Do I ditch the old cardigans? Help me decide!

I have had a great education on the forum and Angie's blogs over the past few weeks, as the temperature cools, about the new fit and style of cardigans and pullovers. Since I have pulled mine out, I notice that I have quite a few "classic" hip length, more fitted cardigans both with a crew neck and v neck. Some are an easy purge, others are nice cashmere that has not pilled. Do I just store the nicer ones away or should I purge since the next time around I will probably want new cardigans anyway??? I purchase several longer, more fluid pullovers last year that I view as more casual; I have to do a better job of incorporating them into my work outfits (like with pencil skirts as in the ensemble) rather than wearing these 3-5 year old cardigans that I am worried are starting to look dowdy.

ETA photos:

Pic 1- WIW to work with shorter, fitted cardigan

Pic 2- boxy sweater with same pencil skirt.

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9 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

IMO just because the sweaters are older doesn't necessarily send them to the dowdy column...I have sweaters that age that still look FAB...You are the best judge of how you feel wearing them...If you feel dowdy then by all means they must go for something more FAB, however, if you still feel good with the sweater, then you keep them...Its all in your feelings..smile...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo exactly what Crutcher said.

dashielle (Ann)

I'm right there with ya Pree, and have moved my nice cashmere to the holding zone until they either become useful or I decide I can part with them. My ratty ones end up being cat beds, lol.

Sal

If they are in good condition and you like them, I would store them, A quality piece of knitwear is a classic and cashmere is not cheap!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Especially if they're in good shape I'd keep them, and maybe store them out of the way until the styles swing back in. I'm starting to do that with some items that are perfectly fine but just don't grab me at the moment - I culled some pieces earlier this year that I really wish I could get back. I'm trying not to over-purge for a while.

I've been struggling with the new longer cardigans - I don't mind the look but on my shape it's tricky to make work without it just making me look bulky and with no waist. Shorter, to the waist or hip cardigans, are much easier for me.

Pree

Active Member

Thank you Crutcher, Angie, Kiwigirl and Laura for your input- I have put my nicer sweaters in my usual winter storage bags and then culled the more dowdy (older) pieces.

Laura- I have not yet purchased any longer cardigans either because not sure of the fit on me, but I have longer, roomier pullovers that I want put into my rotation more often.

Jenny H

I agree! It sounds like the cardigans you are describing are a pretty classic style and high quality. Even with my small wardrobe inclinations, I would store them as classic styles will come around sooner than later.

Kristin L

I agree with your plan! Keep the nice ones for now and pass the not-so-great ones.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Glad you are hanging on to your nicer ones. When you said "incorporating them into work outfits," I thought it would be fun to see how you might wear them in an unexpected way. Like buttoned up and layered in place of a blouse, under a jacket?

retailgirl

Keep your quality knits...I have Shetlands that are 30-40 years old, from my high school and college days, that I have kept and wear every now and then, a good sweater, esp. In cashmere or a nice wool, is hard to find today. It all depends on how you style it!

Michelle

Member

I'd keep anything in good quality and a classic style. I regret getting rid of some of my sweaters.

Style Fan

I still wear hip length cardigans that are classic style. They are very good quality, cashmere and cost quite a bit of money. Two of them are 10 years old and look great. I prefer that style on my body shape (pear/hourglass). I find the longer cardigans look like bathrobes. I wear the cardigans buttoned up and then put a leather jacket over. Add a scarf and hat --Viola!!! I live in jeans so that works for me.

I have a wool sweater that my first husband bought me for Christmas in 1985. I wore it today and got compliments on it. It is on the boxy side so works well with today's styles. I could never find a sweater like that now.

unfrumped

I have had this dilemma , and I think it is all in the fit/ flattering aspect. For me that will usually be definitely not tight, and not skimpy, but could be tailored and involves fitting correctly in several places. I might have specifically gravitated to the item because of that, somehow one brand or item or year's model was " made for me". Then, length is very fashion/ fickle also; may seem wrong for current pants but then voila, perfect with a high- waisted skirt. Or ease of layering under a jacket, which has been ignored by a lot of current fits!
So, I think it's giving them the eagle-eye test, looking for those good fits
and shapes , can you still wear that neckline, does the color still work, is it
non- itchy. That will weed things out and identify the core keepers.

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