Cardigans! Why you need them. How to wear them. #luxetoless

Shopping list:

1. Rust cardigan // 2.  Barley cardigan // 3. Beige cardigan // 4. Lavender knit cardigan // 5. Brown pocket cardigan // 6. Creme cardigan // 7. Mint cardigan and top set // 8.  Light brown cardigan // 9. White open cardigan

Cardigans.
Never liked them. Frumpy. Shapeless. Aging.
First thing to go in a wardrobe detox along with bad necklines.
Then about 5 years ago long cardigans came back in again.
They got the thumbs up. Modern. Chic. Good coverage.
Short cardigans? Nope.
Not even Michelle Obama could make them look good !
But then we saw Katie Holmes in the new shape cardigan by Khaite.
Suddenly this looked sexy and cool
Because it’s updated into the new shape: Bell sleeves and fitted shape and a matching bra.
Now you’re talking!
This cardigan is perfect for this trans-seasonal time. Perfect when a blazer is too jooshy and a sweater too hot.
But you need careful instructions in wearing cardigans.
It is so shapeless and limp it can be tricky.
And quickly and scarily descend into frumpy and daggy. And no one wants that !

Hint: You want a cardigan that’s dramatic in shape, it can be baggy , probably V neck with major sleeve.

Styling Tips:
Stick the expensive colours. Of course. Is the Pope catholic? Lols.
(Bright pink cardigan? what are trying to do ? Kill me!)
Avoid a black cardigan unless it’s Rick Owens or Margiela. (meaning the shape is OUT there)
Wear it over a white tee or white tank.
You need to sex it up. Show some skin. Give it an air of effortlessness.
Then pull it off the shoulder. Or push up the sleeves.
Never do up all the buttons on a cardigan : Probably best to leave the bottom ones undone as that clings.
Then the first or second one looks good undone as well.
A cardigan with skirts? Beware !
You need to know what you’re doing. So for those of you who get dressed like painting by numbers , don’t even attempt this !
Ditto a cardigan over a dress. Frump city ..unless you are Helena Christensen.
Instead stick to high waist pants, baggy chinos or cool straight jeans.
Tuck in your tee. Pull on cardigan. Let it fall off the shoulder…
By the way if you wear Dad sandals and a cardigan you need something sexy/edgy in the middle such as leather jeans, fitted flared jeans or shorts if you have the legs.
Another sneaky trick?
Put in shoulder pads to give it some shape and vava voom. It works a treat !

Check out the street style pics below for some inspo.
You can click on the pics above for my pick of cardigans luxe to less.
More on my SHOP pages!