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05-07-2025

How to wear a stole for a wedding?

6 min read

The stole... This little piece of fabric that has the chic ability to transform a simple dress into a gala outfit. We love it, we sometimes dread it a little, but above all, we often wonder how to wear it without looking like we've stepped out of an 80s movie or a medieval ceremony . Don't worry, you're not alone. The stole is style's best friend, provided you know how to tame it .

In this article, we'll give you all the tips you need to shine with a stole at a wedding, without a false note. Whether you're the bride, a guest, or the best man, you'll find the instructions for a top-notch look . No need for a master's degree in styling: a good dose of common sense, a little audacity, and a few tricks are all you need.

The stole: an ally of charm (and warmth)

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Before diving into carrying techniques, a quick reminder: the stole is more than just an accessory. Worn with a wedding dress , it becomes a savior in case of a cool breeze, a shoulder camouflage, a booster of elegance. It can completely change the look of an outfit. And between us, it can also save the day when the air conditioning in the reception room is set to "ice floe."

As you will have understood, the stole is there to do you good and make you shine . The only question is how to tame it.

Which stole should you choose for a wedding?

Before you can think about how to wear it, you have to choose the right one. And there's a wide range of choices: colors, materials, sizes... Here's what you need to know.

Matter matters (a lot)

The material of your stole plays a crucial role. Silk, satin, muslin, cashmere or even lace , each fabric has its effect:

  • Silk and satin : perfect for chic weddings and evening events.

  • Muslin : light, airy, ideal for a summer wedding.

  • Cashmere or fine wool : for weddings in autumn or winter.

  • Lace : romantic as can be, especially if you are the bride.

The idea is to have a stole that complements the dress , without overshadowing it. Avoid thick materials if the dress is light (and vice versa), otherwise it will look like a textile millefeuille.

The colors to favor (and those to avoid)

As for color, it all depends on your role in the wedding:

  • The bride ? Opt for off-white, ivory, or nude.

  • A guest ? Dare to wear pastel shades, golds, warm or cool tones depending on your dress.

  • A witness ? We can allow ourselves a more daring touch, but be careful not to steal the spotlight from the bride.

And please, avoid pure white if you're not the bride , unless you like killer stares.

The ideal size

No need to lug around a picnic blanket. A stole 60 to 70 cm wide and 1.50 to 2 m long will do the trick. Big enough to be stylish, but not so big that you'll get tangled up in it.

Chic (and Easy) Ways to Wear a Stole

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Once you've carefully chosen your stole, let's get down to business: how to wear it in style without any hassle .

Around the shoulders in a classic (but effective) way

This is the simplest and most commonly used method. You gently place it on your shoulders, let it hang, and that's it. The effect is immediate: instant elegance.

Perfect if you have a strapless or spaghetti-strap dress, or if you want to create the illusion of a long-sleeved wedding dress without actually wearing one. This provides a little coverage while still allowing the dress to express itself.

Little extra: you can secure it with a brooch or a discreet knot in the back.

Tied in front, like an improvised bolero

If you're the type to move around a bit too much (a dancefloor dancer or a pro at telling jokes between courses), it's best to tie it up.

  • Tie a single or double knot in front.

  • Adjust the stole so that it covers the shoulders well.

  • Result: a stylish and practical look .

It's also a great way to hide a little post-aperitif belly (no judging).

Thrown over one shoulder, diva style

Want a dramatic look? Swing it casually over one shoulder , like you're in a French perfume ad.

  • Perfect with a long dress.

  • Great for photos (you'll look like you're floating on air).

Tip: A discreet pin or brooch can prevent it from slipping if you don't want to readjust it every 5 minutes.

Adapting the stole to your wedding dress

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A stole is like a good wine: it matches the dress . Each outfit calls for a specific way of wearing it.

With a strapless dress

This one's easy. With a strapless wedding dress , the stole softens the upper body and adds a little modesty if you're in church. Letting the stole drape around your arms often looks great.

With a long-sleeved dress

You can definitely wear a stole even with sleeves. The idea here is to add a play of texture or color . You can wear it as a light scarf, or simply draped around your neck.

With a plunging neckline dress

It's time to bring out the light artillery. A chiffon stole, thrown like a veil over the shoulders, can soften a neckline that's a little too open , without breaking the silhouette.

Don't overdo it: the trap of the overly busy stole

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Be careful not to turn the stole into a Christmas tree. Rhinestones, feathers, pompoms, gold embroidery... consume in moderation . If your dress is already very elaborate, opt for a simple stole. If your outfit is minimalist, you can allow yourself a slightly more original stole.

Small details that change everything

Sometimes it's the little tricks that make all the difference. Here are some bonus tips for mastering the art of the stole.

The right accessories

  • A chic brooch to secure the stole.

  • Thin bracelets if you wear it around your arms.

  • A small matching handbag for the color reminder.

Don't leave it lying around

With a Winter Wedding Dress , avoid placing your stole on the back of a chair or on your knees. You risk forgetting it or, worse, damaging it. Keep it close to you, in stylish cape mode or wrapped around your neck.

The iron before the big day

Nothing's worse than a wrinkled stole. Take two minutes to gently iron it (or steam it) so you don't ruin your look with textile negligence.

What if you're the bride?

A bridal stole is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort . It can cover shoulders at church, add a regal touch to the ceremony, and double as a soft accessory for photos.

Choose a stole:

  • In tulle or lace to keep the romantic side.

  • In cashmere or silk for winter weddings.

Little bonus: it can also be used to warm up your dress during the evening without needing a bolero (often not very flattering).

Stole and weather: we adapt!

Summer wedding

Choose an ultra-lightweight stole, such as muslin or cotton voile. The goal? To keep you warm while adding a touch of style. And if you're outdoors, it's also a great way to protect yourself from the sun.

Winter wedding

Here, the stole becomes almost indispensable. Opt for warm and noble materials like cashmere or fine wool . They warm without ruining the silhouette.

A little tip: choose a slightly larger stole, shawl style, to wrap it generously without looking like a mummy. Click here if you have any doubts or need ideas .

In conclusion: the stole is the detail that makes all the difference.

Wearing a stole to a wedding isn't rocket science. It's a blend of elegance, feeling, and common sense . It can transform a simple dress into a formal outfit, save your shoulders from a chill, and even hide a small port wine stain (yes, we know you...).

The important thing is to be yourself. No need to overdo it. A well-chosen stole, worn well, and presto! You're ready to shine without overdoing it.

And between us, when we can combine style and comfort, why deprive ourselves?


JOIN THE MY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING FAMILY