Are cardigans really a fashion mistake, or still practical for summer layering?

[Janey90]

With summer hopefully approaching, I realise I have a fair few cardigans in my wardrobe. Ideal for when I need an extra layer that isn’t too stiff or structured. And there are plenty on sale in the shops too. So is it really a fashion mistake to wear a cardigan, and if so, what is the alternative?

@GlomOfNitThe people who prefer a bin bag! Having said that, cardigans are unfailingly useful. Yes, we change lengths, thickness and buttons or no buttons, but essentially they are a wardrobe staple.

I own two but I look awful in them….like an old lady, so I don’t wear them 😬

oh, Im loving this trend!😁 Im guilty of buying too many items with quirky patterns, apparently now I dont have to try and match them....I can just throw everything on and call myself a maximalist!

None of that is fashion. It’s cobbled charity shop finds. The gingham top is good with jeans but some of the other looks are better in a circus. Yuk. Total “look at me” eccentricity. Do people an actually follow this stuff?

No idea. I haven’t washed it yet. I can’t see any reason why it shouldn’t.

Don't. As King Lear said "That way lies madness" ... & he knew his fashion!!

Actually, I rather like the first & third looks! The gingham & jeans is my least favourite.

They're perhaps one step too far for my liking (her love of leopard print tends to take over), but I love that coat in the third pic. It's a vintage one that I would kill for! And I don't think they're cobbled together at all. The colours & prints all connect. However, I also loved Carrie's looks in Sex & The City - just for the sheer fun of them!!! One from that show is my favourite outfit EVER.

I completely get why it's not to everyone's taste, but I love (carefully & thoughtfully) mixed textures, patterns etc. Sometimes I feel like it - & sometimes I feel like having a minimal day & wearing all black with red lipstick & gold hoops.

You would probably hate my current favourite outfit ...!!!

The thick fluffy ones are on trend this season in pretty pastel colours.

Ok thanks, I gave about a 50% success rate with the quality of stuff from Hush so was curious to know how it washed.

Waterfall style works with my F cup boobs and makes me look a dress size smaller, unlike the short boxy ones.

There's no garment that is inherently frumpy, bar possibly orthopedic sandals. Wearing a garment that doesn't suit your body might look frumpy. What suits you isn't a function of the date on the calendar, but of your body shape and colouration.

Can you explain why you asked?

I've always thought that cardigans, like corduroy, are tantamount to carrying a sign reading, "There's very little chance of me getting laid, and I sort of feel that that's fair."

Maybe its your personality and not your cardigan?

They never had that effect when I was single.

Never had a problem getting laid, have worn cardigans for years.

By contrast, jumpers say "I am fine with completely totalling my hair, smearing my makeup, and breaking my glasses if I want to take a layer off because the office is too hot".

As far as I know the 00s are coming back so it will be skinny jeans and waterfalls back in before you know it.

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/black-skinny-jeans-are-back-for-2026

@EleanorMc67 your link shows your full name when you follow it, in case you weren’t aware.

Does anyone know where you can get fitted ones? The boxy ones look terrible on me - maybe because I'm pearshaped? - and I don't want anything long because I want to be able to wear them under a jacket. Just after a normal length, fitted, v neck pink cardigan.

Had a lovely secondhand one for years that went with all my summer dresses but I'm struggling to find anything now. I want to wear it undone for the sleeves and warmth over a dress, but without being baggy itself so it disrupts the line of the dress (particularly a dress that's fitted itself).

Needs to not be wool - unfortunately even merino itches me like nothing on earth.

@SoDamnTiredddd. V neck is more difficult to find. Most people unbutton a bit!

These are all easy to find on M&S. Peplum cardigans are popular but maybe not so great under a jacket. However they are great to elevate a plain dress. See the olive one attached. The others are slim fit and certainly would go under a jacket for layers. M&S do a lot of cropped ones too so I’d order a few and try them. Good prices so I really do think you will find something,

I don't care what fashion dictates. I refuse to be cold. I have and wear many cardigans of different styles, thickness and colours.

@worldsgonemadnow So why comment on a style thread? You don’t really have anything to say that’s relevant when we are talking about fashion.

I was replying that I wear them just fine. I hope your day improves, unless you just take pleasure in being snippy in which case, x-ray on.

I really agree. In fact, orthopaedic looking sandals, Tevas etc even had a fashion moment not that long ago, so I think if you are wearing your clothes intentionally as a cohesive outfit and especially there’s something interesting or unexpected going on in your that outfit, actually anything can look stylish. It is different to aim to look current, which I think is often very appealing as a focus when you’re young, than it is to aim to look how you want to be seen. I.e. what you like wearing and what you feel works for you.

@worldsgonemadnow Snippy! Me? It was you who said you didn’t care about fashion and thereby rubbishing all of us who do and offer advice! What a high horse you are on. If you don’t care, don’t comment.