Some of the trends right now seem somewhat in opposition to each other. On the one hand, fluid, boxy and oversized tops are on trend and fashion forward. On the other hand, tops with more structure are also making a trendy comeback. The waist cinching cardigan is one example. It’s fringe for now, although I suspect it to go mainstream soon. The collection below shows examples of waist cinching cardigans.
There are two remarkable aspects to this trend.
1. Cardigans are worn as Untucked Pullovers
These structured cardigans are not worn open and layered over tops. They are buttoned-up or zipped through, and layered over a bra, camisole, tank or invisible tee. The buttoning-up accentuates waist definition, which is the point. Some buttons are left un-buttoned at the top and bottom, or just the top or bottom. Some resemble the silhouette of the split hem jacket. They are all worn untucked.
2. There is Abundant Variation
There are many versions of the waist cinching cardigan. Most solid colours are represented. Fabrics range from natural to manmade fibres. Lengths and necklines differ, and some have collars. Most fastenings are buttons, but some have zippers. Knits differ from fine gauge to all sorts of chunky. Some silhouettes are sculptural, and some have a peplum. Most of the sleeves are long and fitted. Some sleeves are bell shaped, puffy, or short. Some cardigans expose the midriff.
The longer sculptural silhouettes, split hem, and peplum versions look the most new to my eye. The simpler regular length versions resemble the trends from fifteen to twenty years ago. The super cropped versions and zipped versions take me back to the late ‘90s.
Shorter waist cinching cardigans that are worn as pullovers can be great paired with skirts. If you’re stuck with what to wear with orphaned skirts, consider the right version of this trend. Less chunky versions are fab to wear under most jackets and coats. Chunky versions are comfortable under roomy coats.
Personally, I like the pullover-esque integrity of this cardigan trend because I prefer wearing pullovers to cardigans. Wearing fluid and oversized tops almost exclusively, the waist defining component feels fresh. I prefer the shorter versions of the trend as opposed to the longer ones. But not completely midriff-baring short. Just covering the waistband feels dead right for my style. No bell sleeves. I prefer the higher necklines with a few of the bottom buttons left un-buttoned. I enjoy fine gauge and chunkier knits. I like the zipped versions and peplum versions too. I’m a yay for the trend. I can see it working well for my style.
TIP: Remember to do the sit-down-test when wearing a cardigan buttoned-up because fastened buttons can gape when seated. If they gape, size up or find a version that doesn’t gape.
Over to you. What do you think of the waist cinching cardigan trend?
