Elegant formalwear stoles: a selection guide

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Elegant and light, stoles are a reliable accessory for a variety of occasions and different times of day (think of those summer evenings when the air suddenly turns cooler).

They create harmonious volumes, add movement, and bring a chic touch to an outfit.

They also represent a practical solution for a formal look: they can be worn in different ways to offer discreet coverage and play with transparency.

But that’s not all. An elegant stole has the power to transform a dress, rewriting its style. Adding a stole brings sophistication to a minimal dress, freshness to a classic cut, and a renewed touch to a tried and tested look.

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Elegant and light, stoles are a reliable accessory for a variety of occasions and different times of day (think of those summer evenings when the air suddenly turns cooler).

They create harmonious volumes, add movement, and bring a chic touch to an outfit.

They also represent a practical solution for a formal look: they can be worn in different ways to offer discreet coverage and play with transparency.

How to choose the right formalwear stole

Fabric, workmanship, colour, size: choosing the right stole from so many elegant models is not a trivial matter. It all depends on your answer to the following question: what relationship will the stole have with the dress you are planning to wear?

Stoles can be used to discreetly veil the décolleté or a deep-cut back – a particularly useful detail if you are attending a church ceremony – or to cover your shoulders during an outdoor event or one that lasts into the cooler hours of the evening. They can also become the focal point of the entire look, embellishing the outfit and defining its personality.

Choosing a fabric that is different to your dress will help create interesting contrasts and plays of light, such as the embroidered tulle dress, embellished with a ramage design of threads and sequins, paired with the taffeta stole in melon tones, with comfortable loop fastening at the front.

Another outfit suggestion is the pink georgette dress, accompanied by a pleated stole that features the same print. In this pairing, the stole becomes one with the dress. It can be draped over the shoulders like a shawl or left to fall like a light cape, to add movement.

Two different looks, but equally meticulous in their details: the perfect inspiration for your next important event, whether you are a witness at a wedding or attending as a guest. Remember that the overall effect should always be carefully considered. A harmonious final result is essential. Finally, don’t forget to curate your accessories carefully. With the stole as the star of the outfit, there's no need to add too much.

Elegant stoles, beyond special occasions

Let's dispel a myth: stoles are not reserved for formalwear only. A summer evening, an outdoor dinner, a theatre show, or a formal event are all perfect occasions to wear this accessory, which boasts unparalleled elegance while remaining entirely practical: carry it with you in your bag and simply take it out when needed.

Take, for example, a long flat-pleated stole. Incredibly lightweight, this piece effortlessly transforms into an elegant shrug, perfect for pairing with either matching or contrasting trousers, depending on your personal style and the occasion.

The georgette stole, with knot at the front, becomes a discreet shrug that allows for plenty of freedom of movement. It pairs beautifully with the midnight blue duchesse dress in a perfect play of tone on tone, and easily lends itself to other looks thanks to its soft design and asymmetrical cut. It is a truly versatile piece, designed to be worn often and certainly not forgotten at the back of your wardrobe.

Worn over the shoulders or added to an outfit as a visual detail, the stole is a versatile garment, designed to adapt naturally to different contexts and requirements.