On Wednesday, actress Millie Bobby Brown stepped out to attend the 2026 Netflix Upfront in New York City. Perhaps unknowingly, the Stranger Things star struck fear within every chronically online millennial - making a case for the bolero during her East Coast outing.
The 22-year-old paired the cropped, trench-style piece in beige with a white corseted skirt set by Georges Hobeika, which debuted just a day after Demi Moore attended the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival sporting a custom Jacquemus ensemble starring, you guessed it, a bolero.
Demi’s voluminous white option was coolly layered over a strapless, sequinned gown featuring a peplum silhouette - two millennial hallmarks for the price of one.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesAccording to Hollywood, it’s official. The controversial bolero is officially back on the scene. Existing alongside Isabel Marant wedged sneakers and platform heels, the garment exists as a relic of 2000s nostalgia. Trimmed just below the underarms with a buttonless finish, the silhouette was housed in the wardrobes of cool-girls across the nation back in the day, spanning Ashley Tisdale to Nicky Hilton.
Sequinned options, recently rehashed by influencer Sydney Carlson, were beloved by the American style set (most of whom enjoyed illustrious careers courtesy of Disney during their teens), while pared-back alternatives made waves on British turf. How could we possibly forget Kate Moss’ floral-flecked, grunge-inspired options crafted in collaboration with Topshop circa 2007?
© Getty ImagesThe style also gained the royal seal of approval. Back in November 1989, the late Princess Diana slipped into a white beaded bolero by Catherine Walker when gracing the gala opening of a cultural centre in Hong Kong. Likewise, a young Princess Eugenie reached for a wholly Y2K rendition when celebrating Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday at the Savoy in 2001, finished with flutter sleeves and tie-knot detailing.
Bolero sceptics, never fear. Since the divisive Aughts, the item has received a designer makeover. For autumn/winter 2026, Annie’s Ibiza championed Rococo beaded boleros boasting fringed trims that paid homage to the intricacy of 17th-century French wall tapestries.
© Annie's Ibiza
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeThe same season, Dolce & Gabbana tapped into gothic decadence, turning out thoroughly 90s silhouettes trimmed with lace across the neckline and three-quarter length cuffs. A year earlier, Alaïa debuted sculptural options in shades of burgundy, cream and black - curving at the breastplate and spanning technical knitted textures to buttery soft leathers.
In short, the style set is rallying behind bolero supremacy this season - and it may be time to take their lead. Shop our favourite styles below.
Boleros to shop in 2026:
Cropped Cashmere-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Alaïa
Pictured above and hailing from the brand's autumn/winter 2025 runway collection, Alaïa's is a highly luxurious investment piece. Knitted from a petal soft cashmere blend, the cropped number pairs beautifully with the Pieter Mulier's matching dynamic tiered spiral skirt in cream.
Puff-Sleeve Cropped Top
Chloé
Chloé's floral-print cropped blouse is a romantic, high-end piece cut from crisp cotton poplin with a fitted, cropped silhouette. It features a soft floral print, puffed sleeves, and a structured neckline - a fairytale take on luxe dressing.
Cliona Embellished Jacket
Rixo
Shimmy and sparkle in Rixo's Cliona jacket, a cropped, bolero-style layer peppered in Art Deco embellishment that reimagines 1930s glamour through glistening antique gold sequins.
Iris Bolero
Annie's Ibiza
Crafted from deadstock Italian stretch silk satin in a resplendent golden hue, Annie's Ibiza's Iris Bolero pays homage to the romantic decadence of 15th century aesthetics. Cap sleeves, ethereal frostings of white lace and a lightweight structure culminate in an exquisite layer inspired by Renaissance-era architecture.
Margot Cropped Embellished Satin Jacket
Clio Peppiatt
A dazzling topper destined for after-dark dressing, Clio Peppiatt's Margot Cropped Embellished Satin Jacket is adorned with shimmering sequins, beads and faux pearls that evoke vintage Hollywood glamour. Cropped to sit neatly over slip dresses and minis, it transforms even the simplest evening look into something spectacular.
Crop Bolero Minimalist Blazer
Smart and Joy
For those who would rather stay clear of the Y2k aesthetic, lean into a sharp, minimalist aesthetic. This clean-cut grey slip-on is a 90s dream - ideal for in-office meetings and stylish nights out.
Carrie Bolero
Hobbs
Whether you're in need of an effortless layer for wedding season or searching for the ultimate Noughties piece to pair with low-slung jeans and a babydoll cami, Hobbs' pale pink slip-on has got you covered.
Riah Knitted Bolero Shrug
Phase Eight
A classic, affordable option hailing from high street regular Phase Eight, this short sleeved design would pair neatly with a white slip dress and cowboy boots for a bohemian, bridal finish.
Céleste Gem Jacquard Jacket
Sister Jane
Feel endlessly pretty in pink with a helping hand from Sister Jane. The brand is no stranger to sweetheart styles, including this candy-hued textured jacquard jacket with short, voluminous sleeves.
UO Stitchy Bolero
Urban Outfitters
This nostalgia-fuelled knit features a soft cotton construction with a textured stitch finish and short sleeves. It’s designed as a lightweight, throw-on that will add a Y2K-inspired, slightly handmade feel to any look.
Sol Scarf Bolero
Free People
A lightweight layer that's ideal for casual summer nights, Free People's charcoal long sleeve is a snug, airy piece that makes for the ultimate evening throw-on. We'd style ours with a vintage slip dress for a coquettish twist.
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