Smart, Stylish Cardigans for Summer to Fall

Thursday, September 08, 2011

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Layers are so important at the end of summer. It's been ridiculously muggy in San Diego lately, but, like many cities, usually there is a significant temperature decrease from day to night. It's always wise to carry a cardigan in a bag, or carry along a pretty shawl to accompany your outfit, to be ready for a temperature drop.

I prefer to have a sweater or some sort of cover up in the back of my car as well in case I need to throw it on, or anyone else I'm with forgets to bring something to transition into nighttime weather. I like to safe keep a solid black sweater similar to this Alfani sweater. It has long sleeves and typically hits at the hip and tends to be appropriate for casual occasions. I don't like to keep my fancy cover-ups in the trunk of my car!

Alfani Long Sleeve Draped Cardigan

→ Buy the Alfani Long Sleeve Draped Cardigan, $59.00, at macys.com.


Chico's has a lovely, flirty cover up in red that can now be pre-ordered. I think its perfect to wear all the way through the holiday season. I like this particular jacket in red better than the black because the red goes better with the design of the jacket. This Travelers Princess Pleat Jacket is fun because of the pin-tucked ruffles and slimming long length, which makes it a wise buy for the next two seasons. Trust me, you will get a lot of use out of this stylish cascade jacket.

Chico's Travelers Princess Pleat Jacket

→ Buy the Chico's Travelers Princess Pleat Jacket, $109.00, at chicos.com.


If the two previous showcased jackets were too spiffy for you, and you are allowed to keep it casual at work or prefer to keep it casual after work, then the grey boyfriend cardigan might be the one for you. This one is a little longer then most and has some tiny equestrian hardware on the pockets that surprisingly spunk it up a bit. It's made out of wool, so it will definitely keep you warm and stylin' in simple form.

White House Black Market Grey Boyfriend Cardigan

→ Buy the White House Black Market Grey Boyfriend Cardigan, at whitehouseblackmarket.com.


Next up is a '70s-inspired zig-zag stitch long sleeve cover-up. It's funky and super cool with blue, black, shimmery gold, shimmery white, and a silver color in a zig-zag asymmetric hem. I adore the way this cover-up flows on the body and the asymmetric design gives it a free-spirited look. Wear this with some bold gold hoops and you will really look the part.

Bebe Chevron Stitch Long Sleeve Cover Up

→ Buy the Bebe Chevron Stitch Long Sleeve Cover Up, $89.00, at bebe.com.


The last item I'm showcasing is from one of my favorite designers, Ralph Lauren. The Minette Wool Draped Cardigan is described as giving off "a heritage feel" and I couldn't describe it better myself. The deep brown, tan and black cardigan comes in petite and woman sizes as well. This cardigan will keep you very warm and ensures you look elegant no matter where you choose to be wearing it.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Minette Wool Draped Cardigan

→ Buy the Lauren Ralph Lauren Minette Wool Draped Cardigan, $279.00, at ralphlauren.com.


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Kim Moshtaghi
Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.