The Cardigan is a Must Have Piece of Clothing For Anyone's Wardrobe
A cardigan is a wardrobe staple that stands the test of time. Cardigans can go with almost any outfit and provide different textures and effects to make outfits pop. These sweaters have no limit in terms of colors and patterns. This makes them easy to wear as bold statement pieces or to accent a single color in someone’s outfit. Along with different looks, cardigans also come in a variety of cuts and fabrics. Not only are cardigans versatile across someone’s wardrobe, but they also are a commonly fashionable item no matter where someone travels in the world. With all of the choices available, it can be difficult to know exactly how to incorporate this staple sweater. The many types of cardigans go beyond just a single look and can accompany anyone’s personal style.
Cardigan Styles
The classic cardigan is the prototypical long sleeve, button-up, form-fitting sweater. It combines with dresses, nice blouses. Men often use it as a replacement for a blazer to create a more relaxed look with dress pants and to make a pair of jeans look more sophisticated. Another option close to the classic cardigan is the open cardigan. Without buttons on the front, this provides a more casual alternative to the classic style. To create a silhouette, people often wear it with a belt at the natural waist. A cardigan vest is a sleeveless option to layer with button-down shirts for a tailored look. The more classic cardigan styles often come in tight-knit higher-end fabrics, such as:
- Cotton
- Cashmere
- Wool
- Mixed fabrics
More casual styles of cardigans can create different types of looks and provide more warmth. The oversized or boyfriend cardigan is a larger, relaxed style that can make a neat outfit look edgier. The tunic cardigan is similar to the oversized cardigan, except it is typically more form-fitting with longer dimensions. The short-sleeved cardigan provides an extra layer for spring and summer outfits. Lastly, the most casual cardigan style is the hooded cardigan. This is a playful spin on a cardigan that can complement an already relaxed look, such as jeans or shorts, or to make a simple dress more casual. These can come in a variety of fabrics, such as:
- Jersey
- Cotton
- Linen
- Cotton blends
Taking Advantage of a Cardigan While Traveling
This simple wardrobe staple is an essential item on the pack list for traveling due to its adaptation to different temperature environments. Thick, oversized, or hooded cardigans can help keep travelers warm on airplanes and ferries. Long-sleeve cardigans are also great for unpredictable weather. For example, many places in Northern Europe can turn chili quickly, and a cardigan fits slimmer in a suitcase than a jacket. Wrinkle-resistant cardigans or cardigans that are less likely to wrinkle, such as wool, provide instant style or warmth without having to worry about access to an iron. Men, especially, can leave bulky blazers at home in lieu of cardigan sweaters.
It can be difficult to know exactly what a trip holds in-store or the customs in dressing at a new destination. Cardigans provide the ultimate complement to a traveler’s wardrobe because of the versatility in incorporating them into multiple looks. To complete a look with jeans and a t-shirt for seeing the sites, travelers can add an open-front cardigan. That same cardigan can go with a dress or pants for dinner later to create an evening look without needing to pack more separates. A hooded cardigan is comfortable at a windy beach over a swimsuit and a road trip with the top down. Since cardigans are a layered option, travelers can often get away with wearing them more than once before they need a wash.
Wearing a cardigan can be both functional and fashionable. It can provide extra comfort and warmth in cooler environments, but it can also pull outfits together. Especially when traveling, it is vital to pack a cardigan to create no-fuss outfits easily that accentuate anyone's style.
