Saturday, September 13, 2008 Sweet Sweaters By Kara Mae Muga Noveda
GRANNY sweaters no more, modern cardigans can be worn on the beach or to an evening date in a restaurant. It’s a matter of styling it or down:
Choose an oversized cotton cardigan for casual walks.
Nothing feels better for a cool walk on the beach than a tee shirt, a pair of cotton Capri pants and a long, oversized, cotton cardigan. Choose a length extending several inches above your knee for a fashion forward look. A solid color will coordinate beautifully with your other casual spring clothing. If you want a slightly different look, opt for a thick horizontal stripe in black and white or black and khaki. Don’t forget to add a chunky eclectic necklace. One made with large wood or ceramic beads will add an earthy look.
Add a belt
Petite people sometimes find a cardigan to be overwhelming. One way to give a cardigan more structure is to add an interesting belt. This can be an excellent way for a petite person to show off a tiny waist. If you have belts in your closet that you haven’t known what to do with, get them out and experiment by wearing them over a long cardigan.
Use it to layer
You can really expand the depth and versatility of your wardrobe without spending money by layering items you already have. A cardigan provides the perfect finishing touch for that layered look. Just one cardigan can multiply your fashion options many times. Try belting a long cardigan over a skirt and silk top. Wear a long, loose one over your favorite black dress. A cardigan can add a whole new dimension to your standard office attire. Open your closet and start experimenting by adding a cardigan to your usual outfits and see what works for you.
Button or unbutton?
The look of a cardigan can vary depending on how many buttons you button. If you button it all the way, you can add an interesting belt or a scarf to complete the look. For a more casual look leave it open and add some interesting jewelry at the neck line. Experiment with buttoning just the top button or two for a casual, fashion forward look. It’ll be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.
