Black cardigan/throw over for the office

[JustMyViewOnThis]

I’m starting a new role next week. New employer’s office is one of those open plan buildings, windows don’t open, all controlled by AC. Outputs are in the ceiling. I feel the cold so want to buy a cardigan or layer that can live on the back of my chair. I want to look stylish. I don’t want to look frumpy. A fine line with a cardigan! I’m 40. Thinking black so it will go with most things and still look smart. Can anyone share some suggestions?

Nothing too long, unless you only wear trousers. Over skirts/dresses, long cardigans look droopy & dated. I'd suggest something shorter. Maybe like this?

https://www.chintiandparker.com/products/black-wool-cashmere-cropped-cardigan

I also like the look of this (though it's navy or plum, not black). About 70% wool/alpaca - though I'm a bit sceptical about Hush, re the price v quality.

https://www.hush-uk.com/flossie-waffle-stitch-wool-blend-edge-to-edge-cardigan-washed-navy/013362-1677.html

This M&S one in a few colours is 70% wool & alpaca. Relaxed fit with 3/4 sleeves, which makes it look up-to-date. Good value too, though not seen in the flesh.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/wool-alpaca-blend-relaxed-fit-cardigan/p/clp61224867

Or cashmere from M&S Autograph.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cashmere-crew-neck-button-front-cardigan/p/clp61223596

I have a blazer on the back of my chair, would that work? Also has the bonus of pockets so you can slip your phone in your pocket whilst trying to carry coffee and a laptop to a meeting room!

I have a couple of knitted jackets/cardigan blazers/whatever they might be called ...!!!

One is a really great Jigsaw one cut in a loose boxy shape which goes with everything, is warm & has slanted pockets. I did look at Jigsaw but there's nothing much at the moment.

@JustMyViewOnThis - would you consider Vinted/eBay? What size are you?

I have a basic black M&S one I bought from one of their outlet stores this year. No idea if its frumpy but it goes with most things. I've looked on their website but not sure which one it is, but plain black, long sleeves and white/pearl buttons.

I have a couple of heavier knit jackets that are biker style.
Quite closely fitted, not to long, asymmetric zip. I feel like they're more interesting.

@EleanorMc67thank you. I’m a size 14 - and yes I’d very much consider buying second hand. Also happy to go up to about £40 new if I need to. Thank you 🙏🏼 love the idea of a jacket type thing with pockets, that would feel stylish but I’d need help sourcing one!

I have this. It's great looks a touch blazery but not too much, warm and washes well

https://www.roman.co.uk/knitted-zip-detail-jacket-16055408

Definitely better to buy secondhand then - if your budget is £40 then you won't get as good value or quality buying new.

This is navy but otherwise a modern shape with pockets. But if black is a mainstay of your wardrobe would you much prefer it?

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7774950907-jigsaw-navy-knit-cardigan-l-vgc-wool-open-a-line-classic-luxe-pockets

https://www.albaray.co.uk/products/black-relaxed-v-neck-cardi-aw25?variant=55567651701123&country=GB&tw_source=google&tw_adid=775886773092&tw_campaign=23051602296&tw_kwdid=pla-2659349065392&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23051602296&gbraid=0AAAAABpGpcbduGUYtXvki1OEj4Gy52oKy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka039pjlU_BSGcayHU6AHGXQZlQrsa5nzrlncrAsgEBGfasG2MGqqTQaAsw-EALw_wcB a bit out of budget but I have this in black and cream, very versatile as can wear open or closed and with sleeves rolled up or as is 😊 I find it very flattering and versatile

Or listed on eBay for much less!! £23 with coupon!

https://ebay.io/m/CnbkeN

This looks nice! Is it black black - it looks a little more like smokey grey black here? I’m liking the style.

I think the lack of any buttons or zips could make this look a bit drab and hangy on me.

I like this too!

I'm tall so the one I have that's similar is fairly short, & I think no buttons/zips makes it look quite clean & minimal. If you're shorter it might look droopy though.

The Albaray one above looks really nice, though it's mostly acrylic which I don't find warm, plus it doesn't wear as well as wool or cashmere.

Other brands worth looking on Vinted/eBay for are COS, Arket, & Other Stories, Massimo Dutti. Even John Lewis.

Also Whistles - I have a really nice wool one from a few years ago that is just like the Albaray one - no pockets though!

Mine is, so yes but I did het it 3 years or more ago. But it looks identical. They also have a navy one.

If you really like the shape, you can put the photo into the search bar on Vinted & eBay & it should bring up similar (ish). And then you can sift through them. I'm afraid that the more specific your requirement, the more hunting you'll have to do! Or give up & buy new ...

There are loads of wool & cashmere ones from COS, Whistles, Arket, etc etc on Vinted/eBay. Including classic button-front, slightly boxy ones with front pockets.

If you want it because you'll get chilly in the office, acrylic or viscose (which the Arket & Roman ones are) won't give much warmth at all.

For instance, this is pure wool.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6915639360-black-boxy-wool-cardigan-with-side-slits

Community clothing knitwear is super warm and lovely quality, they have a black v neck cardigan. Although I'd put my name in it if leaving it in the office! https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-jumpers-knitwear/products/womens-lambswool-cardigan-black