Bolero style cardigans - In or out?

[Valsoldknickers]

Usual story - I like to keep my arms covered but am just wondering if these cardigans are still in or are they out of fashion? I'm thinking of something along the lines of the 'Carrie' one from Hobbs as shown here.

If they're an S&B no no what is an acceptable alternative please? Looking forward to your opinions, thank you!

they're a pretty classical item aren't they? not in or out

I'd say definite classic. Kimono style cover ups are more "in". But you can't go wrong with a bolero really. I love them.

M and Co do a decent lookie likey for £15

I think it doesn't matter if in or out, if suits you then get one

Out. Frumpy.

I didn't know they'd ever been "in". But what do I know.

In my absolute honest opinion, they've never been 'in'. They are frumpsville.

I would say frumpy.

Frumpy to the max

Have a look at kimonos in new look- but what's underneath needs to be quite slim in silhouette to avoid looking big all over IYSWIM

frumpy to people who have no idea really its fine

If they're being sold in Hobbs and Primark then they're "in".

Ones with a squared off edge seem to be more 'in' at the moment if you're more into fashion.

But if you like that and it suits you, then why not. It is classic IMO.

just had a look at New Look kimonos

My eyes

How anyone can say these are not frumpy is beyond me!

I can safely say I'd look a lot frumpier in the New Look kimonos than my collection of cropped cardis. I prefer slightly squarer one (so more like a short cardigan shape) but don't think they look frumpy.

A bolero is an entirely different beast to a cropped cardi. The latter is just about acceptable

AbsoluteGonk - did you mean to say "If they're being sold in Hobbs and Primark they're in ??!!"

In - for my mum who's 68 and likes to cover her bingo wings, deffo out for me mid 40's x

what about a neat fitted cardigan a bit bigger than the bolero? The kimonos are a bit flappy to wear all day imo.

I've never been a fan ...... They crop you in the widest part of the body (which tends to be even wider than we'd like if we're looking to cover arms).
So I'd be more interested in whether I thought it suited / flattered me, than it being "in" or not.

Alternatives ..... Kimono, wrap, cardigan, denim jacket, blazer, sheer / Jersey sleeves .... Depending on style of rest of outfit.

If if "in" and that's what you're fussed about, bolero still doesn't "go" with every style / outfit.

I have two cropped jeans jacket style jackets in very fine babycord. One is baby pink and the other is a slightly off yellow. They are amazingly flattering and do the cover up thing to perfection. I got them from Isabel Marant but have had similar in the past from Paul Smith (an amazing red one).

I think the trouble with boleros is that they only get worn as a cover up so they're forever associated with wobbly arms rather than with style. I prefer a standard cropped cardi or denim jacket. I also have a leather bikerish jacket that works pretty well and with some dresses, a long sleeved T worn underneath does the trick.

Kimonos are having a fashion moment but they just remind me of the oversize-linen-shirt-worn-as-a-jacket look, only in polyester. Although I do keep meaning to try one with a belt.

Sometimes I don't think any cover up looks right and you're better off either holding your nerve and going bare armed or wearing somethig else. I've recently decided not to buy any more sleeveless or short sleeve things. Don't know if I'll stick to it but that's the plan!

For balance, I like boleros and I do not wear them to cover up flabby arms, I wear them because I tend to feel the cold even when everyone else is in shorts and vests!
And a kimono would not look good over a dress with a flared skirt so for this reason I think boleros and cropped cardis are great.

Just no, IMO. To me, they scream "covering up my arms at a wedding." And are often seen teamed with an unflattering patterned maxi dress.
They're especially bad when they involve some sort of sparkle.
If it's cold, wear an ordinary jacket or lightweight shirt instead? Miss Selfridge (i know, I was surprised) have some gorgeous jersey blazers in at the moment in lots of colours. I find the sizing comes up small across the shoulders though.

Also, as a pp has mentioned, boleros are usually horribly unflattering unless you're very slim and small of bust.

They cut you off at an odd point halfway down the body - making the waist seem bigger than it actually is - and also usually look strained if fastened over big boobs. If unfastened, they just sort of hang there next to said big boobs, making them look even bigger.

Me and your mum would get on well blonde moment. I have loads.