A bolero is a waist-length, colorful jacket that is open in the front and decorated with borders and long sleeves. The jacket's original form is most recognizable as the jacket worn by matadors during bullfights. The bolero a toreador wears is a short, sleeveless, often stiff jacket covering the shoulders but exposing the arms for greater flexibility.

However, this jacket made its way into women's fashion and can now be worn in many fabrics, colors, and fashion trends to suit any occasion and style.

Women's bolero jackets, also called shrugs occasionally, are fantastic additions to your wardrobe that can help you make a beautiful impression at any event or even for a casual outing. With their unique designs, they are infinitely versatile. You can pair boleros with a formal gown, a bridal gown, ball gowns, jumpsuits, dresses, jeans, and short-sleeved tops.

The best feature of wearing boleros is their front open jackets, so you don't feel restricted. They can cover your arms or shoulders, perfect for accentuating, showing less skin, or staving off a chill for those that get cold quickly.

Shrug or Bolero? What's the difference?

Since a shrug and a bolero are often similar articles of clothing that cover the shoulders and can serve as outerwear, it's easy to mistake them. There are some differences.

• A shrug is often created from knit or crochet materials. A bolero is frequently crafted from silk, lace, chiffon, fur, or other delicate fabrics and can often be tailor-made for evening wear.
• A shrug typically features long sleeves, like a cropped cardigan or sweater that connects or ties at the neck. Traditional boleros are sleeveless, but modern and contemporary designs can include short sleeves or long ones.
• Shrugs are considered more casual, while bolero jackets are acceptable as semi-formal and formal.

How Do You Style a Bolero?

The Cocktail Dress

The bolero jacket is perfectly paired with your favorite little black cocktail dress or any color or style of cocktail dress of choice. If your cocktail dress has delicate straps or you have a slight chill or cold shoulders, a bolero will help keep the cold at bay. If you aren't feeling showing your arms or shoulders but want to wear the cocktail gown comfortably, reach for that bolero. A bolero jacket won't detract from your gorgeous dress and can cover your shoulders, back, and arms.

There's no reason to say no to thin-straps or strapless dresses because you like to cover your shoulders when you add a bolero.

A fantastic visual example of how well these jackets pair with a cocktail dress, feel free to take a look at our dress in style L1228, a strappy fitted with a bolero jacket.

From Athleisure to Sophistication

Do you love wearing a traditional tank top but think you couldn't pull off a semi-formal look? A bolero can turn any tank outfit into a sophisticated look within seconds. Pair a bolero jacket with your favorite tank and skirt, slacks, jeans, a delicate chain necklace, and statement earrings, and you're ready for a night out. For a more casual vibe that still looks pulled together, jeans or jean shorts, strappy sandals, and hit the grocery store looking fabulous.

Beach Babe

Are you heading to the shore or your favorite beach this weekend? If you plan on wearing your favorite floral maxi dress but don't want to leave your shoulders or arms bare to the sun, grab a bolero and go! A solid-color bolero looks best when paired with a patterned or floral maxi, and if your maxi is loose-fitting, the bolero will help you flatter your curves.

Office Perfect

Do you work in an office that requires smart-casual or business-casual attire? A structured bolero will easily complement nearly everything in your work wardrobe. As you probably know, having the ability to adjust the temperature in the office with other employees isn't something that generally happens. Add a simple black bolero to your outfits when constantly shivering while trying to work at your desk. They easily pair with office staples such as skirts, button-down shirts, blouses, and slacks. The color of the bolero should complement the outfit you're wearing, and be careful about specific colors and patterns so that they fall within your office's attire guidelines.

Sleeveless Evening Dress Accessory

You have your gorgeous evening dress for a thrilling celebration or event. Whether that event is outside or inside, you can flawlessly pair a formal bolero with your strapless or sleeveless evening gown. You can choose ultra-glam by wearing sequins or beaded bolero, bold colors, or gorgeous lacey ones. Formal bolero jackets are ideal for dressing up for date night, a formal wedding, professional gatherings—or even your wedding!

Bridal gowns often come with beautiful boleros that match dream-worthy wedding gowns.

Casual Chic

Regardless of our age, nearly everyone has and loves a graphic tee in their weekly wardrobe. They can express opinions, thoughts, and hilarious sayings and spread awareness about topics you are passionate about. Whether you want the message on your shirt to stand out or your outfit to make a head-turning statement, consider pairing your favorite graphic tee with a bolero. Unlike regular jackets and sweaters, boleros remain open at the front, allowing you to show off your t-shirt.

When you want to unleash your inner fashionista, a bolero is an excellent means of updating and changing your outfit looks with just one additional piece. Boleros designs range from formal, semi-formal, and business casual to cozy chic and can be integrated into any of your favorite ensembles. Make any dress look more elevated and luxurious with a bolero jacket.

At Rachel Allan, we love everything about what we do—from dress design to the latest trends to how to style everything and anything. Our passion is ensuring you always look good and feel great too! If you're looking for the perfect garment from us, please use our store locator to find your fantastic dress today.