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ISO cardigan alternatives

Astrid

Veteran

All my three cardigans are worn out and will need to be replaced soon. They're simple v-neck cotton cardigans in navy, grey and green. I still use them a lot because I don't have alternatives, so I need to work on that.

I'm thinking I should buy one new v-neck cardigan as a replacement for the three. Which color would you go for? It should definitely be a neutral, I was thinking navy or (dark) grey.

Additionally, I'm looking for something different to layer with. It should be just as comfortable, so some kind of knit or sweat fabric? Any ideas about styles or even specific suggestions?

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

E

Veteran

I love that mid tone grey in 3 on you: that's probably the one I'd choose if it were my closet, as a mid grey goes with all my other colours. I think it'd go with all of your colours too, as we have a lot of overlap, and would keep your winter outfits from getting too dark (I remember you wanted to lighten up a bit earlier).

I'm a cardi lover: I love wearing little jackets when I'm out and about, but if I'm snuggling on the couch, I'm going to go for the cardi over the jacket almost every time. However, I've noticed my velvet jackets are much softer/comfier than my other ones, for what that's worth. And the floral jacket Suz sent me doesn't even feel like a jacket: it's very fluid and comfy. Those are all woven. I do have a couple knit jackets in a sweatshirt-like fabric that are cardi equivalents for me. But I haven't been able to find one yet that has as much structure as the woven jackets. Why do you want to switch from cardigans? That might help with suggestions.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Hi Astrid,

What about the long cardigan that Angie has mentioned.
Here is one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....rch-person

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Maybe you could go with a new color or have you considered a pattern?

Here are a few I just saw on the Loft web site for example.

Relaxed Cardigan

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Striped Relaxed Cardigan

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Leopard Print Relaxed Cardigan

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Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Eva. Yes, I leaning towards grey too. Although a tad darker might be nice, for a change. Although it's true that I'm working towards a lighter wardrobe overall. I don't wear my cardigans specifically for loungewear, just when I'm not changing out of the things that I've been wearing during the day. Otherwise I'm mostly wearing my fleece. The reason for the switch is mostly that I want something a bit more structured, more modern looking than a classic cardigan. At least from time to time. I guess I will always own at least one or two, but I don't want them to be a big part of my style. They make my looks more retro looking than I would like, I guess.

Thanks Jean. A long cardigan is a great idea, especially because I rediscovered some denim leans and I have nothing long enough to wear them with.

Thanks Texstyle. Not sure about the color or pattern though, I think if I scale down the number of cardigans in my wardrobe I'd prefer to start with something more versatile.

Diana

Veteran

I think I'd go for a knit blazer or moto! Look for an unlined one if you want max comfort. I have a jersey fabric blazer by nic and Zoe that is super comfy. A little tip: I sewed small shoulder pads in it, and that really helped with making it appear more structured and shapely.

Or what about something like that tweed Ann Taylor (I think) knit moto that's been making the rounds on the forum?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Diana! Good tip about the lining. Something like that tweed moto would be nice, definitely! I just need to find one that's in the budget.

Tanya

Veteran

I would go for a longer V-neck merino cardi, like the ones Angie recently posted about; and a knit moto. Either two neutrals or one neutral and one of your favorite colors. This would maximize the layering options, I think.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Tanya. I had a look at Angie's list and the only Cardi there that would be an option is the H&M one, but it's almost completely acrylic. Uniqlo has a classic merino wool cardigan, but it's not long. Woolovers has a merino wool cashmere mix cardigan, but it doesn't button and might look old fashioned.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I've been seeing some awfully cute knit motos...

Anonymous

There's a really cute quilted grey knit bomber at Gap. It's been around all fall though, so not sure what the availability still is. Angie included it in a ensemble post too (within the past 6 weeks or so) and it's such a soft, cute piece. You could wear it with pants or skirts, and it would also work for around-the-house wear with casual bottoms.

Astrid

Veteran

Thimblelina, thanks. I don't think I've seen them that much over here, or priced much too high...

Thanks lisap! Do you mean this grey one? Not quilted though.

ETA

Found it here, but sold out in the smaller sizes.

http://www.gap.eu/browse/produ.....se&sd

E

Veteran

Oh I wasn't thinking loungewear: I guess I just meant when I'm at home reading or doing dishes or whatever, I don't usually wear a jacket, while I often wear cardigans.

I can see why you're looking for alternatives if you're trying to tone down the retro part of your style! Good luck.

Astrid

Veteran

Eva, yes that makes sense. I guess I wouldn't wear a jacket either doing those things. And thanks.

Alassë

Veteran

I'd choose whichever colour pairs with the biggest number of your clothes.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Alasse. I've just ordered the grey H&M cardigan from Angie's list. I'm not sure about the fabric from the description, but we'll see. I'm going to keep looking for other options, though.

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bj1111

Veteran

Here is the hm cardi page

http://m.hm.com/us/subdepartme.....7977#items

The cream with leather sleeves and the marled tweedy charcoal hoodie are great. More modern less classic but somehow I see you putting it off. Both are long. There are a couple of reasonable knit moto options too that would be great with your coloring.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks! I haven't shopped H&M for a while because of poor quality, but I might have another look in store soon. I won't order anything else there before I haven't seen how the cardigan works out.

catgirl

Veteran

Drapey jackets are my go-to now... I'm wearing one today - will post a pic! It's not this one (which is also amazingly versatile)...

Helmut Lang 'Villous' Zip Front Sweatshirt

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catgirl

Veteran

Oh and here's the one I'm wearing!

https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....olor=BLACK

Gigi

Veteran

I was going to suggest a knit blazer or knit moto too. I'm trying to change up my topper game as well. Cardigans are comfy, but sometimes I feel like they give my look too much softness when I want to add a little edge. I haven't found anything yet, though! I hope you find something you like.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Una. Yes, I think something that would make my outfits feel a bit more modern would be great. I just have to find something that isn't so big a departure that it will be difficult to wear.

Thanks Gigi. Keeping my fingers crossed for you too.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I've ordered these toppers from Ann Taylor. They serve the same purpose as a cardigan but make a different style statement. I'll post about them in a thread when they arrive. (I actually tried them on in Seattle so I believe they work, but I want to see what the forum thinks as well.)

ETA -- Is Ann Taylor available in Germany? Probably not. If you want help ordering, PM me! FYI I got both of these for 50% off using a 24 hour coupon on Monday.

Petite Patch Pocket Topper

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Faux Leather Pocket Cape

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Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Denise! I think both of these will be fantastic for you. We don't have Ann Taylor in Germany, no. But their stuff is too expensive anyway, probably even with a mark down. I can afford to pay these prices for shoes and outerwear, but not for a jacket or cardigan - that's just not where I want to put my money... Although I sure had fun browsing the website.

Jenny H

What about the extra long v neck cardigan from Woolovers? It comes in Charcoal. I ordered that one last month. Sadly, it has not arrived so I can't speak to how it looks or the quality...

But I also love all the suggestions for a knit blazer or knit moto!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Jenny! Do you mean this one? http://www.woolovers.com/cashm.....digan.aspx I'd prefer it without pockets, that's why I thought about trying the other one. I already have a pullover from Woolovers and think the quality is good. Definitely not as good as my new wool pullover I bought in Scotland, but better than most things I see here in stores.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Another vote for a charcoal grey, here. I'd suggest a grey cardi, and maybe a drapey jacket in navy -- similar to what Una posted.

From what I've seen, you only go without a third piece when it's truly high summer -- which means I'd save a bit of cash for a springier option come March.

Jenny H

Astrid,

Sorry for the late reply. I don't know if this is still helpful. That's not the cardigan I meant. This is:
http://www.woolovers.com/cashm.....digan.aspx

I was thinking it could be worn open instead of buttoned as shown.

Astrid

Veteran

Beth Ann, thanks. And planning to get something nice for spring is a great idea!

Jenny, thanks. These would probably work stylewise, but I prefer their lambswool knit to the merino and chasmere mix. It's more robust, not as thin and obviously warmer.

Greyscale

Veteran

Now that I've visited your city - your stores have so much better selection in warm wool clothing than the US! Most things here are acrylic blends these days. It's still easy to find wool but I have to work harder at it.

I noticed that COS has a very nice selection of wool cardigans right now, in some very modern shapes.
http://www.cosstores.com/de/Sh...../Cardigans
I really wanted this one from the photos but it didn't fit me very well - too boxy (possibly true on you also?):
http://www.cosstores.com/de/Sh.....7721056.1#

(They're not inexpensive but since COS, Zara, etc clothes are about 20% more in the US, it seemed like a bargain while I was there.)

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