I know we touched briefly last week on the humble cardi but I thought we could expand further on what to wear with your cardigan. Time was you’d have one over the back of your office chair in case the air con got cranked up too high after lunch. Why is it always after lunch? Or is it just because you get that mid-afternoon cold slump that only a hot drink and biscuit will solve? These days I favour a cardi more for the functionality of being able to remove it easily when a hot spell occurs. Layering is definitely the friend of a perimenopausal woman.
While we’re talking about this midlife condition, can I ask if anyone else gets the ridiculous itchy skin? I thought it was another bout of eczema, but no, the weirdly itchy forehead, eyebrows and legs is in fact another side effect of hormone imbalance. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. But enough about that, let’s get back to the knitwear.
Personally, I favour a shorter length cardigan. If it’s a longline waterfall number that you’re after then I’m afraid you’re in the wrong place. Small tip for buttoning up a cardi to make it sit a bit better on the waist: take your favourite cardigan (it must have at least three buttons), and loop the last hole over the second-last button and the last button through the second-last loophole (are you keeping up? I’ll put a video on Instagram later) – this crops your cardigan without you having to tuck it in. The French tuck, which works so well for jumpers, doesn’t do so great when there’s a button in the way, so try that.
Let’s have a look at some cardigan-based outfits for you…
THE CHUNKY KNIT AND JEANS
It was this particular cardi that inspired this blog (I often find something during the week that sparks an idea for these posts). It’s by Maison M and has that great vintage-Aran-knit feel to it. I’ve worn it a lot already. It goes perfectly with jeans and a nice white blouse underneath. It’s also the ideal candidate for that button-up trick. P.S. I had quite a few of you recommend these COS straight-leg ankle jeans.
1. Maison M handknit balloon sleeve cardigan
2. Edge of Ember malachite gold plated necklace
4. Cos straight leg ankle length jeans
5. Gucci horsebit 1955 small shoulder bag
6. Sandro thick sole leather loafers
BLACK & WHITE WITH A BODY
How do we feel about bodies? They seem to be making a bit of a comeback. That might be because I watch too much TikTok and I made the mistake of watching ONE video of a girl trying one on, so now the bloody app thinks all I want to see is ladies of all shapes and sizes telling me to wear a SKIMS body. I’m so easily swayed though. I bought a car from Cinch last month purely because I kept seeing those Rylan adverts on the telly. Although I did actually need a new car and they gave me a GREAT price on a part-exchange AND a free umbrella, so I was happy. Maybe I’ll just have to try this SKIMS body too. To be fair, their bras are amazing (I now have three), so I am tempted, but can anyone be arsed with the toilet issues involved when wearing such a garment?
1. Skims scoop neck shaping bodysuit
2. Cos relaxed fit twill blazer
3. Loewe anagram textured leather belt
4. H&M Stripe oversized rib knit cardigan
5. The Frankie Shop wide leg wool blend trousers
6. Converse Chuck 70 vintage canvas trainers
WITH A LITTLE BIT OF LEATHER
As mentioned in my latest Warehouse post, I’m kind of into mini skirts right now. Dare I say it, but I’ve temporarily fallen out of love with the oversized buffet dress. I’m sure the love will return at some point, but I think I overdid it. It’s another fault I have: if I like something, I tend to go overkill so much that I eventually get sick of it. I’ll buy the same item of clothing in every colour but then end up only really liking the first one I bought. Same goes for food. I can eat the same thing for lunch every day for weeks then inevitably get bored with it. I must learn not to do this. Note to self: one leather mini skirt is all you need.
1. AMI de Coeur logo wool cardigan (use code WMM15 for 15% off)
3. Oliver Bonas faux leather button front skirt
4. & Other Stories grainy leather tote bag
5. Ganni leather Mary Jane pumps
6. Cos regular fit heavyweight t shirt
THE SLEEVELESS CARDI
Or would one call it a knitted waistcoat? Or a button-up vest? Either way, I’m kind of into it. Adding a little layer of warmth but without the bulk. Shout-out to these readers from Amazon. They come in a pack of three and they actually look really good for the price. I keep a pair in each room and another in my bag.
1. Whistles button through knitted tank
2. KokoBin 3 pack of reading glasses
3. Uniqlo striped long sleeve top
6. Adidas Tyshawn low trainers
SIMPLE BLACK & LEOPARD PRINT
What is it about leopard print that I’m always feel drawn to? Love this Ganni skirt worn with a simple black cardi and chunky loafers. Easily worn now with thermals and woolly tights and then in the spring with a bare leg and simple white T‑shirt.
2. Saint Laurent June quilted leather box bag
3. & Other Stories relaxed fit single breasted blazer
4. Ganni leopard print denim midi skirt
5. Grenson Nina chunky loafers
THE BRIGHT ONE WITH DENIM
A cardi to add a pop of colour to an otherwise very simple, classic look. Of course you don’t HAVE to match your trainers to your top half, but I love it when a colour theme runs through an outfit.
1. & Other Stories wrap cardigan
2. Aligne Gilda maxi trench coat
3. M&S high waisted wide leg jeans
4. Oasis suede slouchy shoulder bag
5. Adidas Gazelle suede trainers
Finally, let us take a moment to rejoice that this interminable month of January is almost over, the days are finally getting longer, in fact this time next week the sun sets at 5pm. Small wins…
K x
