The Layer That Makes the Look

Why I always begin with a shawl.

POSTED 04.03.26 10:49 BY GRETCHEN DEUTSCH

After wearing my third one of the week, I heard my friends say, “Gretchen loves a shawl.” I don’t know about you, but when I’m known for something, I always stick to it. I’m known for writing, so I keep writing. I’m known for reading, so I keep reading. I’m known for adding shawls to every outfit, so I’m going to keep on doing it!

Maybe it’s about elegance, or maybe it’s about the ease of throwing on a fun layer over a simple outfit, but either way, there’s something undeniably powerful about a shawl.

And I’m not just talking about capes. When I say shawl, I’m referring to any upper-body layer that adds little to no warmth but makes my outfits chicly modest. From scarves that effortlessly drape over my shoulders to sheer shrugs that elevate any basic, black going-out outfit, there’s no outfit that a shawl can’t fix.

My favorites are the unique pieces from vintage stores that everyone suddenly wants to borrow. I love ones with mesh detailing and some type of sparkle. There’s something about that mix of sheer texture and embroidered detail that makes me purchase every time. It’s the exact combination that convinces me I need a whole closet full of them, as if one more delicate, slightly sparkly layer could somehow complete my entire wardrobe.

Thrown over a slip dress or a tank and jeans, shawls are the easiest way to look incredible on impulse. For me, shawls are never an afterthought. I build my whole outfit around them, and if it doesn’t work, I scrap the outfit, never the layer.

My FizzyPicks are here to elevate your outfits with my favorite layering hack.

#Indigo Mesh

MARCELLA
Olympia Bolero
$78

The Layer That Makes the Look

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