The Chrysalis Cardi was created out of a love of travel.
If you don't know the story, Kristi, the founder of Encircled was packing for her first yoga retreat in Costa Rica when her suitcase broke. At the time, she was not a very savvy packer and struggled with editing clothing to a reasonable level. She stuffed everything that was packed into a smaller bag, literally hours before her flight.
That seemingly insignificant moment started her down the path of questioning why more clothing isn't multipurpose. Why can't we have one thing that we can wear several ways?
So when she returned from the retreat, high on downward dogs and savasana, she started her own business, with the Chrysalis Cardi as her first design. And the rest is history.
We've put together our favourite ways to style the Chrysalis Cardi for the beach with three brand new ways to wear.
THE INFINITY SCARF, WHY IT WORKS
The scarf does double duty as an outfit accessory and a way to keep warm. If you plan on being out from morning to night, it’s great because you can take it off during the day, but use it to keep warm when the sun isn’t at its peak yet.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE INFINITY SCARF
- For video instructions on how to make the scarves, check our how-to-wear page here.
1. Undo all snaps and open up like a big loop.
2. Drape loop over neck. Put tag/seam at back of neck. Leave drapey for the big loop look. Or wrap twice for the double loop look, three times for the triple loop look. When wearing as the triple loop scarf, pull up back excess fabric to wear as a snood.
THE WRAP SKIRT, WHY IT WORKS
We think the maxi skirt is flattering on most body types, and it’s versatile enough to be casual during the day and dressy at night. Wear the maxi skirt as a quick cover up during the day at the beach with flip flops and a t-shirt. Or wear it at night for dinner with a dressier tank or even with a t-shirt tucked in. A dressier look is all in the accessories. Pair with strappy sandals, a clutch and jewelry for an elegant night look.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE WRAP SKIRT
- You’ll need the Chrysalis Cardi belt to make the Wrap Skirt. For video instructions on how to make the Wrap Skirt, check our Instagram stories here.
Start with the Chrysalis Cardi open like a big loop and step into the opening with the 4 snaps along the top edge.
2. Snap together F1 and M2 which are across from one another and leave snapped section at left or right of your hip (your preference!)
3. Holding the snapped section snug against your waist, wrap the excess fabric around in front of you and gently tuck into the top of the skirt.
4. Tie belt around your waist over the top edge to secure the skirt. You can style the belt in either a bow or a knot and at the front, back or side of your waist.
THE ONE-SHOULDER ROMPER, WHY IT WORKS
Perfect for a day at the beach, this breezy one-r is ideal as a bathing suit cover up with a twist. The romper will gives you the option to adjust the length depending on how much fabric is pulled over the belt. This look will flatter no matter your height!
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE ONE-SHOULDER ROMPER
- You’ll need the Chrysalis Cardi belt to make the One-Shoulder Romper. For video instructions on how to make the One Shoulder Romper, check our Instagram stories here.
1. Undo all snaps and open up like a big loop. Make sure the top edge with the four snaps is facing up with the seam at the back. Step into the centre of the loop.
2. Connect female snap (F1) and male snap (M2) to create the one shoulder.
3. Pull arm through the opening that was made, and onto shoulders leaving the remaining fabric draped like a toga.
4. Reach back and snap together remaining snaps (F2 + M1) underneath the draping and tuck fabric intro bra as required.
5. Find the last two snaps on the bottom hem (F3 + M3) by your knees and attach to create shorts.
6. Secure with belt at low or high waist
7. Pull fabric up and over the belt. Adjust the drape by pulling more or less of the fabric out, depending on your height and preferred length on the shorts.
THE ONE-SHOULDER DRESS, WHY IT WORKS
Chic, yet understated, the one-shoulder gown looks effortless on it's own at the beach with a pair of sunglasses or for a beachy night out. Paired with heels, wedges or flats, and earrings you’ll be completely evening ready.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE ONE-SHOULDER DRESS
- You’ll need the Chrysalis Cardi belt to make the One-Shoulder Dress. For video instructions on how to make the One-Shoulder Dress, check our how-to-wear page here.
1. Undo all snaps and open up like a big loop. Make sure the top edge with the four snaps is facing up with the seam at the back. Step into the centre of the loop.
2. Connect female snap (F1) and male snap (M2) to create the one shoulder.
3. Pull arm through the opening that was made, and onto shoulders leaving the remaining fabric draped like a toga.
4. Reach back and snap together remaining snaps (F2 + M1) underneath the draping. Tuck fabric intro bra as required.
5. Secure with belt, wrap around low or high waist.
THE GRECIAN TUNIC, WHY IT WORKS
A dressier version of a tank shift dress, this outfit is great for strolling around or dressed up for a night out. Pair with flats or strappy sandals for casual sightseeing and heels or wedges for a more elegant look. Pro tip: ditch the belt for a slouchy beach cover-up paired with flip flops.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE ONE-SHOULDER DRESS
- You’ll need the Chrysalis Cardi belt to make the Grecian Tunic. For video instructions on how to make the Grecian Tunic, check our how-to-wear page here.
1. Undo all snaps and place onto a flat surface. Make sure the top edge with four snaps is facing up.
2. Start with the shoulders. Snap together (F1 + M1) and (F2 + M2), the closest male and female snaps to each other.
3. Pull your head through the center largest opening. Put arms through smaller side openings and adjust by moving the snaps onto the top of your shoulder.
4. Adjust the drape in the front for desired neckline. Secure with belt at low or high waist. Make sure snaps at shoulder are not pulled too tight by releasing the fabric over belt. Try high-low dress for an alternative!
THE OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS, WHY IT WORKS
This style can be easily dressed up or down. Pair with an oversized sun hat for a morning brunch or open-toed mules for evening drinks.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS
- You’ll need the Chrysalis Cardi belt to make the Off-the-Shoulder Dress. For video instructions on how to make the Off-the-Shoulder Dress, check our Instagram stories here.
1. Undo all snaps and place onto a flat surface. Make sure the top edge with four snaps is facing up.
2. Start with the shoulders. Snap together (F1 + M1) and (F2 + M2), the closest male and female snaps to each other.
3. Pull your head through the center largest opening.
4. Put arms through smaller side openings and adjust by sliding the snaps off your shoulders to create a straight neckline.
5. Secure with belt at low or high waist. Make sure snaps at shoulder are not pulled too tight by releasing the fabric over belt.
THE WRAP, WHY IT WORKS
When traveling to a new destination, even hot weather countries can have cooler morning temps. The wrap is a light, and stylish cover-up to keep you cozy until the sun is at full strength.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE WRAP
- For video instructions on how to make the Wrap, check our how-to-wear page here.
1. Undo all snaps and open up like a big loop.
2. Drape loop over neck, arm and shoulders like a shawl.
3. Grab fabric from one side of the loop.
4. Toss fabric over the opposite shoulder. Adjust fabric accordingly. No snaps required!
THE COCOON CARDI, WHY IT WORKS
Similar to the Wrap, wear the Cardi in the mornings while you wait for it to heat up or at night when it’s cooling down. Pair with a tank or layer over a dress to keep yourself cozy while still showing off your outfit underneath.
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- ▼ Open for Instructions
HOW TO WEAR THE COCOON CARDI
- For video instructions on how to make the Cocoon Cardi, check our how-to-wear page here.
1. Undo all snaps and hold from the top edge with the 4 snaps facing up. Place onto a flat surface with seam in the centre as the top layer.
2. Take female snap (F1) found a few inches above the tag and connect it to male snap (M3) found at the bottom underside of the loop.
3. Grab from the top edge and drape over your back and shoulders.
4. Reach back and pull your arms through. You may have to adjust fabric drape in the back.
Photos by Travel Fashion Girl, The Sweetest Way, Anna with Love, Hitha on the Go, and Hippie in Heels. Contact us for permissions/rights to re-use or repost images.
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