Must-Have for Fall: Cardigans
Written by Ali Straka Thursday, November 11 2010
It should come as no surprise that cardigans are one of the hardest working items in your closet. They do it all.
Feeling chilly? A cardigan adds warmth.
Is your outfit falling flat? Cardigans can add texture and dimension with just one more layer.
Looking monotone? Add a pop of color with a cardi.
Too fond of your summer clothes to say goodbye? Wear them into fall and winter with the help of cardigans.
These days, cardigans aren’t just for the twin-sets-and-pearls set; they’re on-trend, fashion-forward, and stylish. Available in an array of colors and styles, cardigans are versatile must-haves for building a solid fall and winter wardrobe. Here’s an overview of the types of cardigans and how to wear them:
The cropped cardigan, shrug, or bolero: Cropped options are perfect for occasions when you want an extra small dose of modesty, warmth, or color for your outfit. Because the proportions are smaller and tight fitting, cropped sweaters are the ideal companion for full-skirted dresses, A-line skirts, or billowy tops. They offer proportional balance to an outfit that already has wide or loose silhouettes. If you’re looking to be more modest in a strapless dress or don’t want your figure to get lost in the layers of a loose tank, a cropped cardigan (or its cousins, the shrug and the bolero) is your best friend.
Classic cardi: This style – typically a long-sleeved crew-neck sweater with small buttons – is timeless. Does that equal boring? Hardly. The new spin on the classic cardi is all about color and pattern. Stick to this flattering and universal cut, but pump up the fashion factor by wearing it in bold colors (think orange, magenta, or yellow) and unexpected prints (like animal print, geometric patterns, and big florals). You can find these in many stores, including Old Navy and J. Crew. When paired with neutral garments, like a LBD, a crisp white Oxford, or a gray sheath, the look is sophisticated yet modern – a great choice for work.
Boyfriend cardigan: Like so many trendy styles as of late, this option is borrowed from the boys. A boyfriend cardigan is similar to a classic cardi, but it’s oversized – as if you’ve swiped it from your man’s closet. Boyfriend sweaters pull double duty: Worn as is over a T-shirt or shirt-dress, they’re comfortable and relaxed, but they instantly look polished when worn over a dress or dress shirt and cinched at the natural waist with a skinny belt.
Cardigan coat: A cardigan coat has a longer length like a boyfriend cardi, but it’s more dramatic. Cardigan coats often fall to mid-thigh, feature belts, and may have fur trim or feature chunky knits. There’s no better sweater hybrid of comfort and cachet. By simply adding an interesting cardi coat – that’s just one piece and one step – you can take a plain T-shirt and jeans to the next level while staying warm and cozy.
Cardi crossovers: Motorcycle jackets and blazers are fabulous for fall, but for daily, 9-to-5 wear they can be too stuffy and heavy. Enter the cardi crossover. These fashion-forward styles combine the cut of trendy blazers and jackets with comfortable sweater or sweatshirt materials. These are very wearable, and they allow for the easy combination of comfort and style.
Ali Straka is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She majored in magazine journalism with a minor in textile and apparel management. She used her experience as a college student to contribute to developing products from University Chic in addition to writing regularly for the site. In her free time, Ali muses about fashion, interior design, and all things pop culture on her blog According to Ali. She hails from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.
