Dump the Frump Cardigans
It’s probably thanks to Michelle Obama that cardigans have become so popular, coming close to replacing jackets in many cases.
<<Remember her famous sparkle one, or
when Michelle wore a cardigan to meet the Queen?>>
We like cardigans for many reasons:
1) they’re comfy
2) they’re a great cover -up for our arms which are chilly because of all the sleeveless tops out there
3) cardigans hide any arm flab
4) they brighten up a plain outfit by adding texture, color and interest.
There are frumpy cardigans out there, for sure, but there are also so many cute ones to choose from… long, short, fitted, loose, in all kinds of knits.
Here’s a few we discovered that are only slightly different from the classic 1950′s type, but look totally modern today because of a simple tweak.
| Sweet Sweater:
It’s called the Diamond disco sweater, and we agree this “disc go really well with dis skirt!” (LOL).. Just enough glam without being over the top. What a pretty complement to the floral skirt which is so in this spring. (Nordstrom) |
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| Grrr..eat!
A sexy animal print and we love the modern color combo……… O.k. Here’s the “dump the frump” lesson for today.. the style of this sweater alone may scream old, but the mix of the brown and turquoise with a touch of yellow is what zips it up and transforms it into a hip and updated great find. (Nordstrom and Saks ) |
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| Ruffle:
Ruffles are in right now and this cardigan has just the right amount to look pretty but not baby- girlish on a grown up gal. Love this color! (Nordstrom) |
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| Rosy touch:
Soft and romantic this feminine cardigan stand on it’s own with jeans or be dressed up with jewelry and a pretty skirt for a night out. (Nordstrom) |
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| Modern Mix:
Coral and turquoise combine in modern floral pattern that brings warm skin tones to life. (Nordstrom) |
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| Honeycomb:
Simple and elegant.Now isn’t this nicer than wearing a big old sweatshirt around the house? (Nordstrom) |
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I love the cardigans on the models, but not on me. I’m a D cup with a small waist… and cardigans worn open are a disaster (hang on either side of the “girls” like a theatrical curtain and closed they look either too boxy (even fitted ones) or they gap. I’ve actually tried on several of the ones pictured here. Unfortunately, they didn’t look so hot on me! Takes a certain body to carry them off.
Hi gals,
I noticed that all the cardigans above fit somewhat loosely on the model’s upper arms. In that case, they will hide arm flab. But if you are a bigger person, with arm flab, the cardigan will most likely fit snugly in this area. When that happens, cardigans only accentuate the arm flab. It is not a good concealer then.
Hi magdalene,
You make a very good point!! It is true that not everything looks good on all body types, however, if you leave the cardigan open you might be able to pull it off a little better. Nothing looks worse than a top that is closed and the buttons are “straining”. But, back to your point, if you don’t think you look good in this then do stay away from it!
So feminine! Very pretty selections. My personal dress code is “sexy feminine” a combination of bold with feminine…very very feminine. I get the bold or more mature look with high quality fabric selections and well-cut pieces, but I always look for flirty or feminine touches like a ruffle, shirring, scallops, buttons, etc. Cardigans like this fit that style matrix.
Any of you watch the movie Blind Side? I like Sandra Bullock’s look. What a babe. She has bold-cut clothing, high quality fabrics, but softens her look with jewelry, belts and ooo those skin-tone-colored slings! I need to get me some of them! I call her “sexy feminine”. That’s what I’m after…we are the same age and share the same name. But…that’s where the comparison ends. he he….
Sandra
Wouldn’t it be a bit more useful if you gals could show models with real bodies that are over 40 and with the notorious arm flab? We can see these young girls all over the magazine rack and for some reason they don’t do justice to the fab40 crew here!! Not every over 40 gal is as gorgeous as you two ya know?
I think we are going to have to put a disclaimer on our site, as we keep having to address this problem. Naturally, we’d love to show clothes on 40 something models with real bodies, but we can’t find them! If you follow our blog, you know that many times we’ve explained that we get our photos from online stores sites and they all use young gals. So for the moment we all have to use our imaginations. It’s a very frustrating problem. Where are the 40+ role models. It’s like we are all invisible, yet we’ve got the money to spend! Ladies, if you find any stores using older models, please tell us and we’d be thrilled to show them. Cheers, The Glam Gals
If the women wearing these cutesy cardi’s were like your toothpick thin models this trend might be passable, but most ladies I’ve seen look a bit like sausages stuffed into casings that are a bit too small. And the belts on the outside only accentuate the problem! YIKES. And I agree with the previous post, WHY do you have 20 year old, size 2′s modeling for 40-50 year old women?! Ridiculous.
Hi Kiki,
We have tried to get photos of “real” women but alas, they are impossible to find! Moreover, many of the women reading this blog are still in great shape.
We do post about what to wear for women who are larger sometimes, but mostly we focus on styles that will look best on those that are size 12 and under.
That being said, many of our tips will still work for women of any size and shape, since we focus on mainly styles that are “age appropriate”. However as with any fashion, you should make sure you take a good honest look in the mirror and see if a tip will work for you or not.
I think thed sweaters are wonderful. I agree with everyone.
I would like to know where may I purchase one. Each states Nordstrom, but in what department.