The humble cardigan. A very useful, yet much overlooked addition to anyones winter wardrobe. Shed your preconceived ideas that cardigans are for Nanas only. We can all wear them and not look like the off-duty Queen. Although I’ve said before, HRH is a style icon of mine. I also don’t think that dressing like a Granny is bad either, if done in the right way .

I love a good cardi, they are great for adding an extra layer over dresses, dungarees, good for shedding quickly if you have a hot flush, and perfect for when you want to show off your cool slogan T‑Shirt. Whats the point of having a decent design on your Tee if, come winter, no-one will see it as it’s always covered up with a jumper?  This is my current favourite cardigan look, so I’m going to focus on that this week.

What’s the perfect cardigan? For me it’s boxy, cropped even, not too long. Not sure I  really get with the long-line cardigan and don’t get me started on the ‘waterfall’ monstrosities that were once the mainstay of Per Una. Luckily I think they’ve moved on to better things now. I prefer a classic V neck front cardi and nothing too tight thank you, so let’s see what’s out there.

THE CHUNKY CARDI

Let’s start with something a bit different instead of ending with it for a change. How do we feel about the chunky cardi? Could be tricky to wear a coat over those sleeves. I’ve come a cropper in that department before, so look for ones with less bulky arms and wear with your biggest overcoat, or layer one up over another jumper on less cold days. This one from River Island hits the spot I think. Wear with a rock T‑shirt, jeans and boots. How nice are these Vivienne Westwood boots? They are currently top of my Christmas list!

1. River Island Red Bobble Knit Cardigan
2. Vivienne Westwood Orb Logo Wool Blend Scarf 
3. Topshop Straight Leg Mid Blue Wash Jeans
4. H&M Printed Bowie T Shirt 
5. Vivienne Westwood Red Leather Seditionary Punk Boots 

THE SMART CAMEL CARDI

Camel and brown tones are having a bit of a moment this season. I really didn’t think they would win me over, but they kind of have now. I got these Baukjen cords a few weeks ago and they are great colour, surprisingly go with a lot of other colours too. Looks great with Navy and Baby Blue. I have the Arket Cardi in pale blue, sadly sold out now, but at the time of writing the camel version was still in stock. Size down if you go this one, comes up big.

1. Arket Wool Cardigan 
2. & Other Stories Printed T Shirt 
3. Baukjen Maretta Corduroy Trousers 
4. Warehouse Suedette Trench Coat 
5. M&S Autograph Leather Lace Up Trainers 

THE SOFT GREY CARDI

If you’re going to buy one button-up then this could be the easiest to wear. Grey goes with every colour and this M&S one is nice and boxy, super soft and only £35.  I would size down one size on this too. M&S does tend to come up big. Wear with your essential wide-legged cropped trousers and trainers. you CAN wear your trainers with socks in the winter. I’ve mentioned before, just get some decent knee length socks to cover the full ankle/calf gap.

1. M&S Grey Button Through Cardigan
2. Black White Denim Baum & Pferdgarten T Shirt 
3. M&S Checked Wool Blend Coat
4. Cos Wide Leg Flannel Trousers 
5. Vans Old Skool Suede Trainers 

THE COLOURFUL CASHMERE CARDI

Want your cardi to be warm and practical, yet also want it not to unnoticed? Then this J Crew cashmere number could be right up your Strasse. Comes in eight different colours and, as ever with J Crew. is excellent quality. This one I would size up as it’s thinner than the others and you want to avoid any cling. When I say ‘you’, I really mean ‘me’, as I can’t do anything clingy these days. Shout out to these Uniqlo straight leg jeans too. Currently the best ones I’ve found on the high street.

1. J Crew Everyday Cropped Cashmere Cardigan
2. J Crew Love First Printed T Shirt 
3. Uniqlo High Rise Straight Leg Jeans 
4. Genevieve Sweeney Striped Socks
5. Seven Feet Apart The Original 172 Trainers

THE ROCK CHICK CARDI

could this really be a thing? Can you be a bit rock and roll and still get away with a cardigan? Well, yes I think so. If Kate Moss can wear a cardi then so can you. Why not try one in Animal Print? This red one from Anine Bing is the perfect example. Pair with your black skinny jeans, printed T‑shirt and the boots of the season, hiking boots. The Grenson Nanettes may be like gold dust right now, but there’s more out there. These ones from Shoe The Bear are a great alternative.

1. Anine Bing Justine Cardigan 
2. Mango Flecked Textured Coat 
3. H&M Black Straight Leg Jeans
4. The Outnet Sandro Printed T Shirt
5. Shoe The Bear Agda Hiking Boots 

I hope you have now got a renewed love of a cardigan. If you’re after some bargains this weekend, or want to start some Christmas Shopping then check back on the Black Friday post here. Talking of Christmas, would you be interested in a gift-guide? or are we sick of those already?

K x