Day #03 Clever Combinations {Cardigans and Camisoles}

 Day #03 Clever Combinations {Cardigans and Camisoles}

Ever since I was a child, I thought that fashion had a lot of pretty words. Cashmere, velvet, satin, chiffon. Two words that I found incredibly appealing were cardigan and camisole. I can't really tell you why that is, half the time I didn't even know what a camisole was, but something about them scratched my brain the right way. It doesn't hurt that paired up, they go really well together!

The idea of them together is nothing new but it came to me when I was playing the first Style Savvy game. In the game you run a boutique and outside dressing your customers and joining competitions you can also browse the local magazine, Nuances. It's full of tips, the current fashion ins (in the game world, but also in my heart), and more. Here's the pages that inspired me:

It's a perfect spring option. Too cool? Put the cardigan on. Too warm? Stay in the cami. You also have the options to layer and pattern-mix, not to mention do whatever you want with the colour combinations! The two go well with a skirt as much as nearly any type of pants. Shorts, jeans, capris, a cami and a cardigan are at your service.

Camisole is a French word that has it's origins in Italy or Spain. It's based on a diminutive word (camiciola/camisola) that means nightgown or shirt (camicia/camisa). Cardigan comes from the 19th century, named so after James Thomas Brudenel, 7th Earl of Cardigan, whose troops wore such outerwear in the Crimean War.

So nightgowns and military uniforms. Sort of dainty and girly, I guess? Both items have evolved greatly over time and don't really belong to a specific time period or fashion nook. Their universality and diversity have essentially classified them as necessary basics. However, your cami and cardigan don't have to be so plain. The way you wear and embellish them can really elevate your outfit. 

We'll stay on theme and do a fun little exercise: matchmaking. I have a list of cardigans by type, colour, or accent and I have to find them a good camisole match that I think fits.

Cardigans in Dark Colours

The classic black cardigan can almost never go wrong. You can go bold and style it with a very vibrant top, glamorous by pairing it with something silky and shimmering, or even make it casual with a sporty tank-top. My favourite way is to pair it with a simple cotton cami in a pastel pink, blue, or cream. The complexity is not in the colour but in the details and silhouette of the cami which I think looks just elegant.

Cardigans in Pastel Colours

It's a little harder to mix and match with pastels but by no means impossible. For something more sure, try any pastel with a cream, white, or even pale yellow. More vibrant colours can be a fix too, imagine a pastel blue with a lime green or a pastel pink with a vivid red.

Cardigans in Bold Colours 

I know what you're thinking: Green with green? Are you insane? The answer to the question is always yes but I have more. If you're already picking out a wild colour for your cardigan, why stop there? Pairing something vibrant with a black or white is good and all but it reminds me too much of girlboss colour-blocking of the mid-2010s and I personally can't enjoy it. Plus I love a monochromatic number with a variety of tones. Two shades of a colour can be balanced well with a more neutral bottom such as a gentle denim, a canvas beige, or pretty much anything that rivals the tops in texture but not contrast. Still think that's too ridiculous? That's fair but I think it's worth a try to see how you like it.

Cropped Cardigans

Cropped means you can do much more with the cami closer to your hips. And you should! Take advantage of the cut to make a fun silhouette and juxtapose the shortness of the cardigan with a longer camisole. Especially if the top is fitted, you can try something fun with the volume at the bottom of the cami. An exciting hem, interesting seam lines, a cute and detailed print, random frou-frous, or a decorated waistline. Everything below the crop of the cardigan is free real estate as far as I'm concerned.

Fitted Cardigans

If the cardigan is very snug and tight there isn't much to do with the actual shape. I suggest taking an equally fitted cami but experimenting with pattern and colour. The layering provides a nostalgic 2000s look so you should embrace your inner Regina George or Bella Swan, depending on your mood.

Over-sized Cardigan 

Whether it's the extended sleeves or the entire length, the oversized cardigan can seem a bit frumpy but is actually quite fun. Pairing the grandpa-style outerwear with a girly or cool cami (especially if it has a fun graphic print) can make it fresher. Again, my ass cannot keep away from the contrasts but I always think bashing the old and the new together is an excellent strategy. It gives you an ironic flare, some may say you don't know what you're doing and put on the first thing you came across while others may realize your fashion-forwardness and respect you. Nothing is guaranteed.

Short-Sleeve Cardigans

I think the short-sleeve cardigan, especially if cropped, allows for the most experimentation with form. A shorter sleeve can look pretty cute with a nearly bubble-like cami. Keep it unbuttoned if you worry that the shape may look weird due to the cami's volume. 

Wrap-Style Cardigans

The most ballerina-like cardigan of them all. It's time to do like the Tiktok girlies and pretend you're a professional dancer struggling with a dysfunctional relationship or an eating disorder. No, don't do that. Please. Just try a wrapped cardigan with something dainty and cute. I think camis with small floral prints are perfect for this. Extra points if they are a similar colour to the cardigan.

Bolero Cardigan 

The bolero typically has a bit of a gap in the bust. This means its time to find a cami with a great centerpiece. Bows, buttons, pins, whatever you want, make it visible and prominent and the bolero will nicely frame the final look.

Collared Cardigan

The collar is probably going to be the statement part of your outfit so try and tone the cami down a bit. I think it's pretty fun to pair it thematically. If you're collar is made of fur, try a lady-like and posh cami. If it's a sailor collar maybe try a little nautical stripe on the cami. It all depends how much you want to give into the central theme of the outfit.

These are not all the cardigan types ever of course, just ones I am especially interested in. If I missed one of your favourites, please let me know about it in the comments. For those following me this challenge, everything will be late and I'm not sure that I'll be able to catch up this Sunday. But I will be trying my best. See you there.