THE LONG CARDIGAN AND WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE

CARDIGAN, SIMILAR | MOM JEANS | BAG | FLATFORMS similar

So as you can probably tell from the title, I love long cardigans! The long cardigan is a real closet staple for three big reasons. First off, they make jeans and a tank top look much, much cooler. I mean, imagine this outfit without the cardigan. Boring, right? Having the cardigan just adds interest to the outfit by adding a different length, a texture and another color to look. It even gives your outfit movement as you walk. So, really, it’s a no-brainer to add a long cardigan to elevate a basic  jeans-and-top outfit. Since the Nordstrom anniversary sale is now in full swing I’ve linked 3 of the cutest long cardigans from the sale below.

Second, for those of us who are perpetually cold, having a long cardi is like having a blanket with you at all times. That you don’t have to carry! How awesome is that. I’m always cold and I hate when it’s hot out but then I have to enter an air-conditioned store or office building. It’s so uncomfortable! If you have a long cardigan on, even if it’s really really light-weight, you can wrap it around you and you’re good to go. This is perfect for travel too by the way – although in that case I’d swap out the jeans with something with more stretch for comfort. I also love a long cardi layered over a maxi tank dress for travel. It’s a very simple outfit but always looks chic.

Last but not least, reason number 3 for owning a long cardigan is that it does a great job of camouflaging the rear end – if you need any help there that is. I definitely do, especially as I’ve packed on a few pounds since last year. If you pick a cardigan that’s cut close to the body, particular your torso, this style is magically slimming. I’ll take sartorial sorcery over cutting calories (or god forbid, sugar) any day. I rest my case, but I think these are three very good reasons to put a long cardigan into heavy rotation into your wardrobe if it isn’t already.

The one I’m wearing is from a store I have a love/hate relationship with. Can you guess? It’s Forever 21, even though I’m about two decades away from being 21. But we won’t talk about that. I bought it in the store and as luck would have it, I can’t locate it online. I did spot this shorter sleeve version that looks a little more peachy than mine and is marked down to only $14. 

I found three very similar cardigans while rooting through the Nordstrom sale: The first one is pretty light-weight like mine but has a little cashmere in it so it would be more functional for Fall. Probably an excellent candidate for air travel. It comes in a billion colors so take a look through and see what appeals but other than the pale pink color, I like the Burgundy Stem for Fall. I also like this linen blend version which is more light-weight. This one isn’t part of the sale but is still quite affordable at only $68. And finally, there’s this adorable tie-sleeve version, also from Nordstrom and under $70.

My studded bucket bag (also comes with a cross-body strap) is a major cutie as far as design goes. If I’m being honest I have to say the leather quality could be a lot better, but for under $100 that may be asking a bit much. I love the top handles, the studding and the hardware on this bag. The size is great for carrying all of your essentials . In black, this studded bag has just the right amount of edge to add interest to any outfit without being over the top or taking attention away from colors or prints. If you’re looking for a better quality bucket bag this little bonsai bag is very popular right now. It’s more minimalist and about 4 times as expensive but the leather and finish are very good.