Shopping for a Women's Shrug
The shrug is a popular fall and spring item for both those into high fashion and simple street wear. Shrugs closely resemble the ubiquitous cardigan, but they are cropped and can have either short or long sleeves. Shrugs are almost always worn as a layering item, and are usually the outermost layer above a shirt or tank top. The term shrug is sometimes used interchangeably with a bolero, which is generally more formal than a shrug.
Shrugs are popular in both high fashion and ready to wear lines, meaning that you can find them at a range of price points. SSENSE, a high end Canadian online retailer with a distinguishable young edge, sells the Huston Embellished Shrug, which has long bell sleeves and is made of a silk chiffon with combination pearl, crystal and paillette embellishments. The shrug has hook and eye closures, a short V neck and a cutaway hem. You can buy the sheer shrug from SSENSE for $880. Luckily, there's no need to spend hundreds on your next shrug.
Calvin Klein sells a great affordable shrug in the Linen Blend Circle Shrug, which retails for $69 but now sells for $55.
The Circle Shrug has circular rib detailing, a ribbed shawl collar, elbow length sleeves and a mostly sheer body. The draped shrug is made of a 55% linen and 45% viscose blend and comes only in black.
You can also find a fairly affordable black shrug at Betsey Johnson, which sells the Sequin Flower Shrug from $148. This shrug is made of 100% nylon and is best worn over a vintage dress. The shrug has short sleeves, an open front with sequin flower embroidery and a short 13 inch length.
Still, you may have a lot more fun trying out some of the higher end shrugs. The Matthew Williamson Beaded Rabbit Shrug numbers among the coolest. This shrug has a black rabbit fur lining and black leather trim with gold and gunmetal detailing and beading at the shoulder. The shrug also has feather print satin lining and diamante embellished hook clasps down the front. The Matthew Williamson shrug retails for $2,250 and can be purchased at Net A Porter, which suggests you wear it with a jewel ton gown and gold jewelry.
For a simpler sheer shrug, consider the Missoni Black and Silver Lurex Wrap Ties Shrug, which is made of a 64% viscose, 23% cupro and 13% polyester blend. This one has an ultra low V Neck, a loose knit transparent body and very long slim sleeves. StyleBop, which sells the Missoni for 30% off at $515, suggests you wear it with a simple slim dress.
Lastly, for an over the top look that's sure to draw eyes, grab the Vince Fur Shrug from Bloomingdale's, which is lined with genuine coyote fur and has side slit pockets, an open silhouette and cropped sleeves.
