I am back from our lengthy holiday in Italy. It was much fun, the weather was amazing and the food was mostly excellent, barring one abysmal lasagna, but we’ll gloss over that. I will do a full blog post about it soon, but for now, let’s get back on track with the fashion. It appears it’s still summer, but we all know that won’t last and there will be a chill in the air come sundown. What do you need to help with this? Well you need a good Cardi of course!
Don’t ever discount the humble cardigan. At this time of year when you want to get a few more wears out of your summer frocks, when it’s not cold enough for a full sweater and when you can’t be bothered to take a jacket, then a good cardigan is your best friend. it’s the only item of clothing I’m considering buying in the next few weeks. Something new and useful to tide me over until all the new season loveliness appears.
Of course not all cardigans are cool. I tend to steer clear of anything too longline, and don’t you come at me brandishing a ‘waterfall’ frontage because I shall be having none of it. A few years back I found myself in Primark in Hammersmith next to Rula Lenska who was trying on a longline waterfall cardigan. I wanted to tell her to step away, but then who am I to judge? My favourite cardi style is your classic V neck button front. Ideally in natural fibres and no longer than hip length, so as this is my blog, those are the ones I have chosen for you…
COTTON CARDI AND SUMMER DRESS
A nice cream cardigan is the perfect thing to throw over your summer beach dresses for evening in the city, or in the country or even on holiday if you are lucky enough to have a late summer one booked. I think we’ve still got at least a few weeks left of our sturdy sandals too. This cotton cream cardi is from Cos who do most excellent knitwear that really lasts. I have jumpers from there that are older than my teenager.
1. See By Chloe Small Leather and Suede Handbag
2. Ganni Shirred Check Maxi Dress
3. Cos Cream Cotton Knit Cardigan
4. Adidas Continental Vulc Leather and Suede Trainers
5. Birkenstock Large Buckle Arizona Sandals
GREY CARDI AND JEANS
Now THIS is the outfit I most want out of all of this week’s finds. I missed out on this & Other Stories Cardigan last season, so I’m definitely going to order it this time. It’s the perfect soft grey colour that goes with everything, slightly cropped style and it has DINOSAUR buttons! I love it. I will pair with my River Island Jeans, a white T shirt and a fancy handbag.
I love this new style from Gucci. Last month I got a 20 year anniversary gift from work in the form of a decent amount of Selfridges vouchers. They are currently burning a hole in my pocket. I think a new handbag might be the best way to spend them. Also, I’m seriously considering a pair of white lace-up boots for next season. These ones from Air & Grace are my current favourites and go on sale towards the end of next month.
1. & Other Stories Dinosaur Button Cardigan
2. Gucci 1955 Horsebit Bag
3. River Island Distressed Mom Jeans
4. & Other Stories Sunset Graphic T Shirt
5. Air & Grace Freya Hiking Style Boots
ORANGE CARDI AND NAVY TROUSERS
You can’t go wrong with a good pair of Navy Trousers. They are a wardrobe staple for me as they work for all occasions most of the year round. These ones from Kin at John Lewis are ‘Balloon’ style which I know won’t be for everyone, but it is a style I really like. If you’re looking for a more conventional chino style from your navy trousers, try these ones from Cos. Team with a nice bright cardigan like this one from Arket, they do it in a few colours if orange isn’t your thing.
1. Arket Orange Merino and Alpaca Bend Cardigan
2. River Island Embroidered Puff Sleeve Blouse
3. Kin by John Lewis Balloon Style Navy Trousers
4. Muun Woven Straw Basket Bag (on sale)
5. M&S Suede and Leather Trainers
CABLE CARDI AND FLORAL DRESS
This is one of my go-to combos for early autumn, the classic floral midi dress and cardi is pretty fail-safe. For now, wear your sandals, and when it gets chillier, swap them for boots and ‘secret leggings’. For newer readers, ‘secret leggings’ are just any old leggings that you wear under midi and maxi dresses so they don’t show below the hem, thus giving you the extra heat you need, yet still giving the illusion that you are still braving a bare leg. I swear by this until at least early November.
1. Mango Chunky Knit Cream Cable Knit Cardigan
2. New Look Black Floral Chiffon Midi Dress
3. M&S Suede Lace-up Hiker Boots
4. Ganni Suede Buckle Sandals
NAVY CARDI AND KHAKI TROUSERS
Another outfit that I basically already own, and a very easy everyday look. Pair your chunky navy cardigan with a classic plain white T‑Shirt and Khaki Trousers. These ones from Cos are the most similar I have found to the ones I bought in there last year. Also, these ones from M&S have got rave reviews from those of you who bought them. My favourite plain white T is this one from Baukjen. I also have it in black. How cool are these new Converse? I’ve often had an issue with Converse rubbing on my little toes, not sure why, but I might have to revisit soon.
1. M&S Cotton Rich Navy Button Cardigan
2. Baukjen Roll Cuff White T Shirt
3. Cos Cargo Style Cotton Khaki Trousers
4. Carloe London Edie Box Bag
5. Converse All Star Geometric Print Hi Tops
I always enjoy writing this blog, but am really looking forward to the coming weeks as September is like Christmas for fashion lovers. I do love summer of course, but Autumn fashion has always been my favourite. On an admin note, I’m having trouble with the comments section, so for now, please comment on my Instagram instead.
Finally, if you feel like voting for me in the Good Web Guide awards you can do so here. I don’t have much of a chance as I’m up again Lisa Dawson, but that’s fine as she’s the guru of all things home. Check out her site here.
K x
P.S. This post goes out to my friend Lucy Von Schlegel who loves a cardi more than anyone else I know.
