Replacing cardigans - with what

[WhoStoleYourHighHorse]

I wear cardigans too often and I want something that will elevate my outfit to something more appropriate for going out/ going to work. Thoughts please and links please, please, please.

Just joining in to say I love a cardi. I am trying to persuade myself that I can smarten my look up with blazers but I just know I will feel uncomfortable.

If I must...silk kimono, velvet blazer, or something linen shirt-y. As appropriate to season & occasion.

I like this, but Worry that it might be worse than a cardi

I love cardigans too! Got loads of them all different colours and styles. Comfy and look lovely. I do not like the look of blazers that are often touted on here, plus they are uncomfortable....although I do like @shamelesss 's idea of a kimono...🤔

A proper jacket, or a heavy scarf. Not a blazer. Blazers are for small boys being sent to private schools, or for Oxbridge rowers. They are rarely a good look on adult women.

I am so glad no-one has mentioned a shacket.

I buy beautiful knits from the White Company - wool and cashmere that are elegant and well made. Am inspired now to get out a Jigsaw blazer I have that didn't see the light of day last year.

Me and em fitted jackets

I like the collared cardis that are around this season, they look a bit smarter I think.

Esprit

Next

Hobbs

Before spending any money, work out what your thoughts are about cardigans, how you are wearing cardigans, whether the kind of cardigans you're wearing actually suit your style. Cardigans can be very cool and hip, edgy, quietly understated, traditional, dull... like anything. You could say the same of jeans, dresses, skirts. It's the item itself not the category it falls into that matters here.

Go long. Edge to edges, kimonos, mid-thigh or full length. I’ve got some large shawls that are brilliant as they keep you toasty without the heating and let you dramatically swoosh about 😬

I get a lot of cashmere on eBay/Vinted.

By blazer does everyone just mean a jacket like a suit jacket? I thought a blazer was a specific cut and a school blazer is different again.

Whistles have a selection of different colours in Jersey jackets which are very comfy to wear. Currently have 20% off. https://www.whistles.com/product/slim-jersey-jacket-35845.html#cgid=Jackets_Clothing_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=slim-jersey-jacket-35845&pos=3

Oh, I hadn't thought people might mean a suit jacket. I think of a blazer as a specific cut - and you're right; it isn't a school blazer, but I think it always looks school-ish. I would expect a nicely cut suit jacket to be much more fitted than a blazer, which would be designed to be quite up-and-down. But I think any kind of vaguely formal jacket would work.

I'd like a cardigan type blazer. Boucle is possible. Black would be perfect.

@SarahAndQuack I've looked it up now and I'm even more confused!

I had to put a lot of my clothes into storage. The bag with my extensive cardigan collection got damp and they were all ruined. I’m like a lost soul without them. Love a cardi

For going out I've got
A lovely soft very dark plum (almost black) velvet soft blazer thingy. Goes with so many things
A sequinned bomber jacket (an awesome charity shop find) to go with jeans and pleather trousers or black dresses.
A butter soft leather jacket with studs on it (nice with a smartish dress and boots).

So basically anything you like 😁

Cardigans (always cashmere) for daytime and under these dressy jackets when it's really cold.

You also can't beat a cashmere pashmina. And after all this is Mumsnet and pashminas are almost compulsory I believe 😬

Sezane do lovely cardis.

I'd love to be ablazer girlie. All the girls around town look oso cool and fashionable when going out with whir blazer and matching it.

I look like someone a decade older going to a conference and feel like I can't move my upper body and it makes me feel fat and not cute.

I have tried blazers and just can't get on with them. Feel that I am on work experience at the Midland bank!
I do love a cardi for Monday to Thursday at work and have about 12 merino ones from Uniqlo.
However this last year I have tried to move away from the cardi and embrace the jeans and jumper combo at work.

I love how you write about clothes - you need a weekly column somewhere that'll tempt me to spend more than I should!

I wouldn't replace either. More fitted, shorter for smart.

I can't offer any inspiration with brands. I have more Seasalt than anything else, then Boden (for plain), Brora, and loads handmade and vintage.

This is me also.

Following for inspiration…

Blazers are not as comfortable as cardigans and you can't pull them all around you and fold your arms in a displeased manner aka Pauline Fowler. They just don't give off the right fuck-off-and-leave-me-alone vibe.