101 Ways to Wear a Cardigan: Part II

We're back to cardigans, and this time, we mean business.

Lesson #2: Cardigans are like people. There are thin ones, there are thick ones. There are short ones, there are longs ones. But every one has a special place in the world. Some just need a little more spiffing up than others.

Specimen 1 (The Boyfriend Cardi): Why is it called the boyfriend cardigan, you might ask? No, it is not because it likes to cling to your backside. It is called a boyfriend cardigan because it is reminiscent of the cardigan your boyfriend might have offered you when you were cold during that high school football game. It has a more boyish cut in that it is longer (therefore, covering your rump), and the buttons start at the bottom and do not come all the way up. They generally stop a few inches below the bust line. Many boyfriend cardigans also have pockets. The boyfriend cardi is great when you want to dress down an outfit. It brings a bit of comfy-casual to the table. This cardigan is great for tunics, and other outfits where you are not in the mood to show off your hind curves. Boyfriend cardigans are also great for belting.

Specimen 2 (The Short Cardigan): This is the most common cardigan. For you fellow JCrew lovers out there, the Jackie Cardigan is one fine example of a short cardigan. The short cardigan goes better with dresses and tighter fitting pants because it stops right about where the curve of your bum begins. These are not typically the best for belting, unless you are belting underneath the cardigan.

Specimen 3 (The Textured or Patterned Cardigan): As mentioned before, some cardigans are thicker or have unique textures and/or patterns to them. *Also see Specimen 3 from 101 Ways... Part I. Thicker cardigans are great for warmer, outer layering, but generally not best when wanting to do extensive layering. Make sure that whatever you wear under it is thinner, or you might get the wadded up Michelin Man effect. When choosing your cardigan as the interest piece of your ensemble, make sure that you tone it down with more subtle pieces, and do not overwhelm it with too many flashy additions. Make sure your outfit has balance to it. Or if you do heap on the glam, make sure you have the attitude to work it.

Lesson #3: Sometimes it is overkill to accessorize your cardigan, but sometimes, it is just the fix you need. 

Specimen 1 (w/ Skinny Belt): If an outfit has all the right elements, but is a bit too boxy in the waist area, try reigning it in with a skinny belt. It should be snug, but not too tight. The muffin top look is bad enough at the hips, there's no need to bring in that effect at the waist. *Also, this is an example of the Medium Length or Mom Cardigan. It stops about mid-butt. It's a no frills, basic cardigan that usually begs to be accessorized. 

Specimen 2 (w/ Chunky Belt): Sometimes a skinny belt gets lost or overpowered in an outfit. If you need a more stand-out piece, or you're just not getting the shape you wanted, try a chunky belt. 

Specimen 3 (Belt Under Cardigan): When you need that little extra something-something, but it doesn't look quite right worn over your cardigan, try wearing it under your cardigan. *Also see Specimen 3 from Lesson #2 above.

Specimen 3 (Fancy Buttons): If you're tired of your old cardigan, and want to give it a fresh look, yank off those buttons and add your own. Craft stores are full of adorable buttons just looking for a home.

Lesson #4: Cardigans have other functions besides giving you the right shape.

Specimen 1 (The Tone-Down): If you are like me, and you love florals, fun patterns, and bright colors, you may need a couple more conservative cardigans to tone down the crazy, and restore order to the universe. 

Specimen 2 (The Middle Man): Every so often, an outfit needs an additional layer of warmth, or perhaps an extra dash of color. Once again, the cardigan is given the chance to fulfill its telos as the greatest layering piece of all time. 

I hope I have given you some handy ideas on how to spruce up your daily ensemble. We will be moving on, but if you have any questions or creative thoughts on the fine art of cardigan wearing, please pass them my way!

-Miss C