Do You Think Women's Cardigans are Stylish or Dowdy?

Halloween is already over, and even bonfire night has passed us by, which means that Christmas will be upon us before we know it. Some people are eagerly counting down, and others think it is far too soon to be thinking about Christmas, but you can’t deny that after an unseasonably warm October, it is quite refreshing to have a spell of season-appropriate weather.

With this new chilly weather setting in, it is the perfect excuse to hunt for some new cosy items to keep you warm. As women, we seem to favour cardigans more than men, and there is nothing easier than throwing on a comfy woolly cardigan that goes with everything, so you know you have a few reliable options for colder weather.

Cardigans are a popular cover-up throughout the year, but some people still feel that women’s cardigans can be a bit frumpy or dowdy. As with most fashion items, the choice is so wide and varied that you are sure to find a style or shape to suit you, leaving you feeling stylish rather than unfashionable.

Long Wool Mocha Cardigan – made in Italy

This thick wool cardigan is perfect for keeping you warm, but long waterfall style is also on trend at the moment, along with the seasonal mocha colour. This cardigan is certainly far from frumpy and firmly stylish and could easily be thrown on over jeans and a t-shirt for some weekend errand running, or it would look lovely with black trousers and a blouse for the office.

Fluffy Grey Cardigan – made in Italy

This women’s cardigan could not be anymore cosy. This is perfect as a festive addition to your wardrobe, and will certainly add interest to any outfit. It is the perfect piece to show off a bit of glamour on a night out or a festive party, and would look great paired with a black jumpsuit and stand-out heels.

Plum Floral Kimono Cardigan – made in Italy

Kimonos really made a splash in the fashion world this summer, but that doesn’t mean they have to be relegated to the back of the wardrobe for the winter. This plum colour kimono lends itself to the festive season, and the fringe adds another level of interest. This might be a cardigan choice for milder days that aren’t so frosty, but it would look great with almost any outfit, and you can continue wearing it when the weather warms up.

Grey Wool Stripe Gilet Cardigan – made in Italy

This is not a cardigan in the traditional sense, but it will still provide warmth and comfort on colder days. Similarly to the kimono, the gilet has become an increasingly popular item of winter clothing, and this particular piece will lend some classic elegance, without feeling ‘puffed out’ or frumpy. This gilet would look great paired with a long sleeved top, jeans, and knee high tan boots, for a perfect winter outfit. 

The Right Jacket Could Lift a Lady's Style

As the good old British weather dictates, a suitable jacket is an essential item in any lady’s wardrobe. Even in the summer, a jacket might be needed to ward off any cold spells, and cover up when the heavens open. However, a lot of ladies will only have one jacket in their wardrobe that they wear again and again in all weather.

There’s nothing wrong with a good reliable jacket, but wearing the same one day in day out can become a little monotonous, especially when there are so many different styles of jacket available that can really add something to your style, as well as keeping you a bit warmer.

There are numerous styles of jackets that come in and out of fashion, but something like a blazer will always remain classic. You can get tailored blazers, boyfriend blazers, cropped blazers, waterfall blazers, and much, much more, so there is bound to be a style that suits you. You could add a plain neutral-coloured blazer to almost any outfit, and it would instantly make your style seem smarter and more ‘put together’, and a patterned or bright colour blazer would always add some style and excitement to a monochrome outfit. Jackets can be like an accessory themselves.

Similarly, cardigans are another kind of jacket that can have the same effect as blazers. They needn’t be saved for colder weather, as there are so many variations available, that you should be able to find one for all kinds of weather, styles, or occasions. A cropped cardigan would be perfect to add over a shirt for appropriate office wear, and a long-line waterfall cardigan would be great for a relaxed weekend style. Even on formal occasions, a cardigan-style shrug is a perfect way to cover up with something easy and light.

As we are now moving in to the colder months and winter is approaching, it might be wiser to also start thinking about warmer jacket styles to keep out the cold, while still delivering on style. Gilets and vests have had a resurgence in popularity over the past couple of years, and there is almost as much variety as there would be with any other jacket style. A gilet, or a waistcoat, such as our own Made in Italy ones, is a great choice for a winter jacket as it keeps your body warm, but allows your arms to move freely without being constricted by any thick coat sleeves, not to mention that they all look incredibly cosy.

In a similar way to gilets, ponchos are also becoming more and more popular as a style of ladies’ jacket. They are perfect to simply throw on over any outfit, and instantly appear appropriately snug and wintery, as well as leaving your arms free from any heavy sleeves like a gilet. Our own Made in Italy ponchos are perfect for this winter.

There are so many jackets styles to choose from, including some that you may not have thought of, that it seems like a bit of a wasted opportunity to only stick to one reliable jacket. That jacket will always be a staple in your wardrobe, but you can really change up your outfits and sense of style by trying out different jackets. Try thinking of a jacket as an accessory the next time you are looking to cover up.

Women's Knitwear - It's not all about the jumper!

As we approach the tail end of October, and the temperature has started to drop, everyone is starting to add a few items of trusty knitwear to their everyday wardrobe. There is nothing better than snuggling up in a cosy jumper, whether you are out and about, or even just sitting on the sofa at home; there’s something about this time of year that demands cosy comfort from your wardrobe.

However, being cosy and comfortable can sometimes feel like you have to make style sacrifices. Big, thick, woolly jumpers are great for keeping out the cold, but can be overly cumbersome under a coat, and can also appear quite shapeless.

Women’s knitwear doesn’t always have to be about bulky jumpers; there are many more options that will keep you warm, but still remain stylish.

Cardigans

Women’s knitwear comes in a huge variety of styles and shapes these days, and cardigans are a great option to add some style while still staying snugly warm. The sheer variety of cardigans means that you can usually find one to suit any outfit or occasion, and they are great for layering.

Knitted Dresses

Knitted dresses are one of the chicest knitwear styles. They are almost an entire outfit in one, and there is freedom to style them how you want as you can dress them up or down. They are also a great transitional piece for when the seasons start to change; meaning you will get great wear out of them.

Statement Jumpers

Women’s jumpers do not have to be boring. Gone are the days when jumpers meant chunky, garish items that were knitted by your aunt.  With all the options available today you can certainly find a jumper to suit your personal tastes, whether you’re into flowers, animals, stars, stripes, or slogans. Imagine this floral jumper with jeans and slouchy ankle boots, and it would look just as good worn with block skinny jeans and strappy heels for a smarter look.

Ponchos

Ponchos are no longer just for the Wild West fans out there. Ponchos are making a comeback in the knitwear world, with a whole host of high street stores stocking them as a must-have item for this winter. Ponchos are an easy and relaxed knitwear choice, giving you a simple alternative to a coat or jacket. They can even be styled with a belt at the waist. Plus, a poncho is essentially like wearing a cosy blanket, and who wouldn’t want that on a cold winter day.

Goose Island currently has a huge selection of fashionable knitwear for autumn and winter, including a great range of jumpers, cardigans, ponchos, dresses, scarves, and everything else you need to stay cosy and stylish at the same time.