Trying Cardigans - YouLookFab Forum

I spent yesterday trying on some cardigans. I'm really picky about fiber content, so that ruled out a lot. Gimme natural fibers, baby!

1) This Banana Republic cardigan was suggested in one of Angie's posts. I loved it in theory, but hated it on me. I just felt so huge in it. I tried both the small and the medium and didn't like either. I tried belting it, but it was too bulky that way. Too bad because it was 40% off and if I remember correctly a merino/cotton blend. The other Banana Republic long cardigans were out of stock otherwise I would have tried those too.

2) This is a merino Ann Taylor one that I thought had a "now" style. Again, I liked it in theory. So not me once I wore it. Garments that end at my widest part are probably ill advised.

3) This is LL Bean and I think it is ok. Fiber content just ok too-- I think it had some acrylic or something blended in with the natural fibers.

4) This is LL Bean too. Cashmere. So lovely. I loved the color. But it was expensive and I don't feel amazing.

5) This is the one I felt amazing in. I don't think it is as current as some of the others. But I love it. It is merino wool (Icebreaker Bliss Wrap). I found a website where I could get it for 20% off (Moosejaw) so I ordered it yesterday. Hopefully you won't talk me out of it! You can wear the sweater multiple ways.

Any thoughts? Disagreements? Any comments welcomed!

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9 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

If I were you, I would order #5 in another color. The fit and cut are outstanding for you. Wow. Your pictures show so clearly how important getting the shape and fabric right is to look fab.

Deborah

Well #5 was my pick of the bunch:). Great choice. I love the style me the colour. Agree with Dianthus that you could consider this style in other colours.

carter

#5 is definitely the clear winner for me as well. It hangs so nicely. I would duplicate in other colors too!

lyn67

I like the first 3. They are more curent to my eyes, somehow, but also bit casual, or depends on the styling! (nr 2 will look great with a pencil:-)).

trix

Active Member

The Icebreaker Bliss Wrap! I'll be following eagerly for ideas on how to wear it -- I got one last year for a trip (in a purple color) but need to figure out how to wear it for regular life.

I agree it looks the best on you, perhaps because it's not a bulky knit. The common theme between this one and the one whose look I liked second best (#3) is that both are straighter through the hip, whereas the other three seem to be bulkiest at the hip.

(And if it's your style, check out the Athleta Wanderland cashmere cardigan on eBay -- an inner tie at the high waist gives it some shape, and I think it would be hip-skimming.)

Jenny H

dianthus and Deborah:
Are you saying you don't like the color shown in #5 or that it is worth duplicating in another color? I just want to make sure I understand. It's the only color available this season that I liked. I wish there were more options as I don't love that color option-- I just liked it better than the alternatives.

There is a navy and white striped version available on clearance from
last year, and that might be an option. I would like it better if it
were solid navy, but it might be worth a try!

trix:
I'm bummed I missed last season's purple as that was lovely. I'm not seeing any available on clearance. Thanks for the tip on the Athleta Wanderland!

bj1111

first, i love the look of shock and frank dismay in the first 4 photos...highly amusing.

second, i love the blue cardigan on you. but before you duplicate, live with this one first. also, you just may not be an oversized cardi girl or a cardi girl at all. what where you wearing before trying on all these cardigans?

third, before you completely rule out oversized cardis, have you tried cocoon shapes that end past midthigh? may graze over the widest part of the hip but have a defined shape.

bj111:
Good point about trying a cocoon shape. I didn't see any while I was out yesterday. But that shape is something I would have liked to try. If anyone has tips for a store that has those in stock I would give it a try!

Here's the topper I was wearing before I tried on all the cardigans. I love this one, but it is not long at all. I just bought a pair of skinny jeans for the first time so was hoping to find some long toppers for a long over lean look.

Nordstrom

Caslon Draped Neck Jacket (Regular & Petite)

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Top Pick

Jenny, I meant that I thought the blue one looked good enough to get another one in a neutral if you could. I think the fit and cut work really well for you.

Another option for your skinny jeans would be a long shirt with your shorter jacket over top.

honestly, i prefer the topper you had instead of any of the cardigans.

quick search on shopstyle.com for cocoon sweater...some possibilities, some actually affordable.

http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=cocoon+sweater

Gigi

I like the topper in 5 best (the one you bought), and then 3 after that. I wonder if the reason they look better is because the cut of those cardis still hints at waist definition?

I am glad I am not the only one who insists on natural fibers. It can be absolutely exhausting to find a warm topper that doesn't have a substantial amount of nylon, polyester, or acrylic. Last winter I had hardly any clothes to wear because I refused to compromise on the natural fibers requirement. I'm hoping to add a few more pieces this year—if I can find them. Glad to know I'm not alone!

tulle

Jenny, your stance in the last photo says it all: that's the length and silhouette that really works for you--and what a happy color! I agree with those who think that multiple colors in this style would be an excellent investment.

Jenny suggesting duplicating. I love the colour.

Beth Ann

Love the last one! Personal style and happiness trump trends every time. There's still plenty of cool factor in your final choice!

Love your Caslong jacket, too!

Jeanie

Yay, a cardigan fit model! I love that you did this exercise because I wanted to try a lot of Angie's picks and I think I would have ended up, like you, not liking the ones that end right at the hips. I would have thought the straighter lines on #1 would have been easier to wear. I guess you just don't know until you try. I do like #3 and #5 and now I can see to look for cardis that are a bit longer. Thank you!

texstyle

#5 seems to be a great choice for you. The one I liked second was #3 - I thing due to the longer length and navy color which is easy to work into many outfits.

catgirl

5 is definitely best, and I think looking good beats looking as trendy as possible. I found this sweater on sale at Eddie Bauer yesterday when shopping for pants for DH. I NEVER shop EB!

http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod.....2765000050

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