Choosing Shrugs and Boleros for an Evening Out

1. Choosing Shrugs and Boleros for an Evening Out

2. Shrugs and boleros have one thing in common - they are matched with and worn over another dress or outfit and not as standalone garments. Apart from this facet, there are several differences between the two even though both are available in casual styles or the more elaborate top quality evening shrugs and boleros. A shrug is a cropped cardigan-like outer garment that is generally knitted or in lace so that the stylish dress below is visible. While it covers a greater area of the body than the usual vest, a shrug is not as casual as a shawl that is draped over the body and shoulders. Shrugs are available in short or long sleeves and hence you can match it correspondingly with a short or long-sleeved dress. They usually stop just below the bust-line and are ideal to be worn over a tank top, dress, a full shirt, or any other outfit.

3. While shrugs have a casual look, a bolero, also called a bolero jacket, is a more formal garment even though it is like a shrug worn over a dress or outfit. Boleros are essentially a short tailored jacket made of stiffer fabric with the sides meeting at one point and somewhat resembles a matador’s chaquetilla. Bolero jackets were a rage in the early 1950s as a perfect complement for swinging petticoats and flowery summer dresses. However, they dropped out of sight in the mid-90 only to reemerge in the 2000s and become a rage in women’s fashion.

4. Both shrugs and boleros are all-weather all-occasion wear. The ones made of lace or light materials are ideal as a summer accessory and increases the glam quotient. In winter, heavier ones are perfect to keep out the chill. Additionally, shrugs and boleros can be worn on any occasion. The printed and wispy shrugs are right for fun-times with friends and family while the more elaborate and classic evening shrugs and boleros are good for a formal party or a fine dining experience.

5. While shrugs, especially the casual ones are not expensive, a top-of-the-line bolero jacket can cost you around a few hundred dollars. Evening shrugs and boleroscan be had in elaborate designs and styles in silk or brocade. You can choose to buy them in full fine embroidered designs or embedded with beads and crystals. Shrugs too can be similarly bought but they have a more laid-back look. There is another side of evening shrugs and bolerosthat is very useful apart from the dressing-up factor. It is ideal for heavy women to hide the extra body fat. A bolero jacket made of thick material will fall well over the body to cover the mid-riff. Similarly, a long-sleeved shrug or bolero will cover the upper arms and hide the fat that generally accumulates around this area. Overall, evening shrugs and bolerosare fashion wear that you cannot ignore.