Ask Angie: Everyday Warm Weather Cardigans - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Everyday Warm Weather Cardigans

em

I need ideas for a spring/summer cardigan(s). Between the temperature swings courtesy of Mother Nature and the AC in every building in 100 degree weather, I never go anywhere without a cardigan. Usually I wear whatever cashmere wrap I've been using all winter, but this year, I already wore it to death and need a new one (or two or three). However, since I am usually wearing it at least once a day, it seems to take over my outfits. Should I buy all white T-shirts and a variety of cardigans? Or two neutral cardigans that can be worn differently? Or use large silk scarves?

14 replies

Latest reply was from

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

It is tricky when you need to layer only part of the day to know what the focus should be in your outfit. In colder months it's easier to do a jacket rather than a cardigan that looks a bit more outdoorsy, but in the summer that's less useful (and heavy to carry around). What about cotton versions of your cashmere, or a lightweight scarf/pashmina?

Gigi

Veteran

Tough question. I like the idea of silk, whether it be for a cardi or for shirts or for a scarf, because I think silk may be a good body temp regulator, meaning it will keep you warm in the colder temps but cool in the warmer temps. However, I haven't worn silk a lot, so someone with more experience there can tell you if that's true.

I work at home now, but when I worked in an office I was guilty of having two cardigans, one white and one black, that I wore over and over and over. I didn't have much fashion sense then, ha ha.

Maybe you want to do a variety of things: two or three cardis in different styles, a few scarves, a shawl, a couple of blazers, etc. Maybe this is where you really need to invest a lot of your wardrobe money? Maybe you could get some of these things in neutrals but spring for some colorful pieces as well so you don't get bored.

em

I also am victim to the single white cardigan that lives over the office chair.

Le sigh.

MRL

Veteran

I work in an office that is cold year round. I wear a variety of tops and have resigned myself to owning several cardigans in many colors/styles as I am not a jacket person. Luckily there are a lot of nice cardigans out there.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's usually cold enough to wear a jacket in a/c. No? Are you set on cardigans?

suzanne

Vehicle sweater storage. Summer means you need the sweater for over-cooled buildings, eg movie theaters, grocery stores, office buildings. But they are death to wear in the car, outside, in houses. Restaurants are unpredictable. Linen blends are good choices. Outlets are best options to stock up on a variety of them. Coats are too heavy. Even summer weight suit coats.

adorkable

Veteran

I've had good luck with the J. Crew Jackie - they fit well, are machine washable, and don't stretch out terribly fast. TTS, I think?

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../29350.jsp

As a bonus, there's loads of them for very cheap on eBay if you have the patience for that!

Anonymous

I think the styles/colors you choose are very dependent on your wardrobe, but I've always gotten good use out of white cardis in the summer months, particularly in my ice-cold office. Ideally, I'd have 2-3 in white, just to mix up styles a bit. But, the white T + color cardi is a nice combination, too. I haven't looked recently, but last year Target had really nice lightweight open cardis available in very current colors. I have one in cobalt and wish I would've purchased more.

Liz

Veteran

I think I'd suggest a shift in your outfit thinking: Plan your outfits for the indoor weather (AC) and not the outdoor weather. Instead of tacking on a generic cardigan to your "real" outfit, plan outfits that include a cardigan or jacket as an essential part of the outfit --but you'll just take the topper off when you're outside.

Liz A.

Veteran

I like old navy cardigans because they are inexpensive, so I can buy the colors that complement my outfits of the season. Don't expect them to last more than a year, but sometimes they surprise you!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

What about unlined linen blazers and knit blazers? (ON has one now that is very comfortable and about as heavy as a sweater). Slub cotton cardis and toppers can also be found in various styles.

kkards

Veteran

i agree with liz, have you tried to plan your outfits for the AC, so that the topper is part of your look and not an after thought? i like knit blazers, they give the easy of a cardi, but with a little more structure. also like knit moto jackets, denim jackets and anorak style cotton jackets.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I prefer v neck cardigans over crew neck ones, so I've got a lot of them for summer, usually in cotton or a cotton linen blend. Some of my lighter weight long sleeved ones are good for transitional weather, but I've also got several short sleeve and three quarter sleeve ones. Mine are from Old Navy, Target, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic iirc.

em

Woot! Look at the responses.

I'm fine for work, my outfits come with blazers and jackets. Actually, I wear mostly suits. It's for weekend/evening/vacation wear that I am never sure what to do with. I do love knit blazers--anything I can move in--but I am looking for something not so bulky because I have a habit of stuffing it into a tote, tying it around my waist, etc. when I am outside.

Anonymous

I'm also always looking for something I can wear in AC, then shove into my bag without worrying about it when I'm outside on hot days, so I totally understand. (I really hate the feeling of having to carry around a topper or drape it over my arm in the heat.) For me, I try to have enough different colors and styles that I don't feel like I'm always wearing the same thing inside. Since I'm looking for something lightweight and thin, the advantage is that it's at least fairly easy to find a good variety of inexpensive ones.

Nordstrom Rack actually has some really nice 3/4 v-neck cardigans in lots of colors, which I have a few of. The brand is maybe 14th and Union or something like that? I know it sounds like an address. I also second the recommendation for the J. Crew Jackie ones, and of course places like Old Navy, BR, and Target too. I got a really nice one from the Nordstrom junior department once, so that may be worth a look too.