Hey there everyone,
I really need some advice on what to wear with a black lacey shrug.  My mother gave it to me several years ago, and though it is beautiful and very intricate I haven’t worn it once because I have absolutely no idea what to pair it with.  It looks very delicate, but it is rather large and when you put it on it is surprisingly heavy.  My mother initially advised me to wear it for formal occassions, but I dont see why occassion should be an issue- it could be a very pretty everyday accessory if teamed with the right something.
Ideas, anyone?

My suggestion is that you use it the same way you would use a vest.  Additionally, I love to use pins on shrugs, right up front or crossing over the shrug and holding it with a pin....

Hope that helps.

A black lace shrug can be difficult to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe without appearing like grandma on her way to church.

Wearing it to an evening event as a shawl is probably the safest bet. If you do this, pair it with a solid yet bold colored dress with a fitted silhouette.

Depending upon the sheerness of the fabric and the size of the shrug, you may be able to also wear it as a strapless top for a night on the town. Just wrap, tie in the front and you are on your way.

@lulu2 I think that’s a really good idea! I hadn’t thought about using a pin in it as it is quite delicate, but now I’m thinking perhaps it would draw attention away from how encompassing the garment is.  I’ll give it a try for sure!

@mscarlajoy Haha, I understand exactly what you mean about looking like a granny- when I first tried it on I thought “How old does my mother think I am?!” But it has such a feminine shape and floral patten that I’ve found it growing on me.  I really like the idea of pairing it with a form-fitting dress; maybe in a bold or deep red?  Erm, wearing it as a top would be a little too risque (!), but that’s such a good idea for any other shrug!
It’s given me an idea, though- maybe tying it in the front and letting it slip down on the shoulders with a simple, thick-strapped top underneath and a black skirt or trousers? Perhaps then it would add a measure of sophistication to an otherwise plain outfit.

EDIT: I seem to have found an excellent combination in a forest green tank with a green plaid mini skirt, black leggings and boots, tied at the front as suggested.  It looks awesome, and the style of tying really seems to accentuate my (rather meagre) bust.  Thanks again, everyone!