In praise of the jacket-y cardigan

Apropos of Angie's post today...I am 100% on team cardigan. I own a ton of them and wear one nearly every day (I rarely wear pullovers). I don't own ANY jackets/blazers. I have never put on a blazer and NOT felt like I was playing dress-up. But I started thinking about what serves the purpose of a jacket in my wardrobe: a jacket-y cardigan!

Coincidentally, I had planned to wear one of my jacket-y cardigans today. (Photos 1 and 2)

The black cardigan is new to my wardrobe, an upgrade of a similar (cable knit, shawl collar) cardigan I have had for a while. Same outfit with the old cardigan is in Photo 3. I think the new version is more flattering, and it is also higher quality.

For me the qualities that make a cardigan jacket-y are (1) a collar - I am partial to shawl collars but I have also seen notched-collar versions; (2) a sewn hem rather than a welted hem; (3) some gentle waist shaping; (4) pockets, either patch (more casual) or welt (dressier) - this is an optional characteristic, the cardi I am wearing today does not have pockets.

I now own 3 versions of this cardigan, in gray, camel, and black (Photo 4). When I see these all together like this it seems very clear how they can function as a neutral blazer would. I am very happy with this little trio and the strategy behind it. I feel comfortable, sharp, and competent in these cardigans. I have never encountered a situation wearing them where I felt a true blazer would have been more appropriate instead. Sorted.

One thing I would like to add to my wardrobe in the future is a tweed jacket-y cardigan -- herringbone and/or Donegal tweed, something like that. I love tweed and it is one of the few things that I do feel I miss out on by not wearing blazers!

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6 years ago

jussie

Veteran

They are fantastic. Where are they from?

Lynn

I like the term jackety cardigans They look cute on you.

texstyle

(website)

These are often considered knit blazers or blazer cardigans. If I could afford it I'd add this one to my closet.

Nordstrom

Armani Collezioni Knit Windowpane Blazer

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Anonymous

Those are lovely, almost heritage looking sweaters. Seconding jussie in asking what label they are. They look almost Ralph Lauren-ish. Do you wear leather or faux leather bottoms at all? I could see these with leather pants and a silk tank and paisley scarf

SarahD8

Thanks all! I'm so happy others appreciate these pieces.

They are by Aqua cashmere, I think this is them:
https://www.bloomingdales.com/.....tton-100-e
Sadly not currently available. But I have purchased all three of mine secondhand via Ebay and Poshmark.

texstyle, oh that windowpane plaid is gorgeous!!!

lisa p wow what a scrumptious sounding outfit! I don't wear leather clothing (my own weird personal rubicon; I do wear leather footwear as you can see) but I would describe myself as coated-jean-curious. Are those still a thing? Would they work with the formula you are envisioning?

Absolutely !

Provincetown

Active Member

I like these--they're a little less formal that a regular blazer, and likely more comfortable too. They do look professional.

Linda

Those are yummy looking! I am a former corporate jacket/blazer type, who nowadays (retired!) has only I think one or two jackets in my closet.

What about the cardigan-y wrap scarf, too? On days when I sit at my desk at home, I find a cozy shawl is often the perfect layer up. I do wear and love a collection of sweaters, mostly not cardigan in style as such -- I like open front sweaters with a lot of texture or pattern interest, hip-length or a bit longer works well for me.

I don't seem to wear big scarves out and about, much, except if we go to a concert or other event where it can get drafty. I'm petite, so most large scarves can dwarf me if I'm not careful. But for at-home wear, I have a double sided, multi plaid and navy/white check woven scarf (from ON one year a while ago), and a fuzzy pale pink scarf from Aerie, that I enjoy wearing a lot.

I wear my sweaters over mostly plain tees, or if it's warmer than it has been for, forever, now, over camisoles or sleeveless tops. I really like to layer up to stay warm!

Provincetown, thanks!

Lisa p, yay! I am so excited to hear that! I will be on the lookout.

Linda, I like to layer up too! I run cold so it’s a necessity for me. Shawls are a look I really enjoy on others. I love the look of them but when I have tried to wear them in the past they have felt fussy to me. I tip my hat to those who make the look work. Your scarves and shawls sound yummy!

Cardiff girl

Yay ,another person who appreciates the merits of (Great term)a jacketycardigan.You look great in yours.They are so useful aren’t they?smarter than slouchy knitwear but less formal than a structured blazer.

Sisi

It's very nice and flatters you! What a brilliant combination of elegance and comfort.

Jaime

Comfort with structure what's not to like - great that they are second hand too.

bella

I like them,too. Menswear inspired so not cutesy at all.

RobinF

I am a cardigan-wearer too and these look perfect for when you want to be a little dressier. Good idea to get them in multiple colors.

Murph11

Oh, I like the jacket-y cardigan idea for the right dose of cozy-dressy. I have a Ponte knit jacket that looks like a blazer but feels as easy as a cardigan.

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by Murph11

lyn67

Aw, these are great do they have buttons and button holes (I see)...I didn't see a lot of these here(they have a true knitt pattern) but my version of the jacket-y cardigans I love are usually fine knitted cacade cardis or jackets made from other than woven fabrics like slub, jaquard-or sweatshirt-like materials.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Cardigans are very Ralph Lauren. Fun Preppy vibe that you remix with boho. Why not. Nicely done.

Glad to see so much appreciation for these items that walk the smart/comfy line! Thank you, all!

Shevia, I have been mulling starting a thread about secondhand shopping....

Brooklyn

I join your praise! They combine the comfort of a cardigan with the structure of a jacket. They look great on you.

Katerina

I echo Brooklyn, you look great!

Thank you, Katerina and Brooklyn! Glad to hear that how good I feel in these toppers comes through.

Joy

These tend to fit more easily than tailored blazers. I like felted ones best. They seem most jacket-like.

netmaker101

i think they look dated but just my opinion.

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