subject: Your Guide To Shrugs And Cover-ups [print this page] Many fashionable tops and dresses, particularly those designed to be worn in the evening or in summer time, are strappy or strapless. While this can give a glamorous look day or night, a lot of women are uncomfortable revealing the tops of their arms. This particular body part is notoriously hard to tone up, but rather than resort to a life time of press ups and other arm exercises, there is an easy and stylish way to avoid this problem - simply add a shrug or cover up.
This guide will take you through the different options that are available and make recommendations for when to wear each.
Bolero jacket
A bolero jacket is a crop jacket which, rather than buttoning up down the front, simply meets edge to edge at the front. A bolero jacket gives a smart look that's perfect for a dressy occasion such as a wedding if you don't feel confident showing your upper arms off. With the changing British weather, it's always a good idea to take a jacket of some description to a wedding as then you are prepared for all eventualities.
Shawl
While for some, the word shawl conjures up an image of something knitted that an old lady might wear, today a wonderful selection of elegant special occasion shawls is available. They are just the thing to slip round your shoulders for that little bit more coverage and also to keep the chill off. Look out for glamorous shawls in sheer fabrics or with metallic embroidery or go for a pashmina. A pashmina is a wide scarf made of a super-soft blend of cashmere wool. They are available in a rainbow of different colours and the best quality ones can keep you very warm despite being light, making them ideal for all year round.
Crop cardigans & knitted shrugs
For a more casual cover up, try a crop cardigan. These can be long sleeved or short sleeved but finish at waist height or above so you can still show off what you're wearing underneath. A knitted shrug is very similar to a crop cardi but usually doesn't have any buttons or fastenings, although some may have one button that fastens over the bust. These cover up styles are perfect for everyday wear; try one over a camisole or vest as a light summer layer.
Evening shrug
Many shrugs are designed to be worn in the evening and are made of more glamorous fabrics. Some are made of lace or crochet material designed to reveal a suspicion of skin through the fabric, or sheer fabric for a demure yet sexy look. Metallic fabrics are also good for eveningwear and very versatile as gold or silver goes with everything. With a black or a metallic shrug in your wardrobe you'll find that many strappy evening gowns you never thought you'd be able to wear now become so flattering.
