The “boyfriend” cardigan
June 26th, 2008Cheeky, cropped cardigans are everywhere and were extremely popular on the streets of Paris. They make my must-have list this season as an indispensable, versatile, feminine layering piece. I get cold easily and having a few different styles and colours that I can pop over virtually anything has been a good investment.
But I’m onto something new (new for me – the look has been fringe fashion for a year now): the ‘80’s-inspired tubular tunic cardigan. In the ‘80’s we used to call them “grandpas” and shoved in shoulder pads for an extra boxy look (sad, but true). They’re called “boyfriend cardigans” this time around, sans les shoulder pads, and a little more fitted for shape.
I originally noticed the look in Barcelona and Paris, but it was a question of finding the right piece. Once I had, I was sold. I love the casual appeal of this garment. I wear my black version over a citron camisole with a (narrow or wide) waist–cinching belt and white or blue jeans. Keep the length of the cardigan a little shorter if you’re petite. It’s best to find a style that’s fairly fitted on the torso area and straight, rather than tapered in silhouette.
If you like a sleek profile, this look is definitely worth a bash.
I recently had a similar tubular tunic cardigan on a beautiful, ultra-stylish client who is in her late 60’s. The cardigan was black, with three-quarter sleeves and patch pockets. We completed the look with a broad safari-inspired belt, white jeans, black shoes and black patent handbag. She looked and felt perfect.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:42 am
I was lookong for a sweater like this just before spring but had very little luck! I guess I should renew my search! As a short-torso-ed woman, this looks good for lengthening my top half. I imagine the bottom half of the outfit should be quite fitted.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I got one of these last fall. It had shorter kimono like sleeves and no buttons. With boots, straight legs and a cinching belt, I felt epatante. Can’t wait to wear it again.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I like the way this type of cardigan looks. When I think of “grandpa” cardigans I think of big baggy cardigans with dropped shoulders, made of chunky yarn and elbow patches. These are sophisticated looking, made of a fine knit, and slim fitting. This look would be flattering on me, I think, if I leave off the belt.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Great! Excitement for the look. I suspect it will be mainstream this season.
Your particular cardigan-look sounds wonderful, Patience. Not quite the boyfriend (with the kimono sleeves and lack of front closures), but lovely all the same. The short sleeved cardigan that you see in the pics is not “a boyfriend” either. But it’s a Summer tunic cardi that I popped in for hot weather climates as an option.
I like the look with a belt. It’s more feminine and polished that way.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Very interesting. I LOVE the look in the center of the top row. That might just have to be a new look to be experimented with in fall. I’m intrigued. Thanks Angie.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:33 am
For my small bust that first row center cardigan with bow blouse looks like a winner. Angie, what did your client wear under the black cardigan? It sounds like a wonderful look for any age.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Hmm, I don’t think it is for me. It seems you need the right body type and pear is not it.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I love, love this look! As I have already mentioned on a forum thread, I plan to recreate the top middle Theory look, but with a purple cardigan. Now I am thinking that I even want a second sweater, in charcoal or black. Angie do you think that would be an overkill?
June 26th, 2008 at 10:38 am
No necessarily Eva! The client I make reference to is a pretty pear just like you. You’d look great in this look. You ROCK a waist belt with the best of them and you’re hip. Go for it.
Joy, my client wore a white camisole under her boyfriend cardi the one day, and a white, J Crew button down shirt on the other day. Both ensembles belted and uber polished. She looks like a movie star.
Antje, you and Tanya sprung to mind with the centre, bowed blouse and boyfriend cardi look. I can’t wait to see you experiment.
This look can be interpreted differently across all age groups. I think it’s going to be a winner. I’m excited!
June 26th, 2008 at 10:49 am
So it has to have button to qualify as a bf cardi? I got one from Michael Kors last year, the collar looks like that in the picture below, the body is straight and it hits 5 inches above my knee:
http://www.inhabitny.com/produ.....cts_id=283
I guess that it can be worn the same ways?
June 26th, 2008 at 10:57 am
This reminds me of one of my all-time favorite sweaters - from back in my senior year high school/freshman year of college. I wore that sweater to death. It did not have shoulder pads. It was Teal!!
I do not care so much for the white chunky one in the lower left corner. I tried that look two seasons back - in camel. My DH kept teasing me - he said I looked like I was wearing a bathrobe out of the house. I guess because I’m petite, long chunky cable sweaters aren’t the best bet!
But the other looks I could do - thinner knits. With a belt. With my skinny jeans. Will add to my fall wish-list and give it a try….
p.s. does anyone else remember Firenza sweaters? When are they coming back?
June 26th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Angie, your post is so timely here! I saw this one a few weeks ago at Nordstrom’s and loved it in the blue but didn’t try it on… http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults …click on the blue and it’s this lovely two toned color. You’ve inspired me. THX for the helpful advice!
June 26th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Angie, I suspected mine might not be a true boyfriend cardigan.
But all the more reason to get another one. I like the top right one, but that will definitely have to wait till temps are more reasonable here.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I guess I’m the oddball this time. I don’t care for this look. All of the models look shapeless, and I don’t need any help with that. Lol. I’m petite with small curves, so I’d rather go with form fitting looks that emphasize what little waist I have. Even with a belt these models look like they have no waist. I sort of like the chunky knit white one, but then I liked those a few years ago too.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I love cardigans. They are my preferred sweater because of their versatility and layerability. I love this look, and I will definitely put this on my fall “to buy” list.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I like this look and I think it would work out really well with my style and lifestyle (busy student).
Would these be considered shorter versions of the boyfriend cardi? I can’t go too long on the legs because I have really short legs:
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....=cat304167
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....=cat304168
June 26th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Tanya, I don’t think another option in the same silhouette is overkill. It’s on your shopping list.
Judy, a lovely option!
Ana, I can absolutely see you sport this look. Nice shorter versions from J Crew. They aren’t tunics but I fancy the shorter styles too. You’ll have to experiment and let us know how it goes.
Patience and Julia, go for it. You’ve done the “prettier versions” – let’s try hard core for Autumn. But first, the temperatures need to drop.
June 27th, 2008 at 5:11 am
I don’t care for this look. I am a slender pear and anything that hits this point on my leg and is this narrow emphasises how bottom-heavy I am.
Angie, is the overall look for cardigans for this fall long and straight or are your seeing higher hip-length ones also?
June 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Angie, can these longer cardigans be paired with knee length pencil skirts or do you just see them with pants? The proportions seem tricky with skirts
June 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
To try this look, I bought a cheap boyfriend cardigan from Forever 21. Loved it so much, I invested in a high quality piece that I wore every day at the tail-end of Winter, into Spring. Can’t wait for it to cool off again so I can live in this cardigan!
June 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Lissie, the cardi that you’re looking for should not narrow at the welt. Look for a straighter cut.
Joy, I can’t see this look working with skirts - the same way tunics don’t work with skirts.
Nice budget babe! You are inspiring.
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