I think this sweater is a failure? Now with photos.

[Edit: photos added! I had to log out and back in.]

At Nordstrom last week, I found a light, drapey cardigan, something I've needed for a while. I snapped it up full price, but I'm having reservations.

Now that I've seen photos, I think it's too big. It's one size fits all, from this apparently trendy teen brand Brandy Melville that makes all their clothes in "one size fits skinny teens." I think that's practically unethical, with all the pressure to have the perfect body that kids face these days. So I'm not excited about the brand for that reason, but then also practically speaking, I'm petite and it's clearly meant for someone either larger or more slender and angular than me. What do you think? I do love oversized things but it's just not looking as cool on me as on the models.

It's really nice though, a very light wool that I could wear year-round, and affordable, too. I planned to work today, but then I decided to take photos before I cut the tags. Now I'm sort of chilly without it but I don't know if I should cut the tags and commit!

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7 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Picture?

Greyscale

Photos added - I got stuck in the problem where I had to log out and back in to upload photos. It worked eventually on my phone but still not on my desktop.

Yeah it's neither here nor there as far as sizing. It reminds me of a thrift store find from the 90's. Kurt Cobain's cardigan in black.
Honestly the manufacturer just cheated out, just one size, easier to make.

Suz

I love oversize and have no problem with that aspect, but I feel as if it might be better if it were longer, too. Something about the shape (from what I can tell)...on the other hand, it can be difficult to find nice wool pieces like this.

Anna, ha! I admit I have a soft spot for 90s thrift store grunge. On the other hand I also admit that all photos of me from the 90s make it clear that I had no idea what size clothing to wear.

Suz, it's actually growing on me -- I think it's ok except when I try pulling it across my chest. I sort of like the length (a nice change from longer cardigans) but I see what you mean about the shape. It's possible that my cold office is affecting my judgment - it's so warm and I'm so chilly without it!

Emily K

I, too, just tried something that was "clearly meant for someone either larger or more slender and angular than me"--that nexus is a weird place to be, isn't it. I like it in photo #1--it looks more shapely--but it doesn't look as special in the other photos, so I hear your concerns. That "one-size" thing is bunk

Yeah, I figured. I was almost afraid to make that reference...and yes I did that thrift store 90's thing too.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like it. It's a simple piece that could work with lots of things. Are the fronts asymmetrical, or is it just on a little crooked in these photos? (Photo 4 shows what I'm asking about--the right front hangs longer.) Either way, I like it. Kind of Eileen Fisher or OSKA (where I work), so it's up my alley.

Jenni NZ

Difficult to comment... We have opposite styles. Do you think then if I don't like something on you, or you don't like something on me, then each of us should get it?! So FWIW, I think it's too big.

rachylou

I don't think the fit is bad. I'm pondering if it's you tho. I see this sweater on the Olsen twins. Are you Olsen twins?

Ha, well put! I actually am Olsen twins! (The adult versions of course.) Mary Kate is one of my inspirations, if only because she's short and tiny but doesn't give a damn.

Firecracker, it's not asymmetric. It's just sitting funny. The back of the neck has a deep vee and I'd pulled it up too far on one shoulder. I think it looks better sitting further back and open at the front.

Yeah, I was reacting to the uneven length, too, I think.

If it is already calling to you as useful, that's a sign. Seriously. Does it drape nicely IRL? If so, keep.

Bijou

For me this would be one of my favourite sweaters to wear at home - just the super comfortable and soft cardigan that does not have to look fantastic, but be comfortable and not too precious to wear. I think you could throw this on over almost anything and it would look pretty good. If you have a need for something like that, then I would keep it, otherwise, return.

JamC

I like it. In fact I went to Nordstrom.com to find it but couldn't. What is the brand. It looks comfortable, versatile, and something I would reach for often. I think it is very you.

6 years ago

RobinF

I like it. I am a fan of oversized anyway but I think it looks intentionally big not just too big.

Sara L.

I like it. A plain black cardigan can be a workhorse. So easy to toss on over anything - keeps me warm, goes with almost everything, etc.

Anonymous

This looks like a plain black cardigan so i just can't get excited about it either way. It has "wardrobe essential" written all over it!
Could you wear a blazer or something over it for a layered look (just thinking of outfit possibilities here).

It sounds like you like the fabric and I think that's really important in a monochromatic wardrobe.

Jenni, your comment is pretty funny

I don't automatically appreciate longer in the front and shorter in the back. For all it's fashion-y details it's still a little dull and I think you could definitely do better. I'm wondering if maybe you're just at a point where you'd feel better in things that are unusual but a little more elegant?

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