Ask Angie: Whither cardigans?

What do you see as the direction cardigans are headed in? Are waterfall/draped cardigans still going strong, or are they on their last legs? Do jersey knit V-necks still have several years of being on-trend, or are they sputtering out too? I want to buy something now I can wear for several years. A warm black cardigan is a big hole in my wardrobe, and they generally accommodate a shrinking body better than jackets do, as well as being more practical for my stay-at-home lifestyle.

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from JR

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I wouldn't say strong, but draped cardis are still going

Can you show me what you mean by a jersey knit V-veck? The picture I have in my head is not on trend, but I could have the wrong thing in my head!

Do you really want a BLACK cardigan? I vote a softer colour.

13 years ago

Veteran

I was thinking of something along these lines:

http://www.sears.ca/product/jo.....3-60189408

I'm seeing variations of this in all the stores: plain, coloured, striped (wide horizontal stripes, closer to colour-blocking). Not always with a V-neck, of course, but I think the V-neck is in general more flattering. That's not the most important element though.

I do have a grey cardigan (well a couple) and a white one for softer effects, but I find myself frequently wishing I had a black one to go with what I have on. I just received a waterfall one, but I don't think I'll be keeping it. I might do a K/R later, when I've snapped some pictures. On the other hand, it might be wiser to find a replacement for that grey cardigan that you quite rightly saw is now too big. It has been astonishingly versatile. But I have no black toppers at all for winter: the jacket I have is light-weight and 3/4 sleeved, and my other cardigan is very light-weight and contributes very little in the warmth department. A black cardigan would be worn over white and coloured tops, or to punch up the very few beige/khaki items I still have.

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

JR, I'm not Angie, but I'll be following this thread. I'd call the cardi in your link a "boyfriend" or "grandpa" sweater. It looks like it's meant to be casual (how casual depends on how oversized you wear it). This could be terrific over a striped t with straight legs or skinnies and booties. Or it would be fun with a crisp white blouse and pearls.

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

P.S. Charcoal, particularly in casual wear, can easily take the place of black.

13 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

JR, While the cardigan in the link is classic, it could easily veer toward frumpy, and it's definitely not very exciting. If you're trying to spice up your style and you prefer a cardigan to a jacket, maybe a draped style would look more current.

I agree with Beth Ann that charcoal could be a softer option to take the place of black.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I actually saw this cardi IRL and I'm still kicking myself for not buying it. The one you linked is a classic but, as Parsley mentioned, can go either way.
http://www.kohls.com/product/p.....rdigan.jsp

I own this one, in black. It is a good option for a trendier cardi:
http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/w.....ssell=true

Just giving you some ideas, if you are looking for something trendier.

13 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

It's so hard here isn't it...

I don't want black yet three out of the last four or so purchases black is the only colour it came in or the choice between black and ss beige, which is much worse on me.

Good luck finding the perfect item.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah! The shape you linked to is a goodie. Although I prefer the second style that Zap linked to for your style. FWIW, I am still not convinced that it should be black because of it's harsh effect against your complexion.

13 years ago

Veteran

So the consensus seems to be that waterfall cardigans still have staying power then. Unfortunately, the one I ordered is rather tight in the sleeves, which makes layering difficult with anything but T-shirts.

Zap, those are really cute sweaters, but I am badly allergic to acrylic, and I suspect somewhat allergic to Lurex, which really limits my possibilities. *sigh*

Freckles, yes this is complicated. But I do think at least one black topper is essential, and I have nothing that will work for winter. I keep feeling the lack. Charcoal might be a viable alternative, but I still feel I can get away with black. I know I'm older, but my skin still has good colour, so I think I can go with it for a number of years yet. I generally do try not to wear black on black near my face, but have either the topper or the top or a scarf another colour to soften or brighten things.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Lurex are just metallic threads, I think. The second is made out of rayon.
I sympathize, everything makes me itchy.

13 years ago

Veteran

I have strange allergies. Like stainless steel. I have a scarf with metallic threads and it makes me a bit itchy. I try not to wear it too close to my skin. Acrylic, if it's tight against my skin, will actually cause blistering. I will often check fibre content before the price even...

13 years ago

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