1 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Teal cardigan: Anthropologie, gift from MIL
- Green jersey dress: Gap Outlet
- Brown tights: HUE
- Oxford booties: Civico10, via DSW
End Notes:
I’m starting off our week of Cardigan Fashion 101 with a non-standard cardigan: this floaty, drapey number in a gorgeous color that was a gift from my mother-in-law. It’s actually a fairly versatile piece as those long dangling bits can be tied in the front, back, or even behind the neck to create different shapes.
But today I’m using it to share one of my favorite uses for longer length (i.e. over the hip) cardigans: wearing it over a dress. I don’t think there’s a magic ratio of cardigan to dress that makes this combination work, but there should be enough of a difference between hemlines so that it looks intentional rather than sloppy. The benefits of this pairing are manifold.
First, there’s the obvious warmth-adding factor:
Second, a longer cardi over a patterned dress can help control a bold print.
Third, it gives you something to do with those very long cardigans that can sometimes look like bathrobes when worn over jeans.
Fourth — and my favorite — by belting the cardigan in place with a gap between the edges you can create a long visual line that is oh so slimming.
Perhaps because the longer cardi is a trendier shape, it also keeps the dress + cardigan combination — which admittedly has the potential to veer into stodgy territory — feeling a bit more modern. Especially when it’s in a fun color. Thanks, mom-in-law!
How do you wear your longer cardigans? Do you have a rule of thumb for layering them over dresses or top+skirt pairings?
I love cardis- but am only comfortable wearing them when they are belted or you can actually see my waist. I feel so frumpy otherwise- it’s just best for my shape to show that there’s a waist in there…
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
I’m so glad you pointed this out, lady. I tend to belt my long cardigan outfits, but I belt an internal layer. This technique works WAY better.
That teal cardi is so lovely! You must have totally won the in-law lottery!
These looks are all really fantastic on your slim figure! I don’t have a lot of longer cardis because I have rather wide hips, so they tend to make me look wider than I care to most of the time. However, the couple that I do have, I usually belt in order to emphasize the fact that I do have a shape there.
You look adorable! I never would have thought to belt a cardi!
Where did you find that awesome necklace that looks a little like a golden leaf?
I actually have that red print dress from target and I wore it the other day with a brown cardi and boots. :) How fun! :) Great minds think alike! :)
I love this cardigan/dress combination on you! I would agree that long cardigans keep certain dresses more modern.
Your MIL rocks! I love every item you get from her! Lucky you ;)
the very-long-cardi-over-white skirt/tank is my favorite look – but I love all of these outfits!
Love this combo! There are a bunch of factors that go into deciding to belt over or under the cardi for me, and I never really know which is going to be best until I try the whole thing on. On me, I like the look of a straight sheath belted underneath a floaty long cardi – a little more artsy. But, the va-voom-ness of a dress with a little flare to it can be amped up by belting over the cardi, as in your 4th pic (which I adore, btw).
Looking forward to your next cardi fashion revelations! :)
I especially love that first photo! Great look and GREAT photo!
Love all of these looks! Long cardigans can go so wrong, but all of these looks are so right.
You also look so lithe and elegant in your interesting flowy layers. Total win. Also, how adorable are those booties? I didn’t see them on DSW online but I may have to stalk out the local store. I’m looking forward to the rest of the cardigan entries.
This is a beautiful look for this cardi!
That first photo is beautiful!
Really cute! Unfortunately, I don’t have one. So I should buy one. Or two. Haha
Great outfit! I love the little pop of color from your flowers too :-)
I am a big fan of the long cardi over a dress, or even a skirt and blouse, especially if they are similar in color. When the weather gets warmer I’ll pair my longer cardis with slimmer demim capris.