Making Mr. Rogers Proud
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At the end of July, I always start to get a bit antsy. I know my summer is coming to an end, and it makes me really sad, but at the same time, I get beyond excited for what new styles I will see at Fashion Week in September. I also start dreaming of layering. What newly purchased articles of clothing can I still wear in the fall? What should I be buying for the fall? What will be my layering staple this year? Luckily, I’ve already figured out the answer to the last question. Cardigans!
I know, the word cardigan just screams prep school, know-it-all, bitch who doesn’t truly wear the sweater but merely ties it around her shoulders, but when I say cardigans, I’m sheerly using it as a technical term. I’m all for people wearing what they want, so if you like your cardies fitted and demure, then go for it, but I’m planning on going the way of the grandpa/boyfriend cardigan— over-sized, slouchy, and maybe even with leather patches on the elbows!
Just the word slouchy would make my mom cringe, I don’t plan on my entire outfit to be ill-fitting. That’s the beauty of it all. The grandpa cardigan is like a hoodie (which was my layering staple last fall), except without the hood, by layering it on top of most outfits, you’re able to look casual without wearing the unofficial school uniform of jeans/pajama pants and a t-shirt/sweatshirt.
Tips on Acquiring and Wearing the Grandpa Cardigan:
- Be economical – “borrow” your boyfriend’s/male friend’s cardigans.
- Shop in the men’s section – the cardigans are usually thicker and the cut isn’t as form-fitting as the grandpa sweaters that are made for women.
- Visit You Local Hipster Hangout – I hate to say it, but the hipster somehow find all the coolest cardigans—maybe one day we’ll learn their cardigan shopping secrets…
- Don’t wear this over-sized cardie with wide-leg pants - you know when they say don’t show too much skin at the same time, well don’t cover too much either!
- Do pair the cardigan with your favorite dress or skirt – the masculine/feminine mix is very ‘in’.
- Sex it up a bit – pick a grandpa cardigan with a shallow V-neck and wear it with nothing under it, pair with skinny jeans and go.
Though I’m really obsessing over the grandpa cardigan, I fear if I try wearing them now I might risk getting a heat stroke, so in the interest of my health I’ll wait until the temperatures drop just a little bit.
What will be you ‘Layering Staple’ this fall?
Get the cardigans:
- Triple Five Soul T.A. Cardigan – $105.00
- Sullivan Sweater Cardigan- $22.80
- BDG Variegated Stripe Cardigan – $54.00
- 3.1 Phillip Lim, Merino wool cardigan- $450.00
