Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Eve Dawes
Shrug sweater sets and shrug dresses are the layering piece I’m stocking up on this season + how to style them
Shrug sweaters, shrug dresses and shrug sweater sets are a coordinated alternative to cardigans for layering for Fall/Winter 2022-2023. Womens shrug sweater and dresses are a trend I jumped on last year and am sticking with this year. I remember wearing shrugs back in the 90’s for ballet class and these last couple of Fall and Winters they’ve been competing with my blazers and have taken over my closet for a cozier, more relaxed, less structured look.
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How to style shrug sweaters & dress sets
My favorite way to wear womens shrug sweaters is the 2 piece shrug sets either as a top and shrug or dress and shrug sweater set as they’re so coordinated. Plus bold colors, especially hot pink are one of the fashion trends for 2022/2023.
However, I’ve also been adding more neutral separate shrug sweaters as they’re easy to put in your purse and layer with when you need them. Women’s shrug sweaters were also popular in Y2K but the styling for 2022 & 2023 is more modern, sleek and understated.
How they were styled on the runway is a bit different to how we’re styling them in real life. Think shrugs layered over fitted tanks or leather dresses for an edgier look. As well as coordinating shrug sets whether that’s a shrug sweater set or a matching dress set.
Shrugs are such a versatile layering piece that can be worn to create a monochromatic look or be completely contrasting.
What is a shrug sweater?
A women’s shrug sweater is basically cropped, cardigan-like top with detachable sleeves. They can be connected or unconnected at the front and be one you put on like a cardigan or one that needs pulling over your head. It’s like a very cropped sweater that you need to wear something underneath of like a fitted tank, sweater dress or even a full evening dress.
Are shrugs and shrug sweater sets in style 2023
Shrugs are a runway fashion that works really well in real life. This new wave of the shrug trend kicked off at last years Fall fashion week with Dion Lee, Peter Do, Alexander McQueen and Sarah Burton.
Then it was seen going even stronger than ever at Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2022 with Givenchy, Paco Rabanne, Prabal Gurung and Chanel all showing iterations of it. Along with guests at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 like Eyes Rodger and Liya Kebede.
So it’s definitely not too late to jump on the shrug trend. Whether it’s with a shrug dress or layering with shrug sweaters and boleros.
Shop The Best Womens Shrug Sweaters and Shrug Sets
These shrug styles are the coziest, prettiest and most on trend pieces this season. Revolve has some of the most fashion forward styles starting at $26.
If you’re looking for one of the most versatile shrug sets, Rosie Assoulin thousand-in-one-ways sweater is iconic and sold out in most places but I hunted it down for you and it’s prettiest shade of bright pink.
Whats the difference between a shrug and a cardigan
They might seem similar but womens shrugs only cover your upper back, arms and shoulders versus cardigans which are longer, cover your entire back and are cut to cover more of the body. But yes, a shrug is basically a cropped cardigan with less coverage.
Whats the difference between a shrug and a bolero
Bolero’s tend to be dressier, more structured and sometimes longer than shrugs. Although Chanel had some stunning dressy shrug capes on their Spring Summer runway. Boleros tend to go better with cocktail dresses and gowns as it’s more of a cropped jacket versus a knit less structured shrug.
How to style shrugs and shrug sweater sets
Knit shrug sweaters and sweater sets are one of the best layering outfits for Fall/Winter. They’re also great for Spring/Summer in lighter materials so expect to see a lot more shrugs on here and on the street.
Normally shrugs are the top layer before a coat or instead of a coat, blazer or cardigan. They’re perfect for throwing in your bag as they take up less space than most other layering pieces and the sets are designed to be worn together and I love coordinated looks. Stylists recommend either:
matching exactly or contrasting entirely…create a coodinating set between tank and shrug or like fabrics, or clash a cable knit with a crisp white tee.
Coveteur
10 Shrug sweater outfit ideas
I’m styling my matching shrug sweater sets with:
- Jeans and tall boots.
- Over contrasting sweater dresses.
- With loungewear.
- With a tank top and joggers.
- With a matching bodysuit and joggers.
- Matching shrug sweater set styled with high waisted black leather pants.
- Mixing casual separates.
- As a shrug dress set in knit fabrics for this Fall and Winter with tall boots or over the knee boots for extra warmth.
- With leggings in the matching color for a cool, modern monochromatic, streamlined look. Spanx are great for this as they don’t have a center seam.
- With jumpsuits. This works with both fitted, casual styles or dressy jumpsuits with a sparkly shrug for the holidays and going out.
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