WIW: colorful maximal w/tall boots

In contrast to yesterday's neutral maximal look, today I decided to go for maximal color and pattern by pairing a variegated handknit basketweave tunic with my botanical print cardigan. The blog post this morning made me want to wear tall boots so I pulled out my cognac lace-ups. The colors in the selfie are much more true to life and I really like how they work together.

I find the shape of this cardigan a little frustrating. It's kind of shapeless but not in a good, drapey way. I haven't worn a classic cardigan for a long time aside from my striped handknit one that is very closely fitted to my specific body shape. I admit I just bought it because I absolutely adore the print. Anyway, I have tried it with lots of things underneath and only seem to like it with dresses. I thought this tunic was close enough to a dress to be OK, what do you think?

(Halogen cardigan, handknit tunic, Vince skinnies, Miz Mooz boots)

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8 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

This is very nice and of course I love the cardi print too. But I find that kind of cardigan impossible to style.

Have you seen this Ted Baker top? I tried the tee version (which is apparently gone now) and returned it because of the sleeves. But the print is gorgeous!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/te.....ter/445997

Wait, found the tee:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/te.....n=wishlist

Diana

Una, I hadn't seen the new Ted Baker prints! Love that one! That shape of tee can work on me as long as the sleeves are on the short side...

And I think I may be in love with this print too...

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Ted Baker London 'Joyci Citrus Bloom' Full Skirt

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Joyce B

Great outfit! I love your tunic, what yarn did you use?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Minimally Maximal, and LOVE you in those boots, Diana. Have you tried buttoning a few of the buttons of the cardi for shape? Looks great on you.

Joyce, it's some handdyed sock yarn called "Lilith Sock" from Femme Fatale Fibers. I think I got it on Etsy? I don't really remember, I actually knit this in 2012! I just looked on Ravelry and it appears they are out of business...

Angie, I tried a lot of different button combos but they all looked weird to me. I think the problem is that it is cut quite straight so it's fitted at the bust and hips and slightly too big at the waist and shoulder, and buttoning somehow made that more obvious...
I did have a wild idea to try buttoning it up all the way and wearing it as a long sleeved layer under a vest or sleeveless dress though. No idea if that will work but I will try it on at least!

ETA: The band is nowhere near my actual waist; if it was actually waist length I think it would work better because then I could button it at the waist and call it a day.

Mirjana

Lovely, I like cardi and agree with you can't be buttoned and looks good, I have that style of cardi and the same not to button it.

Meredith

Cardigans can be so frustrating and I generally avoid the because them fit is so frustrating. I think you've made the best of it with this look. The print is gorgeous and it's nice to have a lighter floral as an option. I was also eying the Ted Baker citrus print the other day. I think I'm partial to his butterflies this season, though.

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Tanya

Very cute outfit, and what gorgeous boots. That shade of teal looks beautiful on you.

Anonymous

This is a lovely look Diana. The colours in the cardigan and you teal top combine beautifully.

Ginger

Ugh, I hear you on that cardigan shape! It's a shame, because it's absolutely a gorgeous print. This is definitely an acceptable way to style it, though. The blues really highlight it.

Have you tried to re-shape it? I've seen a number of posts online on people re-cutting older boxy knitwear into more curvy shapes. Perhaps something as simple as a stretch stitch curving the side seams would make it look a lot better when partially buttoned. It's something I keep thinking I need to try. In the meantime, I make do with my retro cardigans, which are solids but have the waist in the perfect place.

Custom Find

by Ginger

RobinF

I think this works but I am a sweater lover. With that style I usually button a few in the middle and let it open at the neck and hem. Love your handknit tunic - beautiful!

Sara L.

I think this looks great! I have problems styling that type of cardigan as well and usually just leave them open. I love the color of the handknit sweater.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has cardigan issues!

Ginger, that's an interesting idea. I'll have to look up some tutorials. My sewing skills are not good though! I've been wanting to knit a retro cardigan like that for a while now but the knitting queue is long... I do have a pattern picked out though.

Meredith, I love that butterfly print too!

You could also button it up all the way and wear it over a skirt.

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