Keep or toss "Chanel" cardigan

Keep or toss this really faux Chanel-esque cardigan. I had fallen for the tweedy mix a year or so ago to go with various black bottoms. Then I kinda became disenamored of it, as the neckline turned out to be low-ish, for wearing by itself.

So, here I styled it with a polka-dot blouse. It's new this fall and hence prompted some experimenting for winter layers to come. The blouse is camel with white and dark navy dots, but I’m the boss of it, so now they’re black dots, and the tweed is black/tan.

Partly I like, feeling sort of French, and partly I think it evokes an outfit Julie Andrews wore in the Sound of Music, before she married the Captain (well, except that she was young and gorgeous).

I'm trying to see whether it just isn't going to earn its keep, since it isn’t as toss-on versatile as I thought, or play with it. The short boxy length works best with skirt or with higher-waisted pants, so, only a few bottoms work, currently, unless I experiment with layering over longer tops; Very cozy warm, though.

What are your first impressions—get some more winter use out of it, or toss?

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12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I definitely think that this would work over dresses and skirts (I don't know anything about pants), but do you wear a lot of them? I think that a flare skirt would look lovely with this type of a sweater - and it sounds like it's nice and cozy!

It doesn't remind me of Sound of Music at all (are you thinking of the outfit that the Captain makes fun of and then Maria said: "Oh, the poor didn't want this one!" or something to that effect?) - it says more tailored to me

unfrumped

lyn, that's what I mean, this goes mostly with a solid black skirt (or some solid) and I only have the one, and no dresses for it. So it's not so bad, but I'm considering setting it free.
In the movie there's that short boxy jacket thing she wears, I think while striding from the Abbey to her new post.

This?

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Yes!

pil

My 2 cents is for keeping it. The fabric has enough give that it doesn't read as boxy (or Maria like) to me, I quite like it on you. Would you ever wear it with just a scarf?

pil, thanks, yes, a scarf is a good idea, but has to not be fussy or get in my way. Sometimes can pull off that scarf-circled -in the neckline though I tend to get disheveled as the day goes with some of those things.

Mochi

It's pretty, in great condition, and flatters your body. I'd keep it at least for now.

sarah

I agree with Nancy (Mochi). I think it looks nice both ways you've styled it.

Gigi

It's a nice fit, but I agree that it looks better over skirts than pants, which makes it less versatile for you. I am a person who really likes to get a decent amount of wear out of my items before getting rid of them, so I would vote to keep it. But that's me.

Nicole D

Wow, lyn* that jacket looks like it was made out of burlap. You probably get some penance points for wearing it! I don't know about the jacket, it is a bit big, no? Looks good, but not totally fab, so if you have doubts, I would pass it on. The hills are alive with the sound of...something better right around the corner.

karymk

Oh I really like it and think it has potential with jeans and pearls and kitten heels, and perhaps something more of "pop" underneath.

Anonymous

I like it, but agree with karymk that it would look better worn casually with jeans than it does with other conservative work pieces. The forum helped me understand that when I brought home a similar jacket a while back with the idea of wearing it with a skirt for business attire.

Beth Ann

How do you solve a problem like a Maria jacket? Do what Claire suggests and mix it in a non-traditional way! You love classics, and wear them beautifully. When you say you feel "frumpy," I think it's sometimes because classic items can be paired in ways that yield "classic modern" or "traditional." Taking an item like this and pairing it with denim and a crisp white or black tee, or a bit of leather, would create a look that would please you more, I think.

You could also go more dressy and dramatic -- perhaps multiple, mixed necklaces.
I say try it in new ways --- if it still disappoints, you can always donate!

Mochi and sarah and Gigi, you make good pints about its good points, which is why I am torn.

karymk, clearlyclaire, and Beth Ann -- ooh, pushing the envelope! Juxtaposing! Possibilities. It might mean giving it up as a work item, but discovering a new smart casual look.

Deborah

I think its great. Can you wear it open? I do prefer this style without a collared top underneath but if you want to wear one, how about a crisp white shirt. Try pairing it with jeans:) I think it still has some life in it.

HelenInCanada

Keep!

Scarlet

I like it. I am not seeing any Sound of Music.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like it! Great idea to pair with the blouse and skirt.
I would wear it open over a fitted tee or sweater, tucked out, and skinny (or slim) pants. Or with a silky blouse untucked or semi-tucked, with slim pants. Or with the fitted top or silky blouse option, tucked into slouchy pants. Any of the above with booties, ballet or slipper flats or oxfords.

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