As I was writing my outfit post earlier today, I got to thinking about shrugs. These sort of mini cardigans form a staple part of my wardrobe as I find their use to be so versatile.
Good old Wikipedia has this to say about them:
"A shrug or bolero jacket is an article of clothing, a sleeved sweater that covers the chest, shoulders and/or arms. It is usually worn by women. Generally, a shrug covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is more tailored than a shawl. It is shorter than a vest, covering a small portion of the upper body. When worn, some shrugs are tied together just below the breasts, while another style is cut-off at the sides, exposing the breasts. Shrugs are typically worn as the top layer of an outfit, with a full shirt or tank top beneath. It is typically called a shrug when it is a sweater or made of knitted material. Another name for this is bolero jacket. These are not knitted and are considered slightly more formal. They are simply short tailored jackets."
I don’t know who came up with the idea originally, or indeed whether they made an appearance in fashion history prior to the late 1990s, but I can remember the first time I saw one. I was in my university house watching Top of the Pops with my housemate and Whitney Houston came on singing ‘It’s Not Right, But It’s OK’. Her ensemble was all black – trousers, a strapless top and this odd looking little cardigan thing. All through the performance we were willing her to turn around so we could figure out just what she was wearing. A couple of weeks later I was on the bus home from the city centre when I spotted a billboard advertisement for Geri Halliwell’s first solo single ‘Look At Me’. She was lying on the floor sporting black trousers, a black tank and a pink shrug, an outfit that was to make a reappearance in part of the video for the song. Well, that was it. I was on a shopping mission to get one of these mini cardigans (I was only to learn later that they were called shrugs).
I think what attracted me to them initially, and indeed still attracts me to them today, is the versatility. You can cover up your shoulders and arms whilst wearing a strappy dress, cami, tank, or use it to layer over a long sleeve top or dress. It allows coverage and waist definition (a longer cardigan can often cover up and hide your waist if left un-buttoned and un-belted) without adding bulk, and makes strappy tops instantly work appropriate in the summer without adding a full extra layer. This is especially useful in warmer weather.
Whilst shrugs had their fashion moment back in 1998-99, I never stopped wearing them and in the last few years they have been enjoying something of resurgence. In fact, they have become somewhat a summer staple (the fact that they have an entry on Wikipedia is surely a testament to that) and are in plentiful supply in the shops at present. Finally the retail world has cottoned on to how useful such a piece can be and a shrug is now a perfectly respectable (fashion-wise) alternative to a cardi. I’ve said it before and I’ll stay it again: fashion follows me!
Good old Wikipedia has this to say about them:
"A shrug or bolero jacket is an article of clothing, a sleeved sweater that covers the chest, shoulders and/or arms. It is usually worn by women. Generally, a shrug covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is more tailored than a shawl. It is shorter than a vest, covering a small portion of the upper body. When worn, some shrugs are tied together just below the breasts, while another style is cut-off at the sides, exposing the breasts. Shrugs are typically worn as the top layer of an outfit, with a full shirt or tank top beneath. It is typically called a shrug when it is a sweater or made of knitted material. Another name for this is bolero jacket. These are not knitted and are considered slightly more formal. They are simply short tailored jackets."
I don’t know who came up with the idea originally, or indeed whether they made an appearance in fashion history prior to the late 1990s, but I can remember the first time I saw one. I was in my university house watching Top of the Pops with my housemate and Whitney Houston came on singing ‘It’s Not Right, But It’s OK’. Her ensemble was all black – trousers, a strapless top and this odd looking little cardigan thing. All through the performance we were willing her to turn around so we could figure out just what she was wearing. A couple of weeks later I was on the bus home from the city centre when I spotted a billboard advertisement for Geri Halliwell’s first solo single ‘Look At Me’. She was lying on the floor sporting black trousers, a black tank and a pink shrug, an outfit that was to make a reappearance in part of the video for the song. Well, that was it. I was on a shopping mission to get one of these mini cardigans (I was only to learn later that they were called shrugs).
I think what attracted me to them initially, and indeed still attracts me to them today, is the versatility. You can cover up your shoulders and arms whilst wearing a strappy dress, cami, tank, or use it to layer over a long sleeve top or dress. It allows coverage and waist definition (a longer cardigan can often cover up and hide your waist if left un-buttoned and un-belted) without adding bulk, and makes strappy tops instantly work appropriate in the summer without adding a full extra layer. This is especially useful in warmer weather.
Whilst shrugs had their fashion moment back in 1998-99, I never stopped wearing them and in the last few years they have been enjoying something of resurgence. In fact, they have become somewhat a summer staple (the fact that they have an entry on Wikipedia is surely a testament to that) and are in plentiful supply in the shops at present. Finally the retail world has cottoned on to how useful such a piece can be and a shrug is now a perfectly respectable (fashion-wise) alternative to a cardi. I’ve said it before and I’ll stay it again: fashion follows me!
Yup, I'm addicted to shrugs too - they can give you the warmth that I certainly need in our delightful climate without ruining the line of an outfit. But I find good ones difficult to find - some lose their shape very quickly, some sag at the back, some are too cut away displaying armpit folds to the world while others are too generous at the front and closer to bolero than shrug status.
ReplyDeleteGolly - I've just realised what minefield shrug-buying is for me!
I'm a shrug fan too. I sometimes suspect they are out of style, but wear them anyway!
ReplyDeleteI also find it very hard to get good quality shrug cardi's - Primark always have this style in but they are very rarely up to much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments ladies.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I guess I have just been lucky with my purchases - not one of them is a Tall one and they all fit me fine and haven't lost their shape at all.
Kasmira, who cares what is in style - the fact that it looks good is far more important as I'm sure you'll agree. Glad I'm not the only one who keeps wearing my shrugs year in, year out.
Boutique Girl, I know what you mean. Many things these days are made of such thin fabric. Most of my shrugs are old - either I've had them a long time or I bought them second hand so the quality is better than I suspect it would be if I bought a new one now.