Is it just me or has anyone else noticed lightweight cardigans among the early Spring offerings by retailers? I have a long-standing fondness (some might say obsession) with them so I couldn’t be more delighted to see them as I wander from store to store.
In my memory, my fondness for lightweight cardigans harkens back to the silk-blend one in a lovely beige and rust abstract print that I happened upon about 15 years ago while shopping at Ann Taylor’s. Up until then, it was strictly blazers or jackets that I wore as my work attire completer piece. Opting instead for a cardigan worn over a cami seemed so fashion-forward at the time.
But soon enough, I was in a new reality and I went on to amass quite a collection of them. Besides AT, I regularly found them at Loft, NY&Co, Macy’s, and of course, Old Navy. Since some retailers include dates on their labels, I can tell you that I’ve had a couple of the cardigans in the stacks you see in front of me below for more than 12 years. Several have previously been featured in posts as you can at the bottom of the page in the “related posts” section. In fact, I wore the cardigan you see in today’s post back in February 2016 during a trip The Husband and I took to visit with our son during his freshman year of college.
Back in the day, I would periodically make my shopping rounds seeking out the latest patterns and color palettes in cardigans for the season. Those with embroidery and/or appliques were particular favorites to find. Style-wise, my personal preference is for crew-neck cardigans. While I typically wear them unbuttoned, I feel like the longer vertical line of the crew-neck style is visually more slenderizing than v-neck ones. I also feel like I get more front coverage from them (iykyk).
Now, you might be a bit confused by a detail that seems to be lacking in the photos for today’s look. That detail being an open front with or without a button closure that’s typically found on a cardigan. And if you saw last Thursday’s post, Style Remix: Mad As A March Hare, then you’d recall that my top is part of the March Style Remix collection and that my top is indeed a cardigan. But where are the buttons?
Oh ya, the buttons. Well, I’m just giving the ol’ “wear your cardigan backward” styling trick a try. You can see the buttons in the lower middle image below. I haven’t worn my cardigans like this very often but it does solve a couple of issues. The first one is that I don’t have to be concerned about any gaping across my bustline. As an amply busted gal, this is a frequent issue that I typically address with a judiciously placed safety pin. The second issue is that I don’t like the combination of the vertical line of buttons along with a boldly scaled necklace. There would be too much going on in an area where I don’t what to draw attention.
As for the rest of the look, my lugged-sole Converse sneakers are also part of my March Style Remix collection. Both the jacket and jeans were bought at Costco, of all places, back in 2020. The jacket made its first appearance on the blog in Would You, Could You? Puffer Jacket & Hiking Boots and it’s been my go-to jacket for three Fall/Winter seasons now. I bought my necklace at Chico’s many years ago.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, How to Wear a Blazer + Sneakers Outfit Formula: Inspired by Nancy, was contributed by Sally over at Within A World Of My Own. In her post, Sally talks about venturing beyond her boundaries and dipping her white-sneaker-clad toe into the “styling white tennis shoes in a ‘real’ outfit” waters.
Are you still wearing anything you bought 10-12 years ago? Is it my imagination or are you also seeing cardigans in the Spring lineup from your favorite retailers? And while most of us adore its cousin the chunky sweater, do you also have a fondness for this lighter-weight version? Beyond that, what trends are you seeing as coming in for Spring?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
21 Comments
Oh, a fellow cardigan lover! I adore cardigans and would be embarrassed to admit to how many I have…let’s just say it’s probably over 99! Like you, if it’s embroidered or embellished, I’m even more drawn to it. I have yet to wear one backward, but I may have to do that in a future post! As for seeing more…I feel like I’m actually seeing less in the stores around me. Everything seems to be more chunky pullovers and poofy sleeves. It could be because I’m in Indiana, too. Thanks so much for the link up, and I hope you’ll come on over for 10 on the 10th as well as Traffic Jam!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I love cardigans too and I have saved all of my mine. I would love it if they are coming back into style. I will have to try the wearing them backward trick – especially in warmer months so I don’t have to wear a tank or shirt underneath. I have to admit that I have many clothes that are more than 10 years old. I have many clothes from when I retired 5 years ago that I hate to give away but I need to find more casual ways to wear them. Maybe an idea for a future blog post (or maybe you have already done one? I haven’t been following you that long)
A classic cardigan in black or even grey can be a wonderful choice for a casual and comfortable outfit.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/03/controversy-surrounding-discontinuing.html?spref=pi&m=1
I so enjoy a cute print cardigan, so having them trend again is good news! I have never tried the backwards cardigan trick, but I like how it looks. Thanks for featuring my post, too 🙂
Wearing your cardigan backwards is such a good idea! It really adds a fun detail to the look! Love the print of yours!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Cardigans are so classic and timeless. Loving the way you styled yours. I want your cute sneakers! Thank you for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I got rid of all my crew neck cardigans years back. I wish I had happened upon the backwards trick before that! It’s a great way to mix things up!
I absolutely still wear things that are 12 years old … and older! And I love cardis, both oversized and less so as I love to dress in retro clothing from time to time and I find them perfect for finishing an outfit.
Thank you for sharing and for running the linkup!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
https://donnadoesdresses.com
You’re right Rena, I’ve seen a lot of cardigans too. I used to love a neat cropped cardigan but the last couple I had weren’t great quality or colors, so it put me off. I’ve never worn one back to front but it’s a great idea!
I like cardigans too. I find then easier to wear then a blazer, especially in winter. Have to try the backwards wear though. Looks great.
This is a lovey cardigan on you and it looks really good worn backwards 🙂 I don’t think I’ve tried a cardigan backwards yet but I do have a few cardis I love for winter, they are such a cosy completer piece! Back when we were in the office each weekday I used to have a grey cardigan in my desk at all times in case I got cold – being grey it went with everything!
Thank you for your link up 🙂
I fell in love with cardigans when I saw Sandy wear one so sweetly on Grease! Ha!! Many, many years ago. I didn’t start really wearing them for many more years but I’ve always loved them.
I can honestly say it never occurred to me to wear one backwards – how smart!
xo,
Kellyann
I like wearing a Cardigan in winter. I like bright and vibrant colors of cardigan.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/03/heres-what-you-need-to-do-when-charged-with-a-crime.html
I do have have many cardigans since I have found I do not wear them and I don’t think any of mine have buttons. I love how you styled this one backwards. I have a pair of very similar sneakers (same color and lug sole) that I love wearing in the spring. I do still have some clothes that I still wear after 10 years or so and love when I realize that I still love them after all those years.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I have also started noticing cardigans growing in popularity, and wrote about my cardigan love in my blog post this week as well! I like your styling trick of wearing yours backward. I definitely have clothes in my closet that I wear currently that are over 10 years old. I am fond of wearing vintage looks and am glad I have held on the some of my classic styles The quality and workmanship is so superior to much of what can be found in the shops today. Enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing!
“Are you still wearing anything you bought 10-12 years ago?” Rena, that gave me a chuckle because fully a third of my wardrobe is at least twice as old as that! Just the other day my outfit was: 10-year-old pencil skirt, 20-year-old pashmina, and 30-year-old pullover sweater! Now I can’t wait to get a (new) crewneck cardigan to wear backwards! Thank you for hosting.
I love cardigans mostly because my temperature goes up and down like a yoyo and I can put it on and off at will! Jumpers are far too restrictive. I love the print of your blue and white cardigan and it looks fabulous worn backwards. I think I would find the neck too high if I wore it like this as I don’t find a boat neck comfortable. Think sometimes my head must be in the wrong place!!!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Your cardigan is so pretty, and wearing it backwards totally works. I love it! Such a pretty stack of cardigans in front of you. I have a couple of pairs of leggings that are 10 years old.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Hello
I’ve just found your blog from mummabstylish.
We have so much in common.
As a fellow cardigan lover, I’m going to try the backward cashmere cardigan look tomorrow.
A cardigan is so classic and looking nice in them. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
a-ha! I thought that is what you were doing when I first say the picture! I need to try wearing mine backward. Very cool, ad I love the print with your denim.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com