fashion

Like the look of wedding dresses with sleeves but don’t want to fully commit? A stylish bridal shrug just might be the perfect compromise. You can still wear a strapless gown, but you have the option to cover up if necessary. For instance, you might want a more modest appearance for your religious ceremony, and then you can toss the shrug aside when it’s time to hit the dance floor. Also, depending on the time of year, you might need something to keep the chill off your shoulders — a shrug lets you stay fashionable while fighting off a frosty breeze! Lastly, shrugs are a great way to get the most mileage out of your wedding dress. You really do get two dresses in one! Here are three trends to consider when shopping for your ideal shrug.

1. One-shoulder. An elegant asymmetrical wrap can make even the simplest wedding dress look glamorous — sometimes having one shoulder covered is better than two!

2. Lace. You can’t go wrong with lace when it comes to wedding fashion. A frilly and feminine lace bolero would be perfectly suited to a vintage-inspired celebration.

3. Illusion. Illusion necklines are extremely fashionable at the moment, and we love the idea of an unadorned shrug paired with a more elaborate gown.

Images: Monique Lhuillier; Watters; Paloma Blanca.