The curved hem tunic cardigan

December 16th, 2008

I was not excited by the shape of this cardigan until I tried it on. I’ve subsequently fitted it onto other people with equally good results. There is something about its drapy integrity, dipped back, and curved hem that’s flattering and forgiving for both curvy and straighter body types. And it’s wide neck welt adds extra vertical interest which is somehow streamlining.

Wear the curved hem tunic cardigan loose for a breezy casual look, or belted for added waist definition. It works well over pants and skirts, and layered over button down shirts or fine gauge form fitting knits. If you are going to wear this look unbelted, remember to keep the bottom half of your outfit sleek. I prefer this style of cardigan with streamlined sleeves because the volume in the torso is sufficient. Too much volume in one garment is tricky to wear and a nuisance to fit under a coat.

This style is a nice alternative if you couldn’t get the boyfriend style to work. I say give it bash if you love cardigans and are after a newer and more arty look.

Absolutely Cotton Slub Knit Maxi CardiganFrenchi® One Button Cardigan Absolutely Cotton Pointelle CardiganFrenchi® Open Cardigan

I bought the grey style on the right in a moss green last week. It’s not the best quality, but the silhouette looks great belted over a tailored black button down. Unfortunately it’s not available online anymore, but you’ll find it (or similar styles) in stores.


 

14 Replies

Posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Christie

I like this look. My eye was instantly attracted to the second from the left. That looks like a great weekend sweater. But if paired with nice pants and heels, do you think it could pass for smart-casual?

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 9:58 am

I just bought one of these in black at TJ Maxx by Marciano, and I love it!

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 10:03 am

oh i’ve been looking for one of these, great finds!

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 10:43 am

I’m so drawn to this look, but yet to try it on. Apprehensive about how it’ll look on my already-curvy bod! But since I definitely couldn’t get the boyfriend cardi working …

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

I have one in brown from Ann Taylor Loft-it is belted and I love it! You’re right- a good alternative to the boyfriend cardigan!

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Kristen

I found one buried in the back of an Old Navy Outlet clearance rack last spring, and was amazed at how great the rounded angle of the hem looked compared to the boxiness of a boyfriend cardigan. Mine is black and short-sleeved, so is trickier to wear in this frigid weather, but now I’m inspired to do some layering with it for tomorrow!

I wish I could find them in other colors and sleeve lengths. I’ll keep my eyes peeled now!

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Kyle

Angie, I was actually looking at the Frenchi sweater (second from the left). I like the V neck, the fact that it nips in at the waist, but was concerned about the possibility of it overemphasizing hips. What are your thoughts on this?

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Great! I’m glad I’m not the only one who was pleasantly surprised with this silhouette.

Kyle, I had the same impression before I tried the style on and fitted it on others. The effect is extremely hourglass-y if you are pear shaped (when belted); and tends to add a bit of curve if you are straight. Loose, it’s boho chic and hides a multitude of sins in a flattering way – great for adorable apples. You have to try it on.

Christie, I’ve found this style works smart casually with a tailored button down worn underneath. If the knit is fine enough, I think you might have a smart casual look going sans the button down.

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Maya

I’m not really wild about it, but then again, I didn’t like boyfriend cardis much either. My eye might need to adjust. I guess my concern might be about where it ends in the back and how it fits over a fullish bum.

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

i think the cut-away, albeit curved, of the hem is what makes it universally flattering.

i bought a classique (from nordie’s) open front shawl neck cardigan that i just started wearing over my tailored white button down. i feel so affirmed that angie approves of the look!!! it was a reach for me, definitely trying something new.

the boyfriend would never fit over the bustline, but i have faith that at some point i’ll have a cardi that does button/fasten over/under the bustline. i’ve recently realized that none of my cardigans fastened, and that bums me out that i have all the same style: open front. even a belted cardigan that is never belted is open front.

Posted on December 16th, 2008 at 8:15 pm

Maya, try on a version and experiment. I had the same impression as you and the style proved my initial impression wrong. Funny how that happens.

Bravo, Carissa. Your ensemble sounds great. Why can’t you find a cardigan that fastens in the front? I’m sure the forum members could help you out. Nicole could certainly help you out.

Posted on December 17th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Joelle

I have seen these curved hems on short shrugs, but have not noticed them on long cardis. I’ve tried several boyfriend cardis on and they made me look boxy, so did not buy any. I will try this and see if it’s more flattering. I like that gray one second from the left. Since knits tend to be less stable than wovens might the curved hem not lose its shape after a while? Particularly in the back, where it gets a lot of stretching from being sat on?

Posted on December 17th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Sarah

Like many others, I love the second one from the left. The combination of the button at the waist and the curvy hem make this 10 times more flattering than any boy friend cardi I’ve seen.

Posted on December 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
cathy

I bought two of them early in the season and returned both. The length wasn’t quite right and I just couldn’t pull it off. I got rid of my boyfriend cardigans too, all but one, because it’s just not a feminine look enough for me.

Posted on December 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

Reply

You don't need to be a member to leave a reply, but if you do sign up it won't be necessary to provide your name and email address every time you do so.