The best cardigans for the weekend
Weekend style varies so much from one person to the next. If you spend 40 hours a week in a corporate office, you probably see Saturday and Sunday as your chance to unwind and dress casual. On the other hand, stay-at-home-moms and freelancers who work from their sofas might think of the weekend as their chance to dress up and head out. Either way, a cardigan can act as the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
The throw-it-on-and-go cardigan
Everyone needs a cardigan they can throw on in an instant and be ready to go, but if you’re a mom, you really need one. A cotton cardigan in black will go with almost anything in your closet, including your favorite floral dress and that pretty summer tank top you can’t bear to put away for fall. Though it’s incredibly comfortable, the slim cut makes it look just dressy enough, so it’s an easy way to make an outfit feel a little smarter. And the roomy pockets will come in handy every time you wear it.
The cashmere cardigan
Every woman should treat herself to a stunning cashmere cardigan. Soft, elegant and luxurious, they elevate any outfit and are perfect for special nights out. You can wear one with everything from jeans to a silk dress and they can last for decades with proper care, so consider it a true investment piece. Simply wash it using wool-safe detergent on your machine’s delicate cycle or clean it by hand in a sink full of cool water and it will look amazing for years.
The super warm cardigan
Layering is the key to staying warm through those freezing winter weekends, when ice, snow and wind make stepping outside the last thing you want to do. A sturdy cable knit cardigan will keep you toasty even when the weather is brutal and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Wear it over a turtleneck and snuggle up with a good book by the fire. It’s also gorgeous with skinny jeans and knee-high leather boots, proving you can be comfortable and stylish all at once.
The blazer cardigan
Get the best of both worlds with a blazer cardigan. Styled like a chic little jacket with delicate lapels, it’s soft and cozy. It also flatters your figure thanks to the sharp tailoring and clean lines, which have a slimming effect. Wear it in place of a jacket on cool autumn days with a tartan wool scarf and you have the perfect look for brunch with the girls. It’s also gorgeous with Chelsea boots and a dress and is a natural match for your favorite jeans, too.
The wear-did-you-get-that cardigan
A beautiful print cardigan can dress up any outfit in a second, so keep one close at hand for those last-minute weekend dates, parties and get-togethers. Something in a hypnotic snowflake pattern is perfect for holiday celebrations, but won’t look tacky like a sweater featuring a giant sequined Santa. A novelty fruit print adds a touch of whimsy to skinny jeans and a plain tee, while something in a solid buffalo check is a must for late autumn. And who doesn’t like polka dots? A spotted cardigan over a full-skirted dress is an adorable outfit for a birthday gathering.
The duster cardigan
A duster cardigan that reaches to your knees is nice for those days when you want a little more coverage, but don’t want to look frumpy. You can also wear this style with your favorite leggings since it will keep your derriere covered. And it’s nice with a pair of skinny jeans and a tee – just finish your outfit by adding a long necklace that shimmers in the light. Speaking of pants, a duster cardigan should always be worn with slim-fitting bottoms or you’ll get lost in layers of fabric.
The made-to-last cardigan
Surviving the weekend with kids in tow is no easy feat! You’ll be running around, cleaning up messes and delivering lots of hugs and kisses, so you need a cardigan made to last. Fortunately, something made from performance cotton will be there for you through thick and thin. This amazing fiber resists pilling and keeps its shape, finish and texture after repeated washings, so it won’t look ratty and worn out after a few runs through the machine.