Please help me get over my hatred of cardis or find a suitable alternative

[26minutes]

I have dresses sitting in my wardrobe waiting to be worn, but I have nothing to wear over the top. I've tried to get over my cardi hatred but just can't do it. Every one I've seen reminds me of my mum and she's 71, I'm 31. I'm not quite ready to shop in Bon Marche yet!

I love a nice cardi.

Have you tried looking at cropped jackets? Lightweight ones with three-quarter sleeves or ones with belts or ties? Jackets don't always have lapels or collars either so they look smart but casual.

A little jacket?
Denim or like this?

You need to get over this. Cardis rock. They're so useful with just about everything. Am currently wearing a cream Fat Face one with crochet detail, and it's really pretty and light to wear.

I own loads of the things but only ever very fine knit or chunky for winter - try Great Plains, White Stuff etc.

And avoid acrylic or man made fibres, cotton, silk or cashmere is so much nicer and lasts for ages. Ebay may be worth a try, got a £400 cashmere cardi for £5 the other week..

brora has very cute sort of geek-chic things. pricey but sooooo lovely and soft.

oh, and boden has some funky - ish things, though overpriced and quality a bit iffy sometimes.

I'd thought of denim, but wasn't sure, maybe I'll have another look. I like both of those linked to blu and Euphemia. The Laura Ashley shrug is really nice, just the kind of thing I'm looking for. Only problem is I forgot to say my budget is more Tesco or New Look.

Zara have some lovely silk kimono jackets and indeed lots of light jackets at the mo, they're more glamorous than a cardi but still really useful for covering arms and addding a bit of warmth. I wear mine with everything.

red kimono with pockets

short blazer

and there are plenty more

What style are the dresses? Are they plain or patterned?This is quite loose and almost not a cardigan. If your dresses are fitted on top but with a fuller skirt a fitted and short 50's style cardigan will be better, if they are are straight then something straight and simple maybe long line, as long as the cardigan isn't longer than the dress.

This comes in lots of colours, so you could get more than one.

Longline also works with jeans.

Thankyou TapselteerieO for the second link I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a navy one thats cotton at that price I might get a stone one too. I had almost given up looking for a navy one.

TapselteerieO, have actually just got back from New Look and looked at those 1st ones you linked to, but they didn't have any in my size in hte colours I looked at!

You are welcome Lp, I have the navy one, didn't realise that when I posted it, just looked at the link again when you mentioned it.

Would you get them online 26minutes? They are very reasonable, especially if you are not keen on cardigans.

I think I will probably order a couple, I need some shoes from NL too, so will make the postage a bit more bearable. Thanks for the help.