A crochet shrug is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Lightweight, handcrafted, and effortlessly bohemian — it works over a bikini on the beach just as well as it does over a dress at dinner. The problem most people have isn't finding a shrug they love; it's figuring out exactly how to style it.
Here are five ways to wear a crochet shrug that actually work.
1. Over a Bikini or Swimsuit (Beach & Resort)
This is the most natural home for a crochet shrug — and the most overlooked. Instead of throwing on a sarong or plain cover-up, layer a shrug directly over your swimsuit. The open weave of crochet lets your skin breathe while giving you just enough coverage to walk from the beach to a café without feeling underdressed.
Pair it with high-waist bikini bottoms and a woven tote. Flat sandals keep it casual; strappy heels make it evening-ready. Our Seville Crochet Shrug in Pink or Green works especially well for this — the open pattern catches the light beautifully against tanned skin.
2. With a Slip Dress or Midi Dress
A crochet shrug layered over a slip dress creates instant texture contrast — the softness of the fabric against the structure of crochet. Choose a shrug in a neutral (black or brown) so it works with multiple dresses in your wardrobe rather than being locked into one outfit.
The key is proportion: if your dress is fitted, an open-front shrug that skims the body looks cleaner than a cropped one. For midi or maxi lengths, let the shrug hang loose rather than tying or pinning it.
3. With Denim Shorts or Jeans (Everyday Casual)
Crochet shrugs aren't just for resort wear. Worn over a plain white or black crop top with high-waist denim shorts, a shrug adds personality to what would otherwise be a basic outfit. This is the easiest way to style one for everyday wear — the crochet does all the work and the rest of the outfit stays minimal.
Our Granada Crochet Shrug in Black or Brown works perfectly here — the earthy tones ground the look and pair with almost any denim wash.
4. As a Layering Piece for Evening
If you're going from day to evening and want something that reads slightly more dressed up than a cardigan, a crochet shrug is the answer. Layer it over a camisole or tube top, add wide-leg trousers and gold jewellery, and it immediately shifts into dinner-ready territory.
The trick here is to keep everything else clean and simple — the texture of crochet is the statement, so let it be. Avoid busy prints underneath; solids or subtle textures work best.
5. Over a Co-ord Set
One of the more unexpected combinations — but it works. A crochet shrug worn open over a matching co-ord set adds a third layer of texture without overwhelming the outfit. It also gives a co-ord set more versatility: remove the shrug for a streamlined two-piece look, or keep it on for extra coverage and dimension.
Choose a shrug in a colour that's either the same family as your co-ord or in a true neutral. Cream or black over printed sets tends to pop the most.
How to Care for Your Crochet Shrug
Because crochet is handcrafted and the weave is open, it needs slightly more care than regular knitwear. Always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent — machine washing can stretch the weave or break the yarn. Lay flat to dry rather than hanging, which can distort the shape. Store folded, not on a hanger.
Shop RUI Crochet Shrugs
All RUI shrugs are handcrafted in India using artisan crochet techniques. Each piece is made in small batches — the quality and consistency you'd never get from mass production.
- Seville Crochet Shrug — available in Black, Pink, Green, Blue & Grey
- Granada Crochet Shrug — available in Black, Brown & Blue
Browse the full RUI collection for more handcrafted resort and crochet wear.