How to wear it: Cardigans

Posted: January 11, 2012. Filed under: How to wear it

Possibly the most useful item in any woman’s wardrobe will be her collection of cardigans. Delightfully easy to throw on over absolutely anything, it will provide light warmth indoors or on a summer’s evening, and can be an essential layering item during the winter months.

How do you go about classifying them though? Every shop sells so many different styles – it’s hard to know what to wear, and when. Luckily, our stylist has put together a group of buttoned knits that cover any occasion.

There are three main levels of cardigan – the hardest to wear being the ‘statement’. Heavily patterned styles are best over plain colours. A rainbow lace-inspired look over a white dress, a textured silk-lined polka dot number over a cami with a pencil skirt, and a neon blue vintage print with dark jeans and boots are just some ways you could jazz up a chic but relatively plain look.

The second type of cardigan is slightly more muted, but still brings another dimension to your outfit. The stripe is a great example of this. It’s still busy and interesting, but more easily worn as part of a pattern mish-mash or with brighter colours. Whether it’s a heavily buttoned v-neck or bead-embellished retro round-neck, they’re always intensely wearable. Androgynous boyfriend cardies also fit into this category – especially those with the varsity jacket style – and look great with a pair of skinnies and biker boots. Don’t be afraid to colour pop with your knitwear as well. Bright yellows, reds, blues and greens can really add an element of vibrancy and fun to a look.

Finally – the classic. Stay away from the boring and predictable blacks, greys and whites and go for a universal nude colour. The natural tones will compliment anything whether plain, ribbed or complete with cute corsage.

The only problem is that we predict there’ll be more that one perfect cardigan for you out there – but you know what they say – the more the merrier, so get spending!

CARDIGANS HOW TO WEAR