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?

4/10

Wow, we’ve got a live one here!

Lol.
that just came out all out of my head in one splurge and now I'm laughing about how manic it sounds

I don’t even understand this comment - cardi is just a common shortening of a full word, like saying bus for autobus. How can it be “live, laugh, love”? As for saying happy birthday to dead people - wtf?

They sound nicer than you! What do people wear instead if you need layers?

I had two black ones with flared sleeves, they were the same but I bought one and liked it so much I bought another. Why I got rid of them I don't know! I used to wear witchy stuff all the time.

Like all clothing items it just comes down to design and how you style it. Buttoned up boxer styled are more fashionable, but plenty of people I'd say are stylish rather than fashionable wear them in their own interesting ways.

Thank you so much everyone - I will continue to wear my cardigans and I've loved the suggestions people have made!

As much as that?

I love some cardigans and I think people look great in them. I'm desperate to find some that I can wear to work (have to look smart but also in environments that are extremely hot so they can be taken off) but I really struggle to put outfits together. Years of defence when I was younger means my upper arms/back are 'big' (sadly not muscular anymore) and I just look like a hunch back in most styles. Any recommendations 🫣

I have to admit, I too hate the word 'cardi'. There's absolutely no logic to it - it just sometimes feels like we're getting so lazy, we can't even be bothered using words over 2 syllables long any more. I have the same reaction to 'comfy'.

Cardigan is fine though, both the word and the garment. I like a nice twinset too, in clashy colours.

They're the best item of clothing.

See, these to me are the very embodiment of 'mumsy'!

This is what I don’t get about fashion. To me it’s too following the herd, a set of random rules.

surely fashion is doing something different? Catwalks that set the trends don’t stick to these rules, the point is they create different and new looks.

i threw fashion “rules” out as a teen. I have three for myself, does it suit me, will I wear it, and can I afford it.

if you like cardi’s wear them. Find a way to wear it so you like what you see in the mirror.

some of the best outfits I have seen in public aren’t the uniform “fashion” but women who dare to be different.

I’m surprised at the alleged cardigan hate on here. Cardigans are great tor when a zip up hoodie wouldn’t work.I prefer them to jumpers because taking them on and putting them on make my frizzy hair all static.

It depends, really; it could be classic and slouchy, over a fitted t-shirt or shirt. Age isn't the factor here.

What do you mean by "mumsy"?

Hideous and will look tatty after a few wears.

Like absolutely everything it all depends on the cardigan and the outfit. I always wear them this time of year as you are coming into not quite winter weather but not yet warm weather season. It was freezing here the past two days yet lovely bright evenings .

It’s one of MN’s meaningless words - along with frumpy. Used by people who have no understanding of fashion or style.

Damn. I really, really want that Hades landscape cardigan, but I can’t really justify the expense.

Now I’m going to spend all day convincing myself I can.

I would like to find a lightweight cardigan to wear with jeans over a cami as my arms are very flabby but not want it to look like i am trying to cover my arms, does such a thing exist?

I too hate the word 'cardi'.

I love cardigans. Couldn’t give a hoot if they are fashionable or not

Why not buy a bolero or cropped cardigan ?