Roundup: Wedding Boleros

These are not 2004's coverup

Parker J. Pfister via East Side Bride 

Q: Hi there!

I just saw your post on wedding veils that really don’t suck and I’m wondering if you can do a similar post on wedding boleros! While my church isn’t requiring that I wear one, growing up in Catholic schools has left me feeling a little awkward about walking into church in a strapless dress. My dress is being custom made (by Mom!) so I have some flexibility, but we’re having a hard time finding inspiration. I hate the look of a shawl and every bolero I’ve seen is hideous.

Much appreciated!

Love,
Christy

A: Dear Christy,

Once upon a time, way back in 2004–2005, you couldn’t get out of bed without bumping into someone wearing a bolero. The reason you can’t find a bolero you like now? They just aren’t on trend at the moment (see previous comment about 2004). Which means that the stuff that is available, well, it ain’t cute. In fact, I tried to back out of this roundup on that very principle, but then Meg showed me the picture from Christine & Michael’s wedding above, and the score quickly became Meg 1; Maddie 0. In my efforts to find a non-cheesy bolero, I discovered that the key to weeding out the really stunning stuff from the crap is to expand your definition of what a wedding coverup looks like, and more importantly, what it’s called. The majority of wedding coverups share mostly the same basic structure. A bolero by any other name will still cover your shoulders enough to make you feel church appropriate. So if you hate shawls and don’t like any of the boleros you’ve seen, then don’t wear one of those! Instead, try searching for shrugs, capelets, cropped jackets, or any one of the totally awesome things I’ve found for you below. You and I both know I’m secretly pulling for feathers, or at the very least, that bombshell capelet from BHLDN.

1. Jenny Packham Santorini Feather Bridal Wrap (£546) 2. Ostrich Feather Shrug Jacket by The Wedding Dresser via Etsy ($895) 3. Pissarro Nights Beaded Overlayer ($78) 4. BHLDN Trickling Capelet ($140) 5. Heloise Lace Top by Leanimal via Etsy ($225) 6. Milly Perforated Neoprene Cropped Bolero ($195) 7. Pissarro Nights Beaded Lace Shawl ($78) 8. White Vintage Lace Caplet by dahlnyc via Etsy 9. Party of the Year Sequined Bolero from Ruche ($69.50) 10. Ann Taylor Angora Blend Shrug ($95) 11. Montaigne Beaded Capelet from Ruche ($98.99) 12. Joan Rivers 3/4 Sleeve Sequin Shrug from QVC ($59.75)

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