5 March 2010 , originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Navy button down – H&M
- Print dress – Banana Republic
- Purple cardi – H&M
- Thermal tights – from Romania
- Boots – thrifted
Endnotes:
I took these pictures a while ago back in Germany and just never got around to posting them. But it’s only fitting that I post them now during our Cardigan 101 week, since they illustrate an important contribution of the cardigan to one’s wardrobe: tempering a bold pattern.
Since the cardigan’s open front allows you to adjust how much of the layers beneath show, it functions much better than a sweater in covering up some of the underneath layer while still allowing a desired amount to peak out. This works especially well for mitigating a bold print or pattern with a solid block of color.
Early in the week, I experimented with a patterned cardi and pattern mixing. While a patterned cardi is certainly a fun item to own, I would suggest starting with some solid colored cardigans when first building a basics wardrobe. This item works well with patterns and prints and can do some of that mitigating work if you’re intimidated by too much print in your outfit. And it also works oh-so-well with other solid colored items, creating fun color block effects, analogous creations, or monochromatic color schemes. It’s tough to go wrong with a simple solid colored cardigan, even if you’re a novice to layering or color mixing. S.
I love this combination. Very practical in cold winter days and still allows you to wear your jersey dresses.
I love this look. I vaguely remember you layering a button down under a dress before and I’ve tried to do it a number of times but I’m never pleased with how it looks on me. You pull it off great though!
Thanks, ladies!
@Ariana – the previous time I did it was here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/academichic/3484177222/in/set-72157612580944904/
I think the key is to have a light-weight or fitted button down that won’t add much bulk. I would also suggest using A’s trick of sandwiching in a thin yet form-fitting cami to essentially pin the shirt down and smooth it over underneath the dress. S.
What a fantastically creative way to layer! I’ve got some close-fitting button-downs that would work perfectly in this combination.
I think I’m wrong.. I think you layered the button down OVER the dress.. not under
A vest may have been involved too
(i found it actually.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/academichic/4186669137/in/set-72157612580944904/ )
The same concept still applies though, lightweight pieces. I only own two button downs – one thats a bit too big, and one thats a bit too small. I think its time to invest in one that FITS
you look amazing in that dress every time!! i love its print and fit and the way you style it with so many different kinds of wraps and colors.
That is a really cute mixture, and I completely agree with you about the utility of using a cardigan to temper a bold pattern.
I love how you put the button-down under the dress plus the cardigan — it’s genius! I agree with Ariana — you pull it off so well :)
love this look on you. you are a master at layering!
I love all of this layering, and the print of the dress is very pretty!
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