The hardest working item in my wardrobe
The cardigan that goes with everything
Can you relate to the dilemma of having nothing to wear but a wardrobe full of clothes? For me this is at its most acute when a) going into London for the day where I feel a strange pressure to look my best and most fashionable and b) when I am going out for the evening. I miss the days of jeans and a nice top…simpler times.
Recently I find myself trying to be more intentional with what I buy, and gravitating to much more classic and timeless pieces that are not necessarily ‘fashionable’ (read gimmicky) but are elegant, feminine, timeless and make me feel good. Do we all go through this right of passage when we hit 40? Much like I question if M&S is in fact cool again or if its just that I am now of M&S age, I wonder why I am gravitating towards classic and arguably less bold pieces. Is it an age thing? Or is it that I have been around the block enough seasons that I know what I will tire of and will be going to the charity shop within a year versus what will stand the test of time? Or a sustainability thing? Or just a “I’d like life to be simpler” thing? Answers on a postcard.
Whatever the reason, I find I wear the classic (dare I say less exciting to buy but so much more rewarding long term) pieces more and more, and they stay in my wardrobe WAY longer than the magpie items. And this is at its most true with my old faithful, my go to: this cardigan - linked here. Let me be clear this isn’t a paid ad (although contains aff links as usual). I’m just a ridiculously large fan.
So - the Cardigan, at this point, cost per wear, has paid for itself dozens of times over. Correction - THEY have paid for themselves. I have several colours now because its just TOO GOOD. And ALERT ALERT - they have just restocked the much coveted ‘perfect green’ and introduced a maroon/burgundy - both of which I have now ordered.
Also - it isn’t itchy. I hate scratchy knits - and this ain’t one of them. In terms of sizing, its relatively generous - I wear a small as a size 10-12 and its not at all tight. So I would either stick to your normal size or go down one.
The beauty with this knit it you can wear it with the buttons in the front if you want the classic look or swivel it round and the buttons are at the back and its got this chic French, louche vibe, modelled here by these very beautiful Parisian vibe goddesses above, and yours truly below. It’s just the most versatile item and the fact it’s two in one means it works hard.
Date night or dinner party? No problem, wear it with the buttons in the front with a couple undone. Hell, you can go further and undo it a few more if you have that kind of confidence. Add some chunky gold/silver jewellery and you are away. Or turn it round and wear it slightly falling off one shoulder - also very chic. I love it with a pencil skirt or a wide leg trouser.
Day time wear - buttoned up and paired with jeans. Unbuttoned with a white T or vest top. Back to front and its this super elegant but quite casual aesthetic.
It’s classic, its simple, it comes in so many colours you are bound to find at least one that suits you. I share this because, if like me you have the dilemma of nothing to wear but a whole lot of clothes….this is probably the solution to that.
Go forth and cardigan - you wont regret it.
What’s the item of clothing in your wardrobe that’s your old faithful? The “I have nothing to wear so I guess I’m wearing that again” piece? Tell me tell me!
Just bought the Perfect Green. Gorgeous colour and I quite like the look of burgundy as well.
I bought my first one of these last year and it has easily become my go-to piece. I currently have the Rosewood one, but I love the oatmeal colour you’re wearing above - that might have to be my next purchase!