What is a stole
First, let's find out what a stole is. This is a women's cape over the shoulders, which can be made of velvet, fur, cloth, etc. There are both warm winter versions of such a cape, and light ones designed for warm weather. For cold climates, a rational solution would be to choose a natural item that actually warms and not just decorates.
So, a mink stole combines both qualities - it will warm you up in the cold and add indescribable chic to your look. Interestingly, fashion historians call 1676 the year of origin of the stole. In those days, Charlotte of Palantine, Duchess of Bavaria, wrapped her shoulders in a fur blanket on winter evenings.
Models and styles
The shape of the stole resembles a scarf. However, it can have a wide variety of variations in shape: from a miniature strip to a wide cape, giving respectability.
Knitted mink stoles are especially difficult to produce. To make it, special durable fur threads are made from animal skins. Then they are connected to each other using an elastic base. Advantages of this product:
- Wear resistance. It is achieved thanks to strong threads.
- Comfortable to wear. The fur is distributed evenly on all sides.
- A light weight. Stoles made using knitting technology are practically weightless.
- Low maintenance requirements. This item can be stored in the same way as any other fur product.
- Suitable for any evening wear.
Rules for selection and care
In the photos presented in catalogs, a mink fur stole can look quite decent. But fur experts recommend adhering to strict rules for choosing a stylish item.
Firstly , a visual inspection should be carried out. Like any fur item, the stole should be inspected: the pile should “look” in one direction, there should be no stripes or other distortions of the overall pattern. This is especially true for the middle, longitudinal seam connecting the two parts in the one-piece version.
Secondly , you need to feel the mink stole. A high-quality model will gently tickle your palm.
Thirdly , if the product contains fittings, the quality of its fastening should be examined.
Fourthly , if you purchase a color model, it is recommended to check the quality of the color. To do this, just run a damp cloth in the direction of the pile several times and assess whether the dye remains on the cloth.
Whole fur products
Such an accessory will emphasize the style and taste of its owner. This item has no particular advantages over other fur capes. However, it has a certain durability. If you follow all the rules of care, a solid mink fur stole will last much longer than one made from pieces of skin. Also, the absence of numerous seams will allow you to retain heat longer.
Fashion trends
Stoles in classic shades always remain on the wave of popularity: gray, black, white. Vanilla tones, mint, and all shades of brown are also considered fashionable. Young ladies especially pay attention to chocolate and cocoa-colored products. Contrasting colors faded a little into the shadows.
A white mink stole, like a century ago, is the standard of chic and respectability. A solid color creates a romantic look and is stylish at the same time. And expensive material will definitely emphasize the high status.
This season, designers presented fur capes with a golden hue. This is an ideal choice for going to a nightclub, cocktail parties, etc. The shine of the golden stole will not leave anyone indifferent.
Expert recommendations
According to the advice of fashion stylists, a mink fur stole should be worn in such a way that a contrast is created between the color of the young lady’s hair and the color of the fur. So, brunettes should choose products in light or gray tones, golden options and vanilla. And blondes will look better with a dark-colored stole, such as chocolate. All shades of brown and warm beige tones are perfect for those with red hair.
Many fashionistas wonder how to wear a stole correctly. This year there is no need to “invent a bicycle” and it is enough to throw the product over your shoulder and secure it at the waist with a belt. If you wear a mink stole over a blouse, your boring office look will be diluted with a touch of pretentiousness. However, we should not forget that models that are too expensive are simply inappropriate for work.
Luxury model selection
Mink stole is the most traditional type of stole, because it was from the soft fur of fluffy animals that this luxurious type of scarf was originally sewn, which became a symbol of aristocracy.
As a rule, most ladies divide mink fur stoles into whole-cut and knitted. In one-piece stitches, exclusively whole furry animal skins are used for sewing, and the reverse side is finished with silk or satin fabrics. A knitted mink stole differs from the first option in that it is made from mink yarn, thereby ensuring its double-sided wearing. It is worth noting that the knitted stole is made of mink yarn.
However, stylists also divide them according to other characteristics, for example, geographical features. These include American (aka Canadian, or mink knitted), European and Slavic. The European model is distinguished by the laconicism of the product, which is a rectangle, the approximate size of which is 160 (190) cm by 60 (80) cm. The Slavic model is distinguished by decorating the ends of the stole with braids or fringes. American can be made in both European and Slavic versions, but always from mink yarn.
What to wear with
It's no secret that fur stoles have been popular with women for many decades. This is achieved thanks to its versatility, because such a thing is perfect for both everyday wear and an evening dress. Some ladies even manage to wear it as a headdress.
It is not uncommon to use a stole made of snow-white fur in a wedding dress - it fits perfectly on the bare shoulders of the bride and adds luxury to the entire outfit.
In evening dresses, you can wear a cape of the same shade as the dress. There is no need to tie it, just throw it over your shoulders. In this case, the accessory will not draw the public’s attention to itself, but, on the contrary, will favorably emphasize the intended image.
You can and should wear mink capes with classic coats, jackets, fur coats, and trench coats. By pinning the stole with a pin or invisible pin, you will be able to emphasize the elegant cut of the outerwear.
If the outfit uses a fur stole, then bright and catchy decor is unacceptable, since the entire outfit will look provocative. Jewelry is allowed, but only in small quantities.
The chic of a modern stole
Today, “stole” refers to large rectangular fur capes on the shoulders in the form of a scarf or large knitted openwork scarves. The width of the stole is up to 50 cm, the length is up to 2.5 m. A fur cape is made with a silk lining and batting.
The wide variety of models allows you to make this luxurious accessory a sophisticated addition to an evening outfit. Softly enveloping the lady's shoulders, a chic stole gives the image respectability and elegance. A fur stole is an expensive women's fur accessory that complements clothing for special occasions. A stole can gracefully complement a dress or suit.
This festive accessory also complements light dresses with bare shoulders. It is not without reason that the fluffy texture of the product is used by designers in luxurious wedding dresses. A snow-white fur stole will make you feel cozy in any bad weather, and will also give a feeling of majesty and emphasize the beauty of an elegant wedding dress.
Stylists recommend wearing a fur cape, emphasizing the respectability of a lady, with an evening dress. Unlike boas and boas, stoles can be worn with a coat or trench coat. Casually draped over the shoulders or fastened with an invisibility pin, it gives the look not only chic, but also sexuality.
There are many ways to tie a luxurious fur item. You can cover your shoulders, leaving the ends hanging freely in front, or wrap it around your neck, and throw the ends of the stole behind your back. You can also make a kind of knot in front by pulling one end over the other or simply throwing one end of the stole over one shoulder and leaving the other hanging freely in front. Miniature stole models, a la “collar”, are draped over the shoulders, and long ones go down to the waist and flow down the arms.
If you intend to use additional accessories in the ensemble, then they should not look flashy or provocative. Bright brooches and overly decorated hairpins are unacceptable.
When choosing fur colors, it is advisable to strive for contrast. So bright brunettes are better suited to light, gray and blue tones. The delicate beauty of blondes will be highlighted by chocolate and black colors. And fiery red beauties suit beige and brown mink, light marten, and luxurious snow-white fox.
The fur cape, thanks to its versatility and ability to unobtrusively add chic to any outfit, rightfully takes its place on the shows of modern fashion designers and on the shoulders of celebrities.
Designers use mink, chinchilla, sable, otter, marten, fox furs, as well as fashionable artificial material of various colors to make stoles. Such a variety of products allows ladies to show off in them at social events, official meetings, theater premieres and in fashionable restaurants.
If ladies prefer to wear a chic large stole draped over their shoulders, then an openwork knitted piece of fur looks great as a headdress. A warm fur scarf serves as a worthy alternative to a hat: it not only looks beautiful, but also reliably protects its owner from bad weather. Both elegant ladies and romantic young girls prefer to wrap themselves in caressing furs.
The couturier's imagination showed fashionistas fur accessories made from fur knitwear, wool and mohair. The use of knitted fur in the stole makes it reversible, which is very comfortable and practical to wear. The stole can be worn on both sides. Traditionally, mink is considered the highest quality fur when making stoles. Such a product can remain elegant, retain its shape and color for a long time.
Such a luxurious thing as a fur stole will never go out of fashion, because fur always serves as an indicator of success, prosperity and position in society.
“Clothing should be tight enough to show that you are a woman, but loose enough to show that you are a lady.” Edith Head, American costume designer.
