Cardigan dilemma: What do you wear over a puff-sleeved dress or blouse?

[EnfysPreseli]

I've bought a velvet dress in the White Stuff sale and despite already having a huge selection of cardigans, I cannot work out how I'm not going to look as if I have fake padded muscles - like a child's superhero costume - when I wear it in colder weather or surroundings.

It's obviously a Christmas/Winter dress, but the viscose velvet isn't very warm. I'll probably wear a scoop neck Heattech top underneath and a slip, but, unless I'm somewhere warmer, I usually wear a cardi.

Any suggestions for cardigans or jackets that suit this style? I have another dress with similar sleeves that looks fine with a big grunge-style cardi, but I'd want something smarter to go with this dress.

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/2980/Ayra-Velvet-Dress/DK_PLUM?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIOxyQICIIPTNh4mIBcMmM2S2i4Oi77zZO_xkR1tIYKtv4uE53qXB9HhoCfygQAvD_BwE

A ballet style wrap cardigan?

I think a ballet style wrap cardigan could look nice, but most of them have straight or quite fitted sleeves, so I'd still end up with lumpy upper arms.

It’s probably why it is in the sale.

I have given up trying to find a cardigan that fits over puff sleeves and just wrap myself up in a large shawl instead.

I don't think a cardigan will work. A nice shawl type thing maybe?

@EnfysPreseli if you got one in a softer fabric like mohair it wouldn’t be as structured.

That's why I don't buy batwing or puff sleeves, I have never found anything that goes over them

Pashmina.
Otherwise you will spoil the look of the dress.

That is a lovely dress! As an alternative to a cardi you could try a lined jacket that will slide over the velvet without catching, maybe something satiny in an oriental / Mandarin style; and you might be able to find a sleeveless version.

I have some arket cardigans that have wide sleeves.

I bought 2 jackets from Baum und Pferdgarten for this. They have a jacket called the Bebeth jacket which they do in various colours and fabric combinations. Mine are a navy brocade and a black jacquard but are not in this season's stock. There are various colours available on Lyst, Coggles, and the like.

The sleeves are lined so they slip on smoothly and there's plenty of room. The jacket is cropped and tailored.

Baum und Pferdgarten Bebeth jacket

Something like this?

www.johnlewis.com/soaked-in-luxury-tuesday-wool-blend-puff-sleeve-cardigan/sandshell/p110725048?size=s&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIO6MmfVnLmeQQtHFQfcwifguQ9-JWiDBcO9_ZCXa3FiBlRvRAEzw3IxoCsrcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes, it's the lining in the sleeves that makes the difference. It needs to be a silky material, whether actual silk, viscose, or polyester doesn't matter but not cotton.

I think it's because it's last season's (Autumn/Winter) and they need room for the new stock. 😁

Pop a silk scarf (the long and thin ones) around your neck.

If you are somewhere stupidly cold google opera gloves!

Anywhere where you can easily feel your pulse ought to be covered if you get cold.

I think it’s something you wear on its own - indoor party dress. You would ruin it with a cardigan 😢

It's lovely

I have a similar WS one in blue with slightly fluted sleeves