4 March 2010 – Layering Cardigans, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Black nursing top: Target
- Black ankle pants: Old Navy
- Booties: Civico 10, via DSW
- Purple sweater coat jacket thing: H&M
- Magenta short sleeve cardigan: H&M
- Open gray cardigan: TJ Maxx
- Beaded black cardigan: Banana Republic
- Purple cardigan: Gap Outlet
End Notes:
For my Cardigan Fashion 101 tutorial, I decided to tackle the still-elusive skill of layering cardigans. Way back in the fall I saw a little blurb on Style Bakery about layering cardis. And yes, it’s taken me this long to really work through this in my own closet. I started with a basic blank canvas of a black top, black pants, and (my new) booties (which I love) and decided that the most versatile outer cardigan I owned was this purple jacket-cardigan hybrid that has a substantial weave and a surprising degree of structure. Okay. So, what to layer underneath?
My first try is the picture above: a close-fitting magenta cardigan. It creates a nice analogous color scheme with the darker purple and functions almost like a little waistcoat might. Maybe cardigan layering isn’t as hard as I feared?
My next impulse was to try the old flowy-under-structure trick, so I threw on an open gray cardigan. I was not terribly excited by the results. I think the bottom layer was a bit too long. On the other hand, it created an unusual shape pairing, which I may embrace on a more adventurous day (and probably with full length pants to mitigate the endless torso issues).
Iteration 2: Floppy + Structured, originally uploaded by academichic.
I did like the color and texture pairing, however, so I tried tucking the cardigan into my pants and then blousing it. I liked this pairing: still some unexpected shapes, but with a bit more control. Though this might be a pain to readjust all day, it might be worth it.
Iteration 3: Controlled Flow, originally uploaded by academichic.
Next up, I put beaded cardigan beneath. I think there’s a nice contrast between the thick, rougher texture of the purple wool and the more delicate, subtle beading on the black cardigan. I wonder if it would more effective if I used a cardigan where the embellishments ran vertically down the front, thus giving them a bit more visibility. As it is, though, it worked as a surprising bit of sparkle for daytime wear.
Iteration 4: Grandma + Beading, originally uploaded by academichic.
Finally, I tried another close-fitting cardigan in a slightly lighter shade of purple. I like the v-neck of this cardigan, though I think the magenta cardi makes for a more interesting color scheme overall.
Iteration 5: Purple + Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.
The verdict? Layering cardigans can be as simple as thin-under-bulky, but surprising combinations can be crafted through some trial and error in front of the mirror. And once again, I wish I had a patterned cardigan to play with!
Hah! I’d always seen layered cardis styled where both were left open/unbuttoned. I love how they look with the underlayer neatly buttoned shut.
I’m loving cardigan week! I’m learning a lot of new styling ideas for one of my favorite wardrobe pieces.
I’m sort of “accidentally” layering my cardigans today as well. I wore a 3/4 length sleeve one to work, but it’s SO FREEZING today in my office that I’ve also put on the oversized cardigan I leave at my desk for just such emergencies.
I’m with Laura, I have only layered cardigans for the warmth effect. I think all these looks are cute. I think the lenght of the grey cardi might have worked better if it had an asymmetrical cut.
I like the layered looks! All my cardis are rather fitted. This makes me want to find a big, structural one to play with.
I wonder if the second pairing, with the grey one, would have worked better if you belted the inside one to control the volume and create a more form-fitting shape?
First off, I love the colour and knit of that purple cardigan, it just looks so warm and divine. I also really like the idea of layering cardigans, which I had never thought of doing before!
I love every single one of these looks! Thanks for the great idea!
I’m quite partial to the first look you have here… The two shades of purple (or is one pinkish?) work great and liven up the black! You look really cute. :)
I like your shoes – are they booties? or are they high heeled brogues?
I love all of these looks! Probably because I just love layered cardigans. I desperately need to try this before it’s no longer cardigan season. Thanks for the reminder.
Love the look. It’s casual but so put together. Have you looked into full length sweater coats? They can add so much to an outfit.
The first look is my favorite, partly because purple and magenta is one of my favorite color combos, but the purple and gray together is also really nice.
This is one of my favorite outfits you’ve done. The magenta and purple pairing is so beautiful, and those are gorgeous booties!
I think the bright fuschia and the purple combos are my fave. Love the cardi layering!
Woman, your shoes are to-die-for!
I’m so glad you found inspiration in our “Fall Styling Tips Straight From The Runway” piece on StyleBakery.com! You took a fun idea and ran with it – and you look fabulous!
I second trying the gray layering, tucked out, with a belt. I think the belt might shorten it to lower-mid-hip instead of top-of-thigh.
The lighter color sets off the curved shape of the outer jacker and makes it look more interesting.
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