My mum in the early 90’s went to a confidence and lifestyle coach (I know, she was before her time). The brief was to make her look and feel like the kick ass business-woman she was.
The main takeaway that has stuck with me my whole life is … don’t wear a cardigan to work.
The actual feedback was; “It doesn’t matter if it’s a £400 cardigan, a cardigan screams mumsy/ sick day and not strong in charge business woman that deserves to be taken seriously”
So, you see, my complete obsession this season with a button up twin set style cardigans is causing me a serious conundrum.
They look chic, smart and they are warm and cosy… win win? Or, do they only look chic on the coquettish Parisian girls and on a middle aged lady with middle aged lady lumps and bumps, was she right? Do they just look mumsy???
I decided to do some unscientific research… It started with ‘calling in’ (journalist speak for buying with a view to sending back) six different versions. I knew I was keeping at least one… but, which one and, would I be wearing it for scone eating and knitting, or, for kick ass business meetings and cocktails with friends?
Lessons I have learned…
100% wool and, if possible 100% cashmere is a none negotiable.
The cheaper manmade fabric versions look and feel too much like a school cardigan, you know they wont last and then when they are out of shape and bobbly they will definitely scream ‘sick day cardie’.
Proportions are key
There appears to be a pattern for cardigans that are extremely wide and short with really long arms… I don’t know who this woman is, but, if she wants lots of cardigans this is her year!
You want a slim arm that fits.
The cuff needs to sit neatly, not go over your arms like a sulky teenagers hoodie… you know what I mean.
Button up
Buttoned up is the best way to wear this piece, and therefore it’s actually a jumper… not a cardigan which the coach didn’t mention and therefore we’re good to go!
Wear with a couple of buttons open at the top for a chic winter evening look, or button up with a scarf for a great day look that screams ladies that lunch.
I chose this one from Reformation at Harvey Nichols. It’s cashmere, its a great shape and I highly recommend it.
