How to wear new style cardigans

Many of us reach for a cardigan as a fail-safe option in our mercurial climate. It is such a practical garment; so easy to pop with dresses, skirts or trousers. Over the last few seasons, the humble cardi has had a makeover. Is it a coat or a cardigan?

The classic cardigan seems to have grown longer, wider and fuller over the last few seasons. A new word has been invented “The Coatigan”. Coatigans are a handy coat/cardigan hybrid. They combine the best bits of the coat and cardigan.

Here I am wearing a hooded coatigan by WinserLondon this years version. Similar John Lewis (also available in navy). My grey roll neck is from Uniqlo (Uk). My new over the knee boots are from MarksandSpencer (US link) My red hat is a few years old from Whistles. Similar at Etsy

A good tip to elongate the silhouette and add height is to wear a colourful longline cardigan/coat over dark basics. A trick I am using in the above photo.

Tips when buying cardigans

Choose a style that is flattering to your shape. We all tend to get those roly-poly lumps and bumps around our middles, and it is therefore normally best to choose a more forgiving style.
Unless you are blessed with very slim hips, it is not a good idea to wear a cardigan that ends at your widest part. Longline cardigans are often a better idea.
If you want to go for a brighter colour, make sure it suits your skin tone so that it reflects a flattering light onto your face.

My necklace was a present from a friend. Similar Etsy.

How I styled my pink knitted cardicoat last year.

A SELECTION OF CARDIGAN/COATIGANS:

All photos by Laura Hines. She has perfectly captured the mood of the autumn colours. Follow her on Instagram.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

laurelbledsoe says:

9th October 2017 at 13:41

I've been on the lookout for a longer, camel colored cardigan. This keeps me motivated to keep up the hunt.
An Eye For Detail says:

9th October 2017 at 15:12

I have always loved long cardigans..even when they were very hard to find! Anthropologie has carried some great ones consistently. From a boyfriend type to long "coatigans", I love them all! They dress up whatever you are wearing, look well styled and are available in SO many versions and textures. One of my all time favorites!!!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  10th October 2017 at 15:30
  
  Thank you Libby. I agree with your comments. I have several versions of the long cardigan in my wardrobe.
Anna harvey says:

9th October 2017 at 15:34

Lovely selection
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  10th October 2017 at 15:28
  
  Thank you Anna for your kind words.
LA CONTESSA says:

9th October 2017 at 15:42

I only wear LONG sweaters or CARDIGANS.............BUT this NEW WORD IS FUN FUN FUN!
I haven't heard this BEFORE!
COATIGANS.
Love the PINK!
Lesley Day says:

9th October 2017 at 15:42

Great idea! Must go shopping! Thank you as ever
Debbie Hull says:

9th October 2017 at 16:10

Oh Josephine , you look so pretty in the pink. I love pink. It's your color . I like the longer cardigan look. I love your photos and your articles. As always, I will be anxiously waiting to hear more from you my dear friend. Have a great day.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  10th October 2017 at 15:27
  
  Hi Debbie
  Thank you for your kind words. Yes I do love pink. I think it can be very flattering if you have grey hair.
Theresa says:

9th October 2017 at 18:39

Hi Josephine, You always look stunningly gorgeous and I love your stylish suggestions.They keep me motivated to try something new!
Thanks so much.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  10th October 2017 at 15:24
  
  HiTheresa
  Thank you for your comment. That is the purpose of this biog to encourage my readers to try something new.
Liv says:

9th October 2017 at 22:33

Love the color combo!

Liv

livforstyle.net
Julie says:

9th October 2017 at 23:40

Delightful as always and such a lovely light in thoae photos. I am too very keen on longer cardigans as they keep my lower back warm. Thanks for sharing your great fashion tips! Julie