one to keep the look fresh and modern.

The Wrap

Perhaps the most elegant way to wear a pashmina and to show off its size and smooth texture is to drape it over your shoulders and fold round accordingly. This is style is perfect for the summer evenings when the temperature drops or even warm spring afternoons to protect your shoulders from the sun. On either occasion it will give your outfit that extra bit of style and panache.

The Neck – Scarf

You can either tie the pashmina in a noose style around your neck or let the full length of the fabric hang from your shoulders. For something a little more chic, give it a French twist by wrapping the hanging ends loosely around each other once and then looping them over each other again. Bring both ends to the back of the neck and tie. Keep the twist loose for extra style points.

The Stole

Wear it as an evening stole, draped loosely over the upper arms and then let the ends hang down from the underarm.

The Sarong

This style will ensure your beach look is carried off with a swagger, just make sure you keep the sand away from it!

The Head Scarf or Prayer Shawl

For something a little more exotic, try a Far Eastern/Middle Eastern look that Grace Kelly perfected so well, with her distinguished white pashmina. The epitome or elegance and femininity, place the pashmina over your head, covering your hair. With the folded edge facing you and, holding tight onto both ends, pull both under the chin. Cross the sides of the scarf over one another and bring the ends around to the nape of the neck. Then fold the ends in a neat knot, either at the side of the throat or in front.

For more inspiration visit Black.co.uk, the home of luxury cashmere accessories, to see their full woman’s scarf range