I've got long BF cardigans- thanks to Marianna!

You may remember my numerous rants about failing to find BF cardigans long enough to wear with skinnies. In despair I decided to try Halogen merino wool ones from Nordstrom and Marianna graciously agreed to help me. Thanks, Marianna!
I wanted one colored and one neutral so I can have more combinations so I went for teal and striped white and black - just to be different I suppose.
I also was not sure about the sizing so I ordered L in teal and XL in striped one.
Well, they arrived today and I would like your assessment on them.
#1-4 - teal in Large. It is a bit tight in the arms if I have a long sleeve tee under it but OK for sleeveless layers. Also is is a bit snug in the hips when buttoned up but not too bad.
#5-8 - striped in XLarge. Sleeves are fine to layer over long sleeved layers but does it look too big? Also how about the pattern? I stepped out of my comfort zone in getting a striped one - was it a mistake?
#9-10 - purple tunic
Also I have returned the jacket I asked your opinion yesterday and got this purple tunic instead. I think it looks better IRL than in those pictures and IT IS LOOOONG!!!
I like the cowl neck but not sure about the sleeves? Are they too big? I am going to mostly layer it under jackets and cardigans with skinnies and these sleeve layer under fine.
OK, what is the verdict - keep or return?

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15 years ago

Stephanie

Veteran

Sveta, are you planning to wear the cardigans open or closed? Can you post a picture of the tunic layered underneath something? I like by itself but if you want it mostly for layering purposes I'm concerned about the sleeves.

Jonesy

I really like the teal cardigan on you--the color is perfect and the fit looks good. I think the striped one is too big :(. I am liking the plum tunic a lot. It looks like the sleeves are dolman-type sleeves--cute! I could see this with a layer underneath it too, like a slim-fitting black turtleneck. And it would work on its own in the spring!

Three cheers for Marianna! Such a sweet thing to do.

carrie

(website)

Active Member

I really like the striped and I like it one buttoned. I think for sizing you may want to decide if you will predominantly wear it buttoned or open as the Large looks better open but the XLarge looks better buttoned. I'm also a big fan of the purple tunic - very flattering shape.

Michelle

What would we Canadians do without Marianna the Nordstrom faerie? Glad you were able to find some options, Sveta!

kellygirl

Love the teal BF cardi and the purple tunic. They are perfection on you! I like the striped BF but it looks too big from the back--it looks like it is folding over on itself. Yay on finally finding a BF cardi long enough and yay for Marianna's help! Well done, Ladies!

taylor

Love them all...score!!
Sweet Marianna:)

Sveta

Stephanie / Carrie, I don't know if I wear them open or closed yet. I have never owned a BF cardigan before so I need to experiment!
Jonesy, this is a good point about layering a black t-neck under that tunic - I will get it a try.
Michelle, this is so true! Three cheers for Marianna!
Kelly, I really like that sleeves can be worn over other sleeves in the striped one and also it is a bit longer. I will ask my mom if it can be taken in a bit on the sides - maybe I get lucky?
Taylor, thanks!

Oh yeah, Sveta, I forgot your mom is an alterations/sewing genius! I really like that one from the front--hope it works out!

ETA: Now I have a good feel for how tall you are. I tried the regular sizing of this cardigan and it was dress length on me!

Aida

Personally I prefer the looser fit for boyfriend cardigans, so I like the striped one. I think you'd get plenty of wear out of the striped one even if you think it's not in your comfort zone If you wanted to have it taken in a little on the side seams, that'd be fine looking too.

The teal one is a beautiful color, but since you say the sleeves are tight I think you'll have to think about if you'll get enough wear from it when limited to sleeveless tops, which you may. I think the length on both is good!

I think the tunic will layer just fine, but definitely play around with it first. The sleeves appear like they'll behave similar to dolman sleeves, and I can usually layer those under jackets just fine.

Ha Kelly, now you see why I am ranting about everything being too short?:-)
Aida, I just tried them on again and I think i like the size of the striped one. If my mom can take it in a bit on the sides from the arms until the waist that would be perfect.
I can layer the teal one over sleeves but I can feel them if you know what I mean. I will see how the alteration for the striped one goes and may exchange for a bigger size then. On the other hand it looks good unbuttoned and I have quite a few sleeveless dresses and tops so that may work as well.
I am going to wear my new purple tunic tomorrow - stay tuned for WIW!:-)

MsMary

I think they all look great!

It may work out nicely to have one tighter and one looser as well, you get slightly different outfit feelings. And I think they're tight/loose in the right order, the teal is perfect for slightly dressier looks and the stripes are perfect for slightly slouchier looks. Hope the alterations work out! Looking forward to seeing the purple tunic tomorrow

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I really like you in the larger size, Sveta! I too prefer the look of a BF cardi on the roomy side. (And bless Marianna).

Adore the purple tunic!

marianna

Yay! I'm glad they finally arrived. I like them both on you! I think we did well.

Lynne

I love the cardi's open, Sveta, and I ADORE the tunic - waiting impatiently for the WIW!

With Angie's blessing I was looking into ordering a bigger size in teal. Alas - there is nothing bigger than S left.
I think I will stick with my original plan: wear teal one open with sleeveless layers and see if my mom can take in the upper part of the striped one - I like how it fits me in the hips but it is a bit too much in the bust and waist.
Thanks for your help!

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