7 Party-Perfect Shrugs and Cover-Ups to Wear With Your Sleeveless Dress This Holiday

One of my favorite lifelong adult pursuits and hobbies is finding creative ways to hide my upper arms. To that end, I spend a huge amount of time combing the Internet for pretty party dresses with sleeves as well as other tops, jackets, and sweaters—appropriate for every occasion and useful in any layering opportunity.

Holidays, formals, and other parties are some of the toughest challenges—so many gowns and cocktail dresses are either strapless or sleeveless. I think the key here is to find a great, festive cover-up—maybe a little sweater, a shrug, or even a fancy bolero—that doesn’t look like outerwear (so no one tries to coerce you into taking it off) and passably looks like part of your outfit (not like you’re obviously trying to cover up your arms).

Here are seven of my favorites this season. What do you think? Do you wear cover-ups and cardis with your sleeveless dresses? Tell us about your faves in the comments section!

My hands-down favorite cover-up of the season is this Pepperberry’s lurex-trim bolero, $70, which happens to be great for women who are more bosomy and are looking for a shrug that won’t flap open every time she moves:

One of the best places to look for dressier shrugs and cover-ups is bridal stores. Check out BHLDN’s beautiful “Trickling” capelet, left, $140, and “Gold Dust” topper, $180:

If you’re looking for a bit more structure and warmth with your dress, try Eileen Fisher’s merino wool jersey shrug, $198, which has a beautiful, neck-lengthening high, stand-up collar:

Lace will never go out of style—and it looks great over silks, satins, and, yes, other laces. Milly’s draped lace jacket, $195, is beautiful and flowing—but its silhouette has a vague tailored feel, which makes this topper oh so flattering:

For a pretty, classic little jacket that you’ll wear year after year, here’s Ann Taylor’s sequined jacket, $178, which hits right at the waistline (so slimming!):

For something super ethereal and fluttery that will look stunning over a simple slip dress or a body-skimming sleek shift, here’s a Harrison Morgan silk organza ruffled bolero, $300:

Are you a shrug wearer? I am only a recent convert. Tell us what you think, in the comments below!