Cardigans – Essential Transition Pieces

By Brian Maynor

 

It may still be August, but I know I’m not the only person thinking about, and looking forward to cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider.

While it may be wishful thinking for cooler days at the moment, now that summer vacations are over and school is back in session, most of us will be spending more time in air conditioned spaces giving us a hint of what’s to come.

Navigating through multiple temperature-controlled environments throughout the day requires a little thought in the morning, but mostly it requires an incredibly versatile and functional item that is often an afterthought, the cardigan.

Walk through any office setting and you’re bound to see cardigans draped over the backs of chairs in all shapes, colors and states of wear, but is that really the best way to use them?  Here are a few ways you can use cardigans to buffer the air conditioning as well as polish your outfit:

1.    Curl up in it.  If the blanket look and feel is what you’re going for it works best with cardigans that are designed to hang open and loose.  That means look for options that don’t have any fasteners.  This will keep the loose, draped style intentional and not sloppy.

2.    Balance it.  Long line tops are a huge trend right now, but even standard tops can get frumpy if they are untucked and you try to add a long, boxy cardigan over them.  Short, fitted cardigans are the better option with untucked tops because they balance them and add some shape.

3.    Belt it.  If you wear a cardigan all day as part of your outfit, by belting it you can highlight your shape as well as maintain the professionalism of your look.  This also allows you to move the belt to your natural waist, highlighting it much the same way a blazer does when it’s buttoned.

4.    Ground it.  Neutral, earthy colors may blend into your look easier, but they are by no means the only options even in a professional setting.  Bold colors and prints can work as long as they are grounded by solid pieces.

Before reaching for your old, worn, second-thought cardigan that’s always on your chair or hanging in your office, think about what image you’re portraying when you put it on over your crisp, polished outfit.  Maybe it’s time to upgrade it and your look in the process.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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