How to layer cream cardigan - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

How to layer cream cardigan

marianne

I just got a cream merino v-neck cardigan at BR sale, and now for some reason I am struggling with how to wear it. It is warmer, more yellowish shade of cream, and it is throwing me off. Does it mean that it can only be combined with warm colors? What colors would you suggest for layering under it? I was actually looking for a winter white cardigan, but now I am not sure if I should look for a different shade since in general I tend look better in cool colors. I tried some J Crew cardis and I liked their shade of white but they didn't fit me well.

Also, I really like the contrast of black and white, but if I layer it over black, it's still sheer enough that the black layer shows through a little. Is that a problem? J Crew cardis were even thinner, and base layer would definitely show.

This is the cardigan, but the color isn't shown online:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=606708

Thank you!

P.S. Oh, if my question doesn't make sense, I'll see if I can capture the color in a picture.

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Maya

Veteran

I was JUST about to buy that same cardigan Marianne, but then I couldn't think of what to wear it with either so I left it. I'm curious to see what others have to say. it is definitely a distinctive shade of cream.

taylor

Veteran

I just bought a cream cardi at Ann Taylor loft. Here's an idea for you. I put a cream/ivory silk blouse underneath,so the ruffle cuffs showed and also bought one of their beautiful broaches to pin on the outside. I got tons of compliments.. one woman said "That broach looks stunning against your cardigan" I
Hope that helps!!

Alecia

Veteran

Thanks for posting this question, Marianne. I struggle with this issue, especially layering darker colors, too.

Anonymous

I love that cardigan! It stands out with the large buttons. It doesn't bother me to have black show through a lighter layering piece as long as the black piece doesn't show a short sleeve line under the lighter longer sleeve. I hope that makes sense. I think a sleeveless shell or long sleeve is ok.
I'm picturing your cardi the color of a manila file folder. Would that be close? How does your cardi color look with white? It sounds like it would go well with brown, gold, greens, coral/apricot and maybe aqua/teal blues.

shiny

Veteran

You have me stumped - I am having trouble imagining the color. Especially since BR tends to focus more on cool tones, not warm ones. I haven't been in the store in over 6 weeks, so I haven't seen this one.

Are any of these sweaters close to the color:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....o?cid=5032

For example, is it like this (Anchorage cream) - which I don't think of as cream; it's more like tan or khaki to me:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=627734

If not, can you post a pic?

Otherwise, regarding colors showing through,I would suggest maybe you want white underneath, to make the sweater color pop. Same concept as wearing a white cami under a cream blouse?

Tanya

Veteran

I personally like layering cream over black, or stripes and pattern with some cream, say b&w striped shirt.

Nicole

Veteran

I like teal, purple, black, dark olive green, and wine with cream. I think different shades of each color look good with different shades of cream.

I'll be curious to hear how your BR cardi wears. I have a few BR sweaters that did not fare so well. Lots of pilling after one wearing.

shiny

Veteran

Nicole, I have this sweater in black and cobalt, and have worn both numerous times. I have yet to wash either, although I have dry-el'd them and I have had to use the lint brush on them quite a bit (if I wear my puffer, I wind up with white fox fur all over my sweater)! I wore both constantly on our trip to Iceland and to Philly, including in the car and on the airplane, with other one packed in suitcase. I wore the black one to go dancing all night long in Iceland, working up quite a sweat.

Despite all this abuse, neither one has pilled at all; they both still look brand new.

In my experience, BR's merino wool wears very well. In fact, I have some merino wool sweaters in my closet that I've owned for over a decade and they still look brand new. I don't wear them much anymore, because they are simple, plain, v-neck sweaters and not as much fun as cardigans. But I used to wear them to work all the time over a crisp collared button down.

Cashmere and cotton is a different story (it's all over the map), but the BR merino wool tends to be a safe bet each year. I find it is very warm (as warm as cashmere) but streamlined, so you don't get all the bulk.

Of course, I should add that I try very hard to only hand-wash my sweaters once per year (if that!). The less washing, the longer they last, in my experience. I dry-el whenever the sweaters start to smell; otherwise, I simply use the lint brush and air them out between wears. They don't get that smelly because I am always wearing a knit or blouse underneath, I never wear perfume, and I don't smoke (anymore). However my older merinos had to put up with my smoking; I would dry-el them after each wear, and they still look as good as new, no pilling.

Which BR sweater pilled after one wear?

marianne

Thank you ladies! Just to be clear, the color is definitely cream, not yellow (not like manila at all). It just has a warmer tinge to it which makes me wonder if I can make it work. For example, J Crew winter white color is more white/ivory, if it makes sense. It must be their "cocoon" color. I will try taking a picture - I just don't know if it will come through. I am not sure if white would work with it - I thought Angie recommended not mixing cream with white?

Joy, I did try it over a short sleeve black blouse, and that looked odd, so you have a good point about long sleeves.

Shiny, I agree about BR merino sweaters. They held up very well, unlike their cotton/silk and other blends. By the way, I saw your other thread - I also got this cardi in black after seeing your pics!

Tanya, if you layer it over a striped shirt, does it actually work if the stripes are white and the sweater is cream?

Nicole, I really like the olive suggestion. I'll try digging up my old olive shirt.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hmmm. Do you think we can see a pic?

marianne

I'll take pictures, since I am still undecided if it's a keeper. I mioght be making it more confusing than it should be

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Marianne! I'm sure you look great in the cardi

marianne

I took a few pictures outside, but I'm afraid the colors aren't right. It looks less yellow on the pics. Anyway, the 2 main issues are: is it ok that the black layer is showing through and can it be worn only with warm colors? Do you think the fit is OK? I am starting to think I would be better of with a crew neck.
Over white cami:
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6063.jpg

Over black short-sleeve shirt (oops, wardrobe malfunction):
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6067.jpg

Trying it with a cool color - the t-neck is darker in real life:
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6068.jpg

Thanks!

Alecia

Veteran

It's hard for me to make a judgement about the overall fit without a more full body picture. But it looks like it fits you in the shoulder area and torso nicely. The outstanding question would be whether it works in the outfits altogether. It looks kind of on the shorter side so maybe be better for skirts? I'll leave others to help with that.

I don't prefer the sweater with the white and see what you mean about black with short-sleeves. Joy made a good point about either long sleeves or shell. I really like the color combo with the turtleneck. It's lovely.

Eva

The cardigan is cute! I think it looks fine with the color under the cream cardi. In fact, I like it better than with the white cami. I also like the idea of a blouse under it. Maybe a black and cream printed blouse?

Dani

Veteran

Marianne, that sweater is very nice on you. I really like it with the turtleneck and think that's a great combo. The black shirt is throwing me due to too many buttons (on the cardi and the blouse, but that's one of my issues I struggle with). I could definitely see a sleeker black shirt under the cardigan. I have a cream cardigan and wear it over berry, light blue, red, brown, sweet pea type tops, and grey (one of my favorites). I think you'll get a lot of use out of it. Can't wait to see what you decide.

Julia

Marianne, I love the cardi on you! I actually like it worn with black. Maybe you can just button up the first button and see how it looks?

I have the same cardi in black and I wore it with the blouse in this picture http://i282.photobucket.com/al.....rds003.jpg. I think it looks better than the cropped cardi I paired with in the picture.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The cardi looks super! I like it best with black. I see a black button down shirt that’s a little longer in in your future!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

My favorite is the black. As Tanya mentioned, it looks great underneath the cream cardi.

I have a cream cardi that I wear with a black ruffled polka dot blouse, and the polka dots are cream, so it ties together nicely - plus it's on sale for $44.

http://www.luckybrand.com/Prod.....&pn=1

marianne

Thank you, I am glad to hear you all approve of the fit! I already started having my usual post-purchase doubts. I was in a hurry when posting and forgot to clarify - I wouldn't wear it over white cami, I just included it to show the color next to white. I also really like the idea of black/cream print and I'll look into that (thank you for the link, Laura). I don't have many printed tops and would like to expand my collection.

Of course I have a black button down, Angie, I'll give it a try. I was just afraid a button down would look too severe with it.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks great with both the black and blue underneath. Lovely!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OF COURSE you have a black button down, Marianne. I momentarily forgot how shirt-y you are - just like me! Let see the goods!

shiny

Veteran

Marianne, it looks great to me, and seems like a true cream - I'm not seeing the warm tones (though that could be because of the photo, I can't say).

I *love* it with the black top - really makes the buttons pop. But I also think it works just as nicely with the cool-toned t-neck. However if the cool tones still bug you, maybe try an accessory that pulls it all together? Hmm, scarf or perhaps a gold and silver two-toned necklace (to tie warm + cool together)? Just a thought!

marianne

I tried it today with the black button down, and it looked very sleek (if I may humbly say so ). I wasn't able to take pictures, but thanks Angie!

Shiny, I just saw GG's thread with the scarf, and I'll try to play with it too. I think it might also help with my neck length and turtlenecks.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bob's your uncle, Marianne!

Inge

(website)

Oooh I'm soooo curious Marianne. I absolutely love the look of a cream cardi with a black button-down underneath, it's just so elegant and stylish. (and it's a great cardigan to begin with). Please do post pics if you get a chance?