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Original poster

What do you wear in the office if you don't want a formal jacket and find plain cardigans dull and depressing?

62 replies

AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 19:19

I've recently started a job in an office which is warm enough most of the time for a short sleeved dress or top, but need a layer for when the air con blasts or I nip out for a nicotine break. I don't wear a suit, and don't like blazers or formal jackets. What could I wear that isn't a really boring cardie?

Autumn natural gamine btw for those who believe in such things...

TIA!

OP posts:
KirstenRaymonde · 16/05/2018 19:21

I’m not sure there’s anything between a blazer and a cardigan!? A cropped more casual blazer maybe? I think you need a long sleeve top if neither of those work.

LoisWilkersonsLastNerve · 16/05/2018 19:22

Silk bomber jacket?

Original poster
AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 19:27

I have a great biker cardie from Jigsaw that works in the winter but it's too warm for this weather. Not opposed to the idea of a cardie per se, just don't want one that looks like it belongs to a twin set...

I have an ancient Ted Baker jersey cardie which is great, and a similarly elderly French Connection denim thing that's sort of half way between a shirt and a jacket. But both are navy and I fancy a change!

I'd destroy silk in no time by dropping something greasy on it, but thanks Lois!

OP posts:
QueenAravisOfArchenland · 16/05/2018 19:29

I wear a leather biker or I have some collarless jackets in different fabrics.

Grobagsforever · 16/05/2018 19:32

Place mark. Am so sick of cardis

jugglingsatsumas · 16/05/2018 19:33

A softer blazer or a layer underneath your top.

Original poster
AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 19:35

Me too Grobags!

It needs to be something I can sit and work in, Queen, so leather no good. Would welcome some links to collarless jackets if you have any...

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/05/2018 19:37

Jersey blazer?
Knitted jacket? Hard to find though.
Fabric biker, but again hard to find.

Ilovecardigans1980 · 16/05/2018 19:38

Hi, I have one of these - looks really nice over a work dress and has a bit of stretch in it so really comfy as well (hope link works): <a class="break-all" href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/textured-bomber-jacket/p/p60108928?extid=ps_gglpla_Women_1343583066_54232732779&s_kwcid=AL!2750!3!262241472463!!!g!295884780366!EFKW&device=m&cvosrc=ppc%20shopping.google.Women%20%3E%20Clothing%20%3E%20Workwear%20%3E%20Jackets%20&%20Blazers&cvo_pid=54232732779servedby.flashtalking.com/click/1/37735;928990;369310;252;0/?ft_section=60108129006&ft_keyword=googleshopping&url=www.marksandspencer.com/textured-bomber-jacket/p/p60108928?extid=ps_gglpla_Women_1343583066_54232732779&s_kwcid=AL!2750!3!262241472463!!!g!295884780366!EFKW&device=m&cvosrc=ppc%20shopping.google.Women%20%3E%20Clothing%20%3E%20Workwear%20%3E%20Jackets%20%26%20Blazers&cvo_pid=54232732779&gclid=CJH49PvvitsCFYYeGwodcXICxA&gclsrc=ds&pdpredirect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.marksandspencer.com/textured-bomber-jacket/p/p60108928?extid=ps_gglpla_Women_1343583066_54232732779&s_kwcid=AL!2750!3!262241472463!!!g!295884780366!EFKW&device=m&cvosrc=ppc%20shopping.google.Women%20%3E%20Clothing%20%3E%20Workwear%20%3E%20Jackets%20&%20Blazers&cvo_pid=54232732779servedby.flashtalking.com/click/1/37735;928990;369310;252;0/?ft_section=60108129006&ft_keyword=googleshopping&url=www.marksandspencer.com/textured-bomber-jacket/p/p60108928?extid=ps_gglpla_Women_1343583066_54232732779&s_kwcid=AL!2750!3!262241472463!!!g!295884780366!EFKW&device=m&cvosrc=ppc%20shopping.google.Women%20%3E%20Clothing%20%3E%20Workwear%20%3E%20Jackets%20%26%20Blazers&cvo_pid=54232732779&gclid=CJH49PvvitsCFYYeGwodcXICxA&gclsrc=ds&pdpredirect

Original poster
AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 19:44

I see where you are coming from with that, Ilovecardigans, but personally not keen on the quilted thing it has going on.

Definitely no blazers, jersey or not. I look like a man in them. In fact, collar/lapels not great full stop...

Love a biker jacket, but am worried I'd be sat at my desk looking like I have my coat on and am ready to leave...

Any links to ideas please? Am getting desperate (oh, and have a John Lewis voucher burning a hole in my pocket so anything from there would be a bonus).

OP posts:
chloechloe · 16/05/2018 19:48

What about a Chanel-esque bouclé jacket? You can get done that are more like jackets and some that are more like smarter cardigans.

Hush usually have some. I'll go and look for some links!

LovingLola · 16/05/2018 19:53

Pennyblack.
ie.pennyblack.com/jackets-and-blazers/c-104

PhilODox · 16/05/2018 19:55

Gap is usually quite good for this type of thing. I have a ponte blazer, knitted biker jacket, thick knitted fitted cardigan (like a chanel-type but not boucle, bit hard to describe perhaps).

Or you could go with a capelet! Grin monsoon usually have a selecaround Christmas and wedding seasons!

choppolata · 16/05/2018 19:55

I have one of these in olive/khaki. www.jigsaw-online.com/product/cotton-flame-jacket/J27279_GY082

chloechloe · 16/05/2018 19:58

I also have a few from Hallhuber - I'm an expat and not sure how well known the brand is in the UK but you can order online:

Here's a link to all jackets:

www.hallhuber.com/uk/apparel/jackets-coats/jackets.html

pigeondujour · 16/05/2018 20:07

Those boucle jackets are all over Zara too. Although I worry it's rather too easy to end up looking like Michael Jackson or his granny in one.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/05/2018 20:24

I like that, Choppo. A pity it only comes in one colour.

[[https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-brielle-biker-cardigan-black/p3311033iscose biker cardigan, so maybe not too sweaty?!]]

Love this but £££

Another boho one

Could be cute or bloody awful

Original poster
AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 20:40

Agree Remus - I like that one too and khaki would be perfect... The boho/ethnic/floaty ones not my thing at all but thanks.

Have tried that Phase Eight one many times but keep rejecting it. Can't quite work out why I don't like it, but somehow it makes me look middle aged (which I am, but am in denial Wink)

Really like the look of this denim one thanks Chloe, but it's no use for work! #easilydistracted

Quite like the Hush ones but share Pigeon's concerns and the colours are no good Confused

Think what I need is a fitted, neat jersey cardie. None of that waterfall business...

OP posts:
NotMeNoNo · 16/05/2018 20:49

This any good? www.jigsaw-online.com/product/clean-knit-jacket/J29559_BL049 it comes in a nice cream.

NotMeNoNo · 16/05/2018 20:50

Put a brooch on it too.

SpuriouserAndSpuriouser · 16/05/2018 20:54

What about something like this jacket thing?

dementedma · 16/05/2018 20:58

I do wear cardigans but go for bright jewel colours and 3/4 sleeves so don't look too frumpy - I hope. I do look very butch in jackets and blazers so cardis are a bit softer and brighter

Starfish83 · 16/05/2018 21:16

Following x

Original poster
AllBuggiedOut · 16/05/2018 21:45

Like that NotMeNoNo, cute detail on the sleeves too. But lord, £130 for a cardie? AIBU?! Might wait for the sales...

12 year old DS2 was looking over my shoulder when I opened that one Spuriouser. He asked if it was maternity wear. Think that makes it a no Grin

OP posts: