Shrug It Off

Around this time last year, I wrote an article about cardigan sweaters. Like cardigans, shrugs are also perfect for layering over almost anything and would look great at the dinner table on Thanksgiving. If you're wondering what a shrug is, it's a type of sweater or jacket that's short, snug, and open in the front. They look best layered over tank tops, camisoles, tube tops, and strapless or sleeveless dresses. Perhaps shrugs can be compared to the cropped cardigan, except that shrugs don't button like cardigans usually do. Take a look at the cute little shrugs I found below to get some ideas.

Front Cross Shrug Top, $29.99, available in sizes Medium and Large, babyphat.com

DKNYC Shrug with Rosettes, $39.50, shown in raddish; available in black, sizes Small-X Large, bloomingdales.com

Ruched Knit Shrug, $22.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Lace Shrug, $18.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Beaded Shrug, $21.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Ruffle Sequin Shrug, $10.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Velvet Shrug, $28.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Cropped Faux Fur Shrug, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Feather Print Knit Shrug, $19.80, available in sizes Medium and Large, forever21.com

Long Sleeve Sweater Shrug, $17.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Metallic Satin Shrug, $24.80, available in sizes Small and Medium, forever21.com

Ruffled Satin Shrug, $10.50, shown in purple; also available in black and silver, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Sequin Trim Sweater Shrug, $24.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Spangled Shrug, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Sparkle Pointelle Sweater Shrug, $19.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Layered Pleated Woven Shirt, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Elastic Cuffs Sweater Shrug, $14.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Femme For DKNY Sweater Cacoon Shrug, $59.00, available in sizes XS-L, macys.com

Piper & Blue Junior's Slub Wrap Shrug, $6.00, shown in cappuccino; also available in jet black, wild orchid, and white chocolate, sizes Small-Extra large, kmart.com

Mock Shrug Top, $14.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Pyramid Shrug, $13.99, available in sizes M and L, mandee.com

Crop Shrug Cardigan, $14.99, shown in hematite; also available in white, sizes S-L, mandee.com

Pointelle Cap Sleeve Shrug, $7.20, shown in white; also available in black, sizes M and L, mandee.com

Style Species Shrug, $54.99, available in sizes S-XL, modcloth.com

City Style Cotton Shrug, $32.36,shown in glorious horizon; available in landing green, meticulous teal, cooling cranberry, and social red, sizes XS-XL, nyandcompany.com

City Triangles 3/4 Sleeve Jersey Shrug, $24.99, available in sizes Small and Large, sears.com

Vintage 1955 Layered Solid Top With Shrug, $14.99, shown in red; also available in black, sizes Small-Extra large, sears.com

Vintage 1955 Layered Stripe Top with Shrug, $14.99, shown in black; also available in red and yellow, sizes Small-Extra large, sears.com

Kimichi Blue Double Knit Shrug, $19.99, shown in black; also available in ravenscourt, sizes medium and large, urbanoutfitters.com

Embellish Military Shrug, $22.50, available in sizes XS-L, wetseal.com

Faux Fur Shrug, $34.50, available in sizes S-XL, wetseal.com

Marled Sweater Shrug, $19.50,shown in teal; also available in black, sizes S-L (teal not available in S), wetseal.com

Pointelle Crop Shrug, $13.99, shown in purple; also available in ivory, sizes S and M, wetseal.com

Solid Mini Shrug, $12.50, available in sizes XS-L, wetseal.com

For a great fall look, wear your shrug with a 2fer tank dress, some denim leggings, a cuff bracelet, and a pair of slouch boots. For a nice casual look, wear your shrug with a pair of ripped jeans, a tank top, and some sneakers. For a day at school, you can pair your shrug with a camisole, a faux denim mini skirt, tights, a bib necklace, and some over-the-knee boots. For Thanksgiving dinner with the family, pair a shrug with a sleeveless tunic, some jeggings, a beret, and a pair of ballet flats. For a holiday party, wear a shrug with a strapless tier dress, some high-heeled shoes, a bow necklace, chandelier earrings, a flower headband, and a sequin handbag. For hitting up clubs, pair your shrug with a tube top, some skinny jeans, hoop earrings, bangle bracelets, a fringe handbag, a feather headband, and bandage shoes. Tell me if you have any more ideas on how to wear a shrug.