A Sweater of Substance (Two of Four)

 
Today, we return to our series, Sweaters of Substance.

 
 
Or, put plainly, here I am wearing another old cardigan.
 
I am, however, wearing it with purpose: to demonstrate that a sweater with some visual heft can take the place of a jacket on a day when you are working in the office and have no important meetings.
Cruel irony: I look best in a color that I am not crazy about
Cruel irony: I look best in a color that I am not crazy about

Of course, the cruelest irony would be to learn that I don't look that good in burnt orange, after wearing it with unwarranted confidence my whole life
Of course, the cruelest irony would be to learn that I don’t look that good in burnt orange, after wearing it with unwarranted confidence my whole life
 
 
This sweater is made of a fairly lightweight wool with some springy synthetic fiber mixed in; it’s very stretchy. An interesting placket, distinctive buttons, and attached scarf give it a substantial look.

 
 
I’ve paired this sweater with knit pants. I have previously advised you to snap up knit pants when you find a pair that fits you well. Eileen Fisher sells such pants most winters, but this particular pair came from Ann Taylor.
 
Unfortunately, that was many years ago.
This picture is included in part so that you can see the teen hoping up and down in the background
This picture is included in part so that you can see the teen hopping up and down in the background

Up close
Come closer, my pet
A scarf and a hood mean that I am ready for cold weather and a crime spree
A scarf and a hood mean that I am ready for cold weather and a crime spree

 
In case you are wondering about the substantial architecture encircling my neck (and protecting me from vampires), I will unwrap myself.
Perhaps you did not realize what, exactly, was going on here
Perhaps you did not realize what, exactly, was going on here

 
Rewound. I always forget how to do this tidily and it takes two or three tries each time I wear this sweater.
I tell you what's in the Daily News
Rewound and bound

 
 
Come closer and see the elegant buttons.
The most intricate button; also, metal and thus impervious to drycleaners ham-fisted ways
The most intricate button; also, metal and thus impervious to drycleaner’s ham-fisted handling

 
 
Because we are not taking ourselves too seriously today, an Orla Kiely laminated bag fits the mood. This outfit, in addition to working well for a quiet day at the office, is the kind of thing I wear when the weather is cold and wet.
A bag of some whimsy
A bag of some whimsy

I found a few more sweaters for your consideration . . . although I do agree with Erika’s observation (last week) that a cardigan is more substantial than a pullover. But these are charming!
 
Tami Tue Pullover from Anthropologie
Tami Tue Pullover from Anthropologie
Theory Felted Knit Off the Shoulder Sweater; I feel that this could look very charming with a menswear shirt underneath
Theory Felted Knit Off the Shoulder Sweater; I feel that this could look very charming with a menswear shirt underneath

19 thoughts on “A Sweater of Substance (Two of Four)”

  1. Before I ready your caption, I too thought that the Theory Off the Shoulder Sweater would look charming with a menswear shirt underneath.

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  2. The sweater is beautiful. The color is very good on you and the background with the lovely tree foliage is great. The photographer has done a very nice job as he usually does.

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  3. I love your sense of humor and how it shines through this blog. Your fashion sense is impeccable; I’m always impressed with your finds!

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  4. I feel that when you wear that fabulous cardigan you ought to be able to pick up that matching tree and carry it around like a sunshade/umbrella accessory.

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    • You are absolutely right, Ursula. I love the visual image in what you’ve written. At a minimum, I ought to be able to buy an umbrella silk-screened (or perhaps digitally printed) to look like a tree in the prime of fall foliage, shouldn’t I? Wouldn’t that be beautiful?

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  5. I so dig this sweater/jacket/cardigan/hoodie/wrap! The color is admirable and the shape is very flattering -fitted with even gathering at the shoulder. Just so sweet.

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    • Erika: I am extremely excited to be adding a new term “neckline scarf” to my glossary! I never would have come up with that on my own. Good luck with your project — I particularly like Vogue 9214. Makes me want to go to G Street and paw through the pattern books and drawers even though I am not an accomplished needlewoman.

      Reply
  6. Oh you should definitely do that. So fun. Sewing wool jersey is easy, since you can just let the edges roll rather than finishing them. marcytilton.com has some nice colors right now.

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    • For whatever reason, these pants maintain their shape very well. Perhaps the knit is particularly dense or resilient — there is definitely a small amount of synthetic fiber mixed into the wool. And, I have them drycleaned every few wearings (but not after every wearing because . . . poison).

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