The slouchy cardigan and two ways to wear it
Photo: Claire Pepper
Welcoming in the new year in full-blown technicolour… To be completely honest, right now I’m wearing this burnt orange, slouchy cardigan over a khaki jumpsuit rather than slinky trousers but let’s pretend that my life is a tad more glamorous than it actually is. The chunky, longer length cardigan is perfect at this time of year, going from spare room (TNMA HQ) to the sofa during semi-hibernation. Early January always gets off to a slow start, though obviously that doesn’t mean my style cred is dormant. Tangerine dream? Why not, said the Seasider…
Once seen as quite grungy (not a bad thing), the oversized knit is now well groomed and grown up. This is the Eyre cardigan from British brand Finisterre, it’s an absolute cracker and comes in 100% Donegal merino wool. As featured in last summer’s Telegraph column, over a linen skirt and trainers (see below). I’m always careful not to get carried away when trying on lots of lovely clothes for features but when I noticed the chunky cardigan at half-price in the sale, I snapped it up. The gorgeous, burnt orange colour is now sold out but the Eyre style is continued from one season to the next and there are more sizes available in dark olive green or a chic shade of indigo (also reduced in the sale). Whistles has a shorter cardigan in a similar colour HERE and COS has a wrapover style HERE. At the more expensive end of the spectrum is the Wool Welt Pocket cardigan by MHL in ochre.
Treat oversized styles like a jacket and wear over everything. As a teenager, I used to nab my dad’s old cardigans and pair them with drainpipe jeans and DMs, and proportion-wise this silhouette still works (in winter I live in slim leg trousers or coated jeans and stompy boots). See also, cropped boot flare trousers and sneakers. The relaxed feel doesn’t have to involve a longer-line ‘dad cardigan’, the shorter, boxy knit has an insouciant slouch about it and looks great with jeans and Capri pants. Think Diane Keaton cool, rather than Grace Kelly prim.
Photo: Claire Pepper for the Daily Telegraph
I’d recommend woolly tights or knee socks with brogues or knee boots for a winter version of the second outfit.
More independent knitwear brands HERE. And a selection of chunky cardigans to choose from:
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STYLE NOTES
First outfit: Eyre cardigan from Finisterre. Sailor top from my recent partnership with Seasalt Cornwall. Silk trousers were a gift from Winser London a couple of years ago. Velvet mules bought in the LK Bennett sale (again, a couple of years ago) – try Le Monde Beryl for similar.
Second outfit: same cardigan. Breton top from Community Clothing. Linen skirt from agnes b. Grenson sneakers. All clothes loaned and returned.
Discussion (20 Comments)
Dorothy says:
Love the look of this. Would you mind sharing what size you’re wearing? I’ve been looking over the shop site’s comments to see whether those of us in-betweeners are taking the S/M or the M/L and it’s a mixed bag. I like a loose fit, but over-size can look sloppy really easily. Much appreciated.
Barbara says:
I’m size 12/14 and have this cardigan in s/m and m/l (different colours!) The m/l was bought before I lost weight and is far too big and sloppy on me now. The s/m is much better but still v loose and oversized.
Mrs Tonia says:
Alyson I really like you in the tawny burnt orange outfit and cardie. I like Finisterre too. Got a cotton Breton pullover with green stripes from them last season. Good credentials of their garments. I did buy a Toast green square shaped cardigan a few seasons ago. Not sure if the most flattering look on me but a comfortable garment at this time of year certainly.
Suzanne Meaden says:
Alyson – These are wonderful garments; I now have four (navy, orange, olive and acid green). They are so useful for wearing over several layers, but still look smart. Buyers – just take care with the sizing as they come up large! What colours will they come up with next season. They wash well, too.
Janet Pether says:
Love this item, thanks Alison, but please could you do an article on skirts? I find it quite difficult to find something that isn’t either too short/tarty or too frumpy, or doesn’t make me feel enormous. But I often want to wear something other than jeans or trousers, but not too formal. Dresses are having a moment it seems – but finding a skirt I like is tricky! The blue linen one from agnes b. above is great – others maybe less expensive please.?
Jane says:
Janet, hi, have you looked at Toast indigo denim skirts? They always have a variation of these each year and usually reduced at some point. I have two different styles and wear them a lot. I like the fact that there’s not too much fabric at the waist and that they’re lower-calf length (I’m 5,6)… good for colder weather with chunky long socks. I think they’re a great substitute for jeans (which I don’t really like)
Hilary says:
Hello Alyson,have you come across Herd knitwear -expensive but gorgeous. And based around Lancashire so names like Lytham,Freckleton,Wyre etc !!
https://www.herdwear.co/I have heard of Herd! But didn’t realise they were based in Lancashire, which I obviously approve of…
Sandra marshall says:
I love this cardi. Just bought it for my daughters birthday, and, like all the best presents, felt a bit jealous.
Lovely to see how you have styled it.Nicola says:
I’ve been watching The Watcher on Netflix solely for Naomi Watts wardrobe. She had a number of delicious slouchy cardigans… and stompy boots, wafty trousers… I think she might be one of us!
Philippa says:
I got a similar brilliant burnt orange slouchy cardigan from Toast a few years ago. I was worried I might not wear it enough but it actually goes with loads of things.
Annie says:
This all looks lovely, I have promptly ordered the less vibrant olive green, sadly as you state the bright orange is out of stock.
Loving my Phase Eight prize boots perfect for this damp weather. Thank you.bev says:
Very tempted to buy a new cosy cardigan (in an orange hue) but in the process of culling my disarmingly large wardrobe. Really need advice on the ratio of love it/perfectly nice/’meh’/yuk as if I discarded everything that I didn’t completely, totally love, it would look rather sparse. Advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated – I don’t need EVERYTHING to spark Kondo joy!
Angela says:
Cardigans are the comfort food of clothes aren’t they. I was inspired to shop following your post and got this beauty in the Whistles sale https://www.whistles.com/product/skye-ribbed-cardigan-35397.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=Knitwear_Clothing_WW&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=refinementColor&prefv1=Blue&pid=skye-ribbed-cardigan-35397&pos=2
Joanie P says:
What a fabulous cardigan and colour! I will now be looking out for one like it. I love a good slouchy cardigan. In the Marni sale at Uniqlo I found a nice striped one for under £30.00 in the sale, but it’s lighter weight than the Finisterre one.
Marilyn Leave a Reply
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I bought that orange cardi after seeing it on you last year, and I love it. Perfect as a light jacket in autumn, perfect over pjs now.