The Best Bridal Boleros to Boost Your Wedding Look

These chic bridal boleros are nothing to shrug at.
Open front and back long sleeve feather bolero
Elle Cashin headshot
by
Elle Cashin
Elle Cashin headshot
Elle Cashin
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Elle writes for The Knot online with a focus on fashion, covering gown design trends and shoppable accessories.
  • Elle is a contributor to wedding publications across the country, including Brides, The New York Times Vows and Modern Luxury Weddings.
  • Prior to shifting to weddings, Elle covered lifestyle, culture and celebrity across Chicago as the editor of the Chicago Tribune’s SPLASH magazine, where she interviewed cele...
Updated Jan 08, 2023
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Once you've found your dream wedding dress, it's time to consider your accessories. There are countless reasons you might need a coverup: You've fallen in love with a strapless or sleeveless dress but you're getting married at a house of worship that requires covered shoulders. Or maybe you're having an outdoor ceremony on the cusp of the seasons changing, and are worried there may be a chill in the air. Whatever the reason for a coverup or topper, a wedding bolero jacket is a perfect pick.

Lace bolero wedding jackets add a sophisticated touch to classic gowns; fur or faux fur shrugs add warmth and drama; knit boleros or crochet bolero shrugs can be more casual for boho brides. There are also beaded, tulle, and sheer (oh my!) bolero wedding options. Note that the term is often used interchangeably with "shrug," so try a variety of search options—wedding dress bolero, bolero shrug, bolero shrug sweater, bridal bolero jacket, are all good places to start. Or, simply keep scrolling to check out our list of 20 top picks for a bridal bolero.

What is a wedding bolero jacket?

There are three major qualifications that set a bridal bolero jacket apart from other types of bridal jackets, wraps, wedding capes and toppers.

  • A bridal bolero covers the shoulders.

  • Bridal shrugs and boleros always have arm holes. This differentiates it from a simple wrap or shawl.

  • Bolero jackets are a cropped length, usually hitting just below the bust but occasionally slightly longer or shorter.

  • A bolero jacket is typically open at the front. But, this final qualification is more flexible; some bridal boleros have an optional closure, or extend straight across the neckline.

The Best Bridal Boleros and Shrugs for Your Wedding Dress

Bubish Berlin Bolero in White

White feather bolero

The epitome of winter wedding chic, this bolero shrug is perfect over a wedding dress. Made from dyed ostrich feathers and lined with satin, it's fresh and flirty and adds just the right amount of drama to your wedding day attire. We love it over a bridal jumpsuit, as well, for a fashion-forward look. Psst, it also comes in blush for a pop of subtle color.

Alex Perry Parker Strong-Shoulder Double-Breasted Crop Blazer in White

White double breasted cropped blazer

For a tailored take on a bridal bolero, opt for a cropped blazer. This double breasted long sleeve one by Alex Perry can be worn open or closed and has ultra-modern peaked shoulders, peak lapels and button cuffs. The Australian designer is known for his structural yet feminine designs, and his line of wedding gowns reflects that as well.

Bridal Separates Long Sleeves Bridal Bolero

Lace and layered tulle bolero

Amp up the romance on your bridal look with this lace wedding bolero, a beautifully handmade piece by a Vietnam-based Etsy seller. It has a little bit of everything: modern structural shoulders crafted from layers of tulle and traditional long sleeve lace. Secure the clasps to add a high-neck to your gown.

Unreal Fur Faux Fur Tirage Cropped Jacket

Long sleeve faux fur cropped bolero

A perfect cropped bolero shrug that can be worn over your wedding gown, this faux fur piece has a rounded collar and hook-and-eye closures at the front. We love it over something embellished—sequins, beading, fringe—to contrast textures and go all in on glamour.

Favorite Daughter The Layla Shrug

Cream lightweight ribbed knit bolero

While many bridal boleros scream winter wedding, this more casual version by Favorite Daughter adds coverage to spring and summer wedding looks. A lightweight ribbed knit, it's breezier than a fur shrug and perfect for a more laid back wedding dress.

Lulus Live for Luxe Ivory Cropped Faux Fur Jacket

Cropped faux fur quilted bolero

Just picture it: snow settling on your shoulders as you lean in for a newlywed kiss. A faux fur wedding bolero jacket completes the pretty picture. We love this one from Lulus; its cropped hem and linear seams would beautifully complement a full ballgown skirt. Plus, it's a piece you can rewear after the wedding with any wintry ensemble (hello holidays!).

Tulip Bridal Ivory 3/4 Sleeve Bridal Dot Lace Wedding Bolero Jacket

3/4 sleeve lace bolero

A three-quarter sleeve lace bolero jacket, this is the ideal accompaniment to a strapless or V-neck gown for a church ceremony that requires a little more coverage. The dotted lace sleeves and eyelash lace trim are modern updates to an ultra classic look.

Bridal Coat Shop Wedding Cashmere Jacket

Open-front long sleeve wool bolero

This open-front wool bolero—by a star Etsy creator—is actually a coat, perfect to be worn for outdoor photos and getting to and from the wedding, then removed before you walk down the aisle. Its bolero silhouette and curved cropped hem complement almost any style gown.

Cult Gaia Audrey Jacket in Off White

Open front and back long sleeve feather bolero

By definition, boleros typically have an open front—well, this piece also has an open back. Statement-making ostrich feather long sleeves are tied with elegant ribbons at the neck to add a touch of glam to sleek, minimalist wedding gowns (we love it over a slip dress wedding gown, and styled with chandelier earrings). If you're still looking for that "something blue," the piece is also available in an icy blue hue.

JJ's House Organza Wedding Shawl

Half sleeve organza bolero

If you're looking for barely there cover, this wedding shawl is a great option. From the back this wrap looks like a classic shawl, but weave your arms through to give it a chic half-sleeve bolero-style front. The ivory organza is an oh-so-bridal fabric that will complement almost any gown.

Edikted Crochet Shrug Sweater in Cream

Crochet cropped long sleeve shrug bolero

Boho and beach brides, this one's for you. Throw a casual crochet knit shrug sweater over your satin slip dress to combat the windy chill off the water as you say "I do," then remove it as you heat up dancing the night away.

Zeagoo Women's 3/4 Sleeve Bolero Shrug

Floral lace long sleeve bolero

Amazon offers a treasure trove of uber-affordable bridal accessories—perfect if you don't want to splurge on something you'll only wear for part of the day. This floral bridal lace shrug has three-quarter length sleeves and an open front.

DIDU Faux Fur Trim Wool Blend Bolero

Long sleeve bolero with faux fur collar

Dramatic flared cuffs set this long sleeve bolero apart, not to mention the long curly faux fur along the trim. The bolero cardigan is made of super soft wool and, with its fun details, is a playful addition to your wedding look. Plus, you can wear it again and again for special occasions after the wedding.

White Fashion Bridal Cover Up

Elbow length knit bolero with scalloped trim

A lightweight knit wedding dress bolero made from a mixture of kid mohair and yarn, this romantic piece has scalloped edges and elbow-length sleeves. We especially love the way it frames the front of your bridal look—try it over strapless or spaghetti strap styles. And, it's available in cream or bright white to best match your gown.

Amsale P374 Long Sleeve Bolero

Long sleeve tulle navy bolero with lace floral pattern

For something truly unique, opt for an unexpected navy tulle bolero, adorned with sequin embroidery in the formation of blossoming flowers. This piece is also a great pick to top mother of the bride gowns or bridesmaids dresses, but we love the bold and pretty statement it makes over a white dress.

Nordeen Byrony Sweater

Cropped long sleeve cream turtleneck bolero

Launched during the pandemic with a specific eye toward outdoor weddings, bridal brand Nordeen specializes in coats, sweaters and shrugs that complement wedding gowns. We love this cropped long sleeve turtleneck shrug sweater, and the way its ivory hue plays off bright white.

David's Bridal Long Sleeve Tulle Shrug

Long sleeve tulle bolero

Looking for a simple topper that won't compete with your gown? This tulle bridal bolero shrug fits the bill: clean tulle in the front and a pretty pleated detail at the back. Try it over an embellished gown to balance the look, or pair it with something sleek and add bold jewelry.

Wedding Separates Bridal Bolero Top

Long sleeve crepe bolero lined in satin

If your aesthetic is sleek and chic, this is the bolero for you. Crepe is a popular and stunning wedding gown fabric, and here is the perfect topper for gowns made from it. Keep the look uniform by adding this short crepe bolero—lined in comfortable stretch satin—with long sleeves and a chic split back.

Lulus Twice the Love Cream Ribbed Knit Tube Top and Shrug Set

Ribbed long sleeve knit shrug and strapless knit top

This two-for-one set will take you well past the wedding day. But, for your big day, scrap the tube top and don this cozy ribbed knit shrug. It features balloon sleeves and fitted cuffs—over your wedding dress for a little added warmth.

Lula Bridal Couture Bridal Satin Bolero Top

High neck cap sleeve satin bolero

On the hunt for attire with a more regal vibe? We're getting royal wedding vibes from this short-sleeve satin wedding bolero. Its high neck adds sophistication and beautifully frames, say, a bold diamond necklace.

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