The Return of the Cardigan: This Summer’s Essential Item
What summer I hear you ask? And you’d be right. I reckon we had our summer back in March for a couple of weeks. But here is where the return of the much maligned cardigan has managed to make a come back. With the weather so unpredictable, wet yet warm, showery but hot, we don’t want to take our heavy coats with us everywhere, and trench-coats are so stiflingly last season. So what do you wear if the weather gives you four seasons in one day? Take a cardigan and you’ve solved the problem. A cardigan can be short sleeved or long, it can be light or heavy weight, warm and cuddly or cool and wrap around. You can go for prints to jazz up a plainer outfit, or stick to block colours if you are already contrasting a few. The choices are endless. And of course, should the weather brighten up you simply whip the thing off and either drape it around your shoulders casually or tie it festival style around your hips. I can’t say enough about these fabulous garments except to check out the gorgeous lovelies I’ve tracked down online!
Cool
Topshop Knitted Fluffy Pocket Cardigan – £30.00
This gorgeous pale pink knitted fluffy cardigan comes with front pocket detail in pale pink. Perfect for this seasons pastel palettes and cool for the not so hot evenings. It is made from 58% Nylon, 37% Angora, 5% Wool. Machine washable. Available in sizes 6 to 16. Buy from topshop.com.
Uttam Boutique Joanne Bird Cardigan – £39.99
It’s all about the birds with this cute bird and flower design which cover this cotton Summer cardigan. The 3/4 length sleeves mean it is perfect for putting over a dress in the warmer months or when the sun sets. Made from 100% cotton. Extra gentle machine wash. Available in sizes small, medium or large, and colours blue and black. Buy from yumidirect.co.uk.
Crea Concept Knitted Waistcoat Stone – £215
A unique cropped knitted waistcoat from Crea Concept for feminine dressing this autumn, offering a multitonal textured finish, a ribbed collar and open hem. Fitted and cropped for a stylish weekend piece, layer over long sleeved T-shirts for both warmth and style. Available in sizes 10 to 16. Buy from johnlewis.com.
Cooler
John Lewis Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan, Lime – £75
A luxuriously soft cashmere cardigan from John Lewis for chic dressing everyday, with long slim sleeves, a high crew neckline and dainty button fastenings. Fitted on the body for a truly feminine fit over blouses and vests, simply team with denim for day and tailored separates for work. Available in sizes 8 to 20 and in colours lime, turquoise, orange and sable. Buy from johnlewis.com.
Mango Flecked Cardigan Navy – £44.99
Stay stylish this season with this flecked cardigan from Mango. Crafted in a reverse knit fabric with a round neck and contrasting ribbed cuffs and edge-to-edge trimming, it has three quarter length sleeves and a concealed hook fastening. Available in sizes S, M, L and XL. Buy from johnlewis.com.
Miss Selfridge Oatmeal Boyfriend Cardigan – £37.00
Snuggle on down when the days are grey and miserable in this delightful oatmeal boyfriend cardigan with patch pockets. Supersoft andmade for cuddling! Perfect for when the temperature drops. Made from 100% Acrylic. Machine washable. Available in sizes 4 to 16. Buy from missselfridge.com.
Coldest
Phase Eight Long Rib Cardigan, Navy – Was £59 Now £25
For a glamorous knit you’ll return to season after season opt for Phase Eight’s stunning rib cardigan. With longline design and self-fabric belt tie, partner with a basic jersey and jeans for effortless day or evening style. Only size 10 available. Buy from johnlewis.com.
Topshop Knitted Mix Yarn Hoody Cardigan – £85.00
Corr! This knitted festival style mix yarn cardigan with hood detail will keep you warm and dry if it happens to be a wet one wherever you are festivaling at this summer! Made from 76% Cotton,22% Polyester, 2% Acrylic. Hand Wash. Available in sizes S/M and M/L. Buy from topshop.com.
Joe Browns Bright Blue Longline Plush Hooded Cardigan – £37.95
Elegant’s not a word you’d normally associate with cardis, but the longline style gives this one a smooth flow that makes it just that. The plush lined hood adds an extra touch of welcome warmth. Ideal when its raining and pouring. Available in sizes 8 to 12. Buy from debenhams.com.
