i’ve spent the past few days thinking about which single winter clothing item says both “elegant” and “comfortable”. much of the time, it seems like we’re faced with the false choice between one or the other. not true. take the cozy cardigan. it’s a classic winter staple that belongs in every closet and is the perfect layering piece to add warmth on a cold winter day. today, i thought i’d talk briefly on how to wear a cozy cardigan.
the cardigan comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but i’m going to focus on the shawl-collar cardigan sweater and similarly the sweater blazer. the extra length of both creates an elongating effect on any body type which aesthetically adds a sort of grace and elegance to and for any woman. in my opinion, the shawl-collar cardigan is that perfect but illusive crossover item that straddles the line of elegance and comfort.
a cozy cardigan comes in a variety of designs; plain or patterned, wool or cashmere, long or short, open-face or buttons, the options are endless. cozy cardigans look terrific with athleisure, jeans or popped over your pajamas when it’s time to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea.
the sheer flexibility of a cozy cardigan makes it a wardrobe essential. today’s OOTD centers around a (similar) cozy cardigan i picked up from J.Crew. it’s popped over a crib neck sweater from Everlane. i’m sporting a pair of (similar) girl friend jeans from Talbots that skims my frame rather than hugs.
i’m really feeling the J.Crew and Everlane combination this year and have featured it heavily on the blog over the past few weeks. we recently featured a perfectly preppy outfit gotten mostly from J.Crew, as well as cashmere sweater dress from Everlane.
similar denim | rib neck sweater | similar cardigan | shoes
over the past few years, it seems as if skinny jeans have given way to jeggings with a snug fit. we’ve talked a lot about “comfort” on the blog lately, and some days, i just want to wear a plain old fashioned pair of jeans just like the good old days.
this pair of (similar) girlfriend jeans comes pretty close. i’ve coupled them with a pair of penny loafers to create a classic preppy look we’ve featured heavily on the blog. the outfit has old school charm written all over it.
similar denim | rib neck sweater | similar cardigan | shoes
in the day of athleisure, sometimes it feels like we’re either dressing for “elegance” or “comfort” but not both. today, i targeted one item—the comfy cardigan—that perfectly straddles the line. i styled it in accordance with my favorite aesthetic, but you can easily imagine tailoring it to your own. below, i’ve compiled a selection of similar comfy cardigans—shawl collar and long sweater blazers. i know you’ll find one to integrate seamlessly into your own wardrobe.
similar denim | rib neck sweater | similar cardigan | shoes
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
I love these cardigans. They are pretty, flattering and warm on the fairly chilly days we have had here in Central Florida. Another plus for me, I have several large pins that belonged to my grandmother. they love so nice on these sweaters.
Love your handbag, can you please share details on it?
Thank you!!
BRAVO! I love this look! Comfort and sophistication . . . I like these jeans much better than the boyfriend baggy, especially on your great figure! I also think the sophistication comes from not over doing the different colors of the extras like purse, shoes, etc. This is going to be one of my favorites to copy! Thank you Beth!
PS, I also like that you are putting a lot more different options bc many times the items you post are already gone and/or in limited size and supply.
Thank you for all the extras in your blog – I know this is a FULL-FULL time job, but being a lady at your age who has tended to the needs of family first, I am now at a stage to take care of myself and make me first ๐ So thanks for all the love and ideas you put into your blog! Very much appreciated in Rocky River, OH
I love your casual look and youโre fortunate to have the weather to go out with nothing but a cardigan. Feels too bulky under a winter coat so the look only works for fall and spring in the north. That said, inside cozy feel is nice.
I am definitely all about comfort, but I agree–I also like to look like I at least gave some thought to what I put on for the day! Pretty sweater–it has nice clean lines to it. I’d wear this in a heartbeat. Great look!
I only discovered your blog recently and I really enjoy it! ๐ it helps me to look carefully at โyour looksโ, then go to my closet to attempt a copy. I am still able to add or delete any minor changes based on my personal preferences. Thanks so much! Keep blogging ๐๐๐
Love the cardigan look. Casual, but “put together”. I love a long cardigan, so much, that I prefer those that hit below the knee like a duster. I am tall and the longer length is good for me. The problem is that there are many days in an Oklahoma winter that I need to also wear a coat. I do not like a coat that is shorter than the cardigan. I think that it looks frumpy. Please tell me how you handle that. Maybe I am wrong about how it looks.