The cardigan is a popular staple this time of year. I usually reach for one when I want a soft layer between my winter coat and t-shirt or tank top.
They also look fantastic of their own paired with jeans and slim tunic top.
A cardigan is a sweater that opens from the front, not to be confused with a pullover sweater which must be “pulled over” the head to be worn. The cardigan got its name from James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan who was a British military commander in the Crimean War.
Personally, I prefer classic tailored styles and usually leave the trendy short sleeved, open and asymmetrical styles on the rack.
I love this cardigan (left), because it’s long enough to cover your whole torso from the elements. It’s soft enough to please those who hate those itchy sweaters. It has a classic, yet sexy styling so you, your best friend and your mother could all wear it and be happy! It also has functional buttons and pockets that hit right where you’d need them. It retails for $79.00 and is available from Eddie Bauer.
I love the look of an old school classic cardigan. This one (right) is made with an updated style by attaching a hood and opting for invisible snaps versus the standard buttons so commonly found. There are side pockets that hit right at the hip line for ease of access. This sweater cardigan looks warm and soft; something I’d definitely enjoy wearing when the bitter chill of winter suddenly hits my arms or torso. The price is right too. It retails for $39.00, now on sale for $29.00 and is available here.
For those with a few more bucks to spend looking for an original, gorgeous piece, try on this cardigan (below) for size offered by Free People. The material is a wool/acrylic/nylon fiber blend. The wool and acrylic give it a warm and soft feel. The colors are vibrant and the patterns depict retro snowflakes so commonly found on your stereotypical ugly, itchy Nordic ski sweater from the 80’s. Fortunately, the nylon in this cardigan allows for that sexy body-hugging effect that we all crave.
The price is steep, but for such a gorgeous piece, I can’t complain. This cardigan retails for $188.00. Though I have seen similar pieces also offered by Free People at Nordstrom Rack for 50% or even 70% off the retail price!
Even though it’s winter and you’ve gotta stay covered to stay warm. It doesn’t mean you can’t look smoldering and soft and sexy! Happy shopping!