How To Avoid The Frumpy Look Wearing Long Cardigans

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Long cardigans are back on the style scene and are a must have in your wardrobe selections.  If you are asking why, the answer is simple.  Long cardigans allow for the perfect amount of comfort and coverage without sacrificing style.  More importantly, long cardigan outfits pretty much work for every woman, regardless of shape or size.

Since long cardigans are pretty trendy these days, you can find easily find beautiful styles in chunky knits, mesh fabrics, cotton, lace, crochet, etc.  Name your material, and you can find your long cardigan to match your wish.  You are free to create either bohemian and hippie looks or keep things Tomboy inspired.  I personally think that this might be the best layering piece that will easily make you stand out in the crowd.

Now you should know that there are different lengths to the “long cardigan.”  Stylists consider the long cardigan to be one that hits between the hop and knee.  This relaxed boyfriend cardigan works with just about any look.  The open-front or draped style draws the eyes vertically which is always flattering.  A floor length or maxi cardigan hits between the knee and ankle.  These cardigans are slightly more unexpected and a great option for those looking to step out of the norm.

You might have heard these maxi cardigans called dusters as well.  It might seem a little too much for some.  However, if you have been following my blog, you know that I am going to push you to step out of your comfort zone with your style.  These cardigans are not difficult to pull off.  The extra length absolutely adds that drama to an understated ensemble.   The trick to wearing these long cardigans is to avoid bulky clothing underneath.  Wearing these cardigans with skinny jeans or short hemlines are ideal.  By wearing the duster with shorter hemlines you will balance the length of the duster.  Alternatively, you can create a similar effect with the over-the-knee boots.

I thrifted this striped Top Shop duster from Crossroads Trading Company for $15.  Great price, considering the retail value was $69.  I love this duster because it’s incredibly soft.  Additionally, it’s a neutral print that can be worn with anything this fall and winter season.

Following my own advice, I opted to pair my duster with a shorter hemline shirt dress.  I thrifted this Banana Republic shirt dress from Goodwill for $7.50!  I actually wore this dress often in the summer evenings, but you already know my philosophy about stretching those summer dresses into the fall.  Adding the long cardigan over the dress provided the perfect amount of warmth and comfort for me.  I chose to belt the dress to provide a little definition to my waistline.  The leather belt came from an estate sale for .50cents.  You can never have too many skinny belts, and this is the perfect piece for this look.

Time for over-the-knee boots guys!  I recently received a $50 gift certificate from DSW, one of my absolutely favorite shoe store.  Of course, I saved that gift certificate to purchase the perfect winter boots.  When I tried on these Isola boots, I immediately fell in love.  Comfort is always my first concern when it comes to shoes.  Yes, there are times, we will suffer the pain to look cute.  But, when it comes to boots, I simply need to be comfortable.  I am already uncomfortable with the cold weather, why add to a misery with shoes that are uncomfortable.  These boots are both extremely comfortable and stylish.  Best of all, I got these boots for $70 since they were priced at $99, and I used my DSW reward points.  Leather boots for $70 — yea, I will take that!

Finally, I completed my look with this vintage bag that I got from San Diego for $10 from Frock You Vintage, a vintage store.  I think it adds the final drama to this look featuring my long cardigan.