What is a sash? Technically, a sash is any piece of fabric that is tied around the waist. It can be made from silk, cotton, wool or even feathers!
A lady’s sash was originally designed to hold up her stockings, which were long and tied at the knee with ribbon garters. Over time, it also became used to carry small items such as money or scissors, but now it simply serves as an accent to her stylish dress.
A sash is also commonly associated with wedding attire and even today they are fairly popular in modern bridal wear. However, throughout history, there were many different purposes for which a sash was used, including political symbolism and military ranks.
The purpose of the sash today may have changed over time but its practical origins are still honored in how women wear it. The most fashionable ladies tuck their sashes into their dresses for maximum style points. However, there are times when a woman will wear her sash over the shoulder.
A lady's sash can also serve as an accent accessory to complement any outfit! It comes in all colors and patterns just like dresses do, so it will never go out of style. If you want to accessorize your look, consider buying one to tie around your waist or any number of these ways below from our friends at Nagle Forge & Foundry.
1. The Classic Clanswomen
The Classic Clanswomen look is exactly as it sounds. It’s the traditional off-the-shoulder chic sash look to honor your heritage more traditionally. Take the sash and place it over your right shoulder, pinning it toward the bottom near the left hip for this look. You might decide to wear a fancy dress with this look or dress down in jeans and a t-shirt. Either way, you’ll be looking good!
Consider accessorizing with a clutch or other rectangular purse and a matching brooch.
2. The Kentucky Lady
The Kentucky Lady look includes a practical and stylish extra-wide brimmed hat where the sash is placed at the trim. A brooch can be pinned in the front for a high-end style, or you can double wrap your sash around the back of the hat for a geometric shape.
3. Miss Maggie
If you’re sick of your sash getting caught up in your hair whilst sitting on your shoulder, consider this Miss Maggie style.
For this look, you take a basic, belted dress (such as a shirtdress, sundress or tailored safari dress) and replace the belt with a sash. If you have a longer sash, criss-cross it across your back and pull it forward to pin in the middle. Make your waist look narrower by switching a two-inch sash for a three-inch plus sash from the men’s section.
4. Traditional Dancer
The Traditional Dancer can be worn with a sash, no matter the length or width. It’s a great style for anyone who wants to keep their sash fashion light and simple.
If you decide to use a longer sash, fold and gather the first foot of fabric into a rosette and pin it into place. For a narrower sash, try cinching the sash with a rubber band and then pin it.
The right brooch to go along with this look can be any size you desire. Nagle Forge & Foundry recommends pewter as a color choice to go with everything. However, you may want to choose a brooch that has sculptural, engraved, gem or glass inlaid designs.
5. The Victorian
The Victorian is a look that has been popular since at least the middle of the 19th century. It is best paired with a longer sash because you need to allow for at least a foot and a half of sash to swing over both your front and back shoulder. According to Nagle Forge & Foundry, this look is “a chic double-tailed style of wearing a long sash that is particularly attractive with a severely tailored top or a full skirt.”
To wear it, the middle of the sash should be wrapped around your waist three to five inches above your left hip. Then, toss the front end of the sash over your right shoulder and pull the back of it over the front of your shoulder. Pin the sash in place and decorate with a brooch of your choice.
If you like the cinched-in look, try this tip. Once you’ve draped the sash across your shoulder, twist a pipe cleaner around the shoulder gather and then pin your brooch on it.
