Making It Work: The Power of the Cardi

Wednesday, March 7, 2012


Never underestimate the power of a cardigan to transform a wardrobe. 
Without a doubt, I feel my cardigans are the most versatile pieces I own. I have short ones, long ones, embellished ones and plain ones. They offer infinite, year-round possibilities to all the other clothes I own. It's not quite a sweater, not quite a vest and it's perfect for days when it's just not cold enough to wear a jacket, but still a bit chilly. Functional without being frumpy, you can wear them
1. Open
2. Buttoned and belted
3. Over t-shirts and camis
4. As a layering piece under blazers
5. Buttoned and tucked like a blouse
(Don't trust me on that last one? Just check out some pictures of the ever classy Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn...)


Depending on ruffles and embellishment, a cardigan can be dressed up or dressed down and the right cardi can pull an outfit together without it looking like you just threw something on to stay warm. There is nothing in my closet that offers more diversity when building outfits and even the most basic cardigan can make a large impact on an otherwise bland outfit.


What's your favorite type of cardigan and how do you wear it?


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32 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tips! I love every variation of the outfits! :)

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  2. Hi Kristina. Thanks for the inspiration. I need to invest in some more new cardis. I love them, too, but I think most of mine are dark colors... black, navy, greys. By the way, any tips on what to do with a cardigan that shrunk in the dryer? It's now too short :(

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    1. I've so had that happen too, but I just keep wearing mine. It wan't quite as short as a shrug...more at waist length. I had my husband help me stretch it out evenly to regain a bit of length. We did that several times, until it finally stayed! =)

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  3. Ughhh... your blog makes me happy and depresses me at the same time! I LOVE all the clothes, style ideas, and beautiful pictures! BUT I just want every item of clothing you own... and that just can't happen. Boo.

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    1. You're so sweet.Please don't get depressed! Building a wardrobe you love takes time...I've been collecting my cardis for 10 years! They're the one item I never let go of, so some of them look a little rough.

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  4. Wow! Looks like I need to pick up a few more cardigans ;)

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  5. I love the way you styled the dress with the different cardigans. I've been working on adding more cardis to my wardrobe. Thanks for the tips

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  6. great combinations! i love cardigans too, but it is crazy hot here (austin texas) most of the year so my cardigan wearing window is very limited!!

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    1. I know what you mean! I lived in Lewisville, TX for a year...Oh. My. Goodness. SO HOT! Def not the place to be wearing layers of any kind. =)

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  7. I have the second to last sweater from Loft, wore it the other day and got tons of compliments! I swear half my wardrobe is made up of cardigans! Love those things :)

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  8. Thanks for taking the time to actually show us how a cardi can change the look of an outfit-Love it! I am a huge cardigan fan and worried that I was overdoing them, but now I think I'm fine. You have a great belt collection too.

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  9. Seriously each photo looks like a completely different outfit! Seriously, cardigan magic! ;)

    <3 The Daily Dani

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  10. Love how you styled the cardis with different belts. Power of the cardi indeed!

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  11. I am amazed how many cardigans can go with one dress. It reminds me to be much more open-minded when styling something. How do you store your cardigans?

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  12. Most of my sweaters are cardigans. I wear them year round. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  13. LUV your cardi post!! Such great ensembles...you always inspire me!

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  14. I am totally attached to my basic black cardigan in the spring so I know what you mean!


    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  15. this is great to see because I own that dress! haha. Now I have good ideas of how to wear it!

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  16. Love this. And love cardigans!

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  17. What a great post! I totally agree the cardigans can transform the look of an outfit. I love that beautiful dress under the cardigans too!

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  18. My fave (I only have 2) is an orange, light blue and vanilla stripe cardi that I wear over Jeans and a black T-shirt with the buttons undone. I'd actually like to get a light blue top or some such to wear under it, but have yet to find the right shade to compliment it. I'm really drawn to your 2nd, 3rd and 4th options. :)

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  19. wow, thanks for all the tips!! i normally just wear cardigans open, but lately have been loving wearing a belt over them!!

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  20. Amazing how a single cardigan can change the look of the dress so dramatically! I like how you used the same dress to demonstrate how versatile cardis are. :)

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  21. Great post! Gives me some good ideas on changing up my usual cardi/dress combos!

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  22. I love your blog! It is so helpful!! Iam so glad I found it!

    Mallory @ Faith. Fashion. Beauty. {Follow Me!}

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  23. Yes! You have such great cardigans! I've had a rust/earthy colored cardigan on my shopping list for a while now because of you. Mine is full of brights or neutrals (grey, black, navy, etc.), but not any good earthy tones. Whenever I see you in those shades I always think of how sophisticated you look!

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  24. i agree, it's really amazing how a cardigan totally changes a whole outfit (and the belts too!)! i like all of these combinations! :)

    p.s. i wear cardigans with pretty much everything. :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Fashion To Figure Giveaway

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  25. Totally. 100%. Agree. I'm a cardiganaholic, and proud of it.

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  27. Your blog post on the power of the cardi is not only fashion-forward but also practical and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights into making fashion work for you, and I'm excited to explore more of your style tips.
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