Quickly, before winter officially hits us, I’m showing you my final autumn lookbook. Even though yesterday felt nothing like fall but all like winter, I think that many outfits in this lookbook can easily be worn in winter too. Each outfit features one of my favorite clothing items: a cardigan. Cardigans are easy to wear, go with everything (as I will demonstrate in this post) and can make or break any outfit.
My reasons for loving cardigans:
- They’re multifunctional
- They keep you warm
- They are a statement piece and an accessory all in one
- They are great for layering
- They add texture
- They add color
- They’re comfier than a blazer
- They can be baggy
- They can be grungy
- They can be fitter
Catch my drift, or need I say more? Still not convinced? Let’s have a closer look at these outfits.
1.) Green sheen
Forest green cardigan (H&M)
Black t-shirt with burn out design (H&M)Black circle skirt (H&M)
Forest green wedge heels (Sacha)
Black tights (Primark)
Statement necklace (Primark)
By this time you’ll know that this is a typical ‘Maaike’ outfit: flared skirt, a bit of color and a statement necklace. It makes for a simple, yet successful combo without getting boring. This is also super easy to wear and comfortable. It suites many occasions and if I had to pick an every day outfit for work (I am a teacher) then this would be it. To top things off, this outfit is super affordable. I bought the skirt for 7 euros on sale and the cardigan and t-shirt were no more than 10 euros each.
2.) Cozy casual
Marbled black & grey sheer top (H&M)
Grey woolen cardigan (H&M)
Light wash denim with knee slits (Topshop Leigh jeans)
Clarks desert boots in wolf
Something more casual and even comfier is this outfit. I used to be a true jeans and t-shirt kinda girl. That side of me is still there, and occasionally crops up. I decided to add a bit more interest with a textured but sheer top, a light wash denim with slits for that casual grunge look and desert boots for an extra touch of manliness. The cardigan is mostly wool and super warm. I love the wooden buttons, plus it has pockets = bonus points.
3.) Rusty pencils
Mustard yellow pencil skirt (H&M)
Rust colored cardigan (Urban Outfitters)
Tassled necklace (Forever 21)
Tights (Primark)
T-shirt (Forever 21)
Black heeled Chelsea boot (H&M)
Baggy sweater vs tailored skirt. I love clashing styles, prints and colors. The rust colored cardigan is perfect for fall. It’s thick but not too crazy. It again has pockets and hangs very loosely, giving the outfit the ultimate casual vibe. I decided to pair these items with all black to keep the base as neutral as possible. I wanted to make the colors pop. I kept the accessories simple and went with a tassled necklace that hits the waist to add the illusion of being longer.
4.) Dressed in grunge
Dark grey marbled dress with low cut back (H&M)
Red & Black knit cardigan (Urban Outfitters)
Black cut out boots (New Look)
Black tooth with crown necklace (Six)
Tights (Primark)
To show you that cardigans and dresses go very well together, I threw this red cardigan over a dark grey marbled dress. Urban Outiftters is my favorite store to buy cardigans. I have several and love everyone of them. This red one is on the thin side, but I love the fit and where it hits me. Wearing a cardigan with a dress means you can wear that summer item just a few months longer. Because, yes, this dress is from last summer and I’m still wearing it.
5.) Yellow pop
Black v-neck t-shirt (Forever 21)
Yellow knit cardigan (Only)
Black skinny jeans (Topshop Jamie jeans)
Chelsea boots with buckle (New Look)Large flat top hat (H&M)
Who said you can’t wear bright colors when it’s cold? I love making colors like this stand out even more by adding all black underneath. I went with black highwaisted skinny jeans (Topshop’s Jamie jeans – my favorites!) and my new New Look Chelsea boots that I have already been wearing to death. The hat is too big to call for any other accessories. I haven’t worn this out yet as I am not too confident about it yet. What do you think?
What is your opinion about cardigans?