In its short time upon us, 2017 has taught us a few things. President Trump is never a good idea. Pink-everything is here to stay. And cardigans — which unbeknownst to us had fallen out of fashion in the last couple of years — are now cool again. Cue celebrations! Warmth! Layers covering last night’s beer belly! It’s the sartorial equivalent of a hug, and I want to feel loved.
If I was still unsure whether I was a ‘fashion person’ (I’m not), the moment I realised that cardigans were something to even fall in-and-out of fashion solidified me in the “Doesn’t know fashion” category.
I naively assumed banishing a cardigan from our wardrobes was, I don’t know, like saying flats were no longer en vogue (PLEASE DON’T TAKE THOSE AWAY FROM ME, 2017). A wardrobe staple, if you will, where one would always have a ‘little black cardigan’ to go over that LDB.
So yes, I dutifully dedicated an entire section of my wardrobe to cardigans. But in my forever-efforts to live that aspirational ‘minimal life’ (a la Marie Kondo, where everything you own must ‘bring you joy), I’ve been gradually tossing away everything I own. It was then that realised I hadn’t touched a cardigan in months. Months! What the heck had I been wearing? Was I hallucinating getting dressed every morning? Did I actually exist?
Outfit Details
Cardigan: Whistles (sold out online; another sale one I love here)
Tee: Whistles (similar)
Jeans: Minimum
Bag: Frank Horn London
Sneakers: Adidas
Sunglasses: Cheap Monday
Then rolls in 2017, and suddenly cardigans are everywhere: fashion sites showing them in street style pics, bloggers vouching for what we’ve always known (they cover a wobbly belly and look effortlessly cool, aka, they’re ah-maze-ing).
My favourite cardigans have always been from Whistles. Pretty much my favourites of everything are from Whistles, really. This one I bought in the sale is classic enough to last the seasons but with modern touches (wide sleeves, baggy fit).
I decided to pair my cardigan with other classic pieces. Black ripped skinnies, a stripe slogan tee (thank goodness slogans are still in, because they’re great) and a classic cross-body bag from London leather goods designer, Frank Horn.
If you’ve ever read another post on this blog, you know my penchant for independent labels and brands. I would always, always rather support local brands than any chain. Frank Horn’s leather bags are what dreams are made of: sturdy bag, soft leather, a timeless yet modern feel, and those little touches that scream quality.
