3 Ways
to Wear:
A Cardigan
The sartorial classic is cooler than ever
A chill in the air means it’s time for knit season; for many of us, the most wonderful time of the year. There's an extra special place in our hearts for the most stylish type of sweater, one that you might find hanging off the shoulders of guys like Harrison Ford to Evan Mock. Incidentally, it's probably also the one your grandpa has on right now, too. You guessed it—the cardigan. Categorized by their jacket-like buttons and intentionally slouchy look, cardigans offer a warm layer when you need it, and can dress up any old polo or tee for a classic, lived-in feel. The days of the jumper being tethered to academia are long gone. Although it's certainly appropriate to take cues from the old guard of prep (we're talking cardis and loafers), the consensus is that a cardigan looks good with damn near anything. Open or closed, oversized or snug, it's up to you—just be confident, and make your grandfather proud.
How to Wear Cardigan Sweaters in 2021
1
Sunday’s
Sweats
Like we said, cardigans don’t just have to be for the office or special occasions. Especially as the mornings start to cool off, a cardigan can make any sweatsuit coffee run just that much more interesting. Oversized and soft is the way to go here. After all, you want people to know you mean business when it comes to lounging.
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1) Washed cashmere cardigan, $298 by Alex Mill
2) Relaxed essential sweatpants, $59 by Abercrombie & Fitch
3) Oversized essential popover hoodie, $59 by Abercrombie & Fitch
4) OV Club crew socks, $12 by Outdoor Voices
5) 327 sneaker, $100 by New Balance
2
Loud Knits,
Loud Fits
Sometimes it’s okay to let your clothes do the talking for you. Such is the case with an excellent patchwork cardigan, like this one by Séfr. Dressed up with some classic basics and just the right amount of accents, this look screams “I know what I’m doing” without having to scream “look at me!” Try it out on your next date—we promise, it won’t disappoint.
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1) Gote patchwork open knit cardigan, $240 by Séfr
2) Relaxed tapered jean, $120 by Madewell
3) White tee shirt, $99 (for two) by Lady White Co.
4) Embroidered logo cap, $22.95 by Getty Museum Store
5) Wallabee shoe, $260 by Clarks
3
Mr. Steal Your
Grandpa’s Clothes
Alright, alright, alright. We give a nod to all those brave men out there who pioneered such an auspicious look. That doesn’t mean the fit has to be stuck in the mid-twentieth century though. Commit to the funky patterns and try out other like-for-like color palettes. Confidence is key, but so is knowing how much print is just enough, and how much is crazy cat lady.
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1) Paisley mohair cardigan, $270 by Checks Downtown
2) Embroidered herringbone crop trouser, $406 by Beams Plus
3) Slouchy polo, $265 by Corridor
4) 84 Yarns leopard heel smile print socks, $64 by Kapital
5) Sal 1 calf hair slide, $385 by Yuketen
Podcast Clothes
If you’re extra into the jawn talk podcast “Throwing Fits”, you might have heard about a little something in the works ($209). TF and staple-cardi-maker Checks Downtown have teamed up for a limited edition run of truly excellent cardigans. They’ll drop on September 30th, but since these will likely go super fast, have that credit card at hand if you’re really embracing an all knitwear autumn.
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