When I remember my Granny’s style I think of pleated tartan skirts, fine brooches and cardigans; she loved cardigans and I’ve inherited some of her signature pieces. I can’t romanticise why she loved them because I’m pretty sure it was because she liked to keep her hankies in the pockets – but she had a sharp eye for fashion and never just threw an outfit together; she was the the last word in elegance. As I write this I am now thinking of my Granny and her extensive collection of cardigans, the long-forgotten knitwear that is often associated with her generation of nonagenarians but for autumn 2017 the cardi’s back and cool says Prada, Joseph & Chanel.
What I love about the cardigan is it’s non-committal: you can wear it over a silky vest, shoulder-robe when you’re not sure of the weather or layer it when the temperature moves into autumn. Despite its granny-chic association the cardi’ has had a 2017 revamp with standout cuff detailing (like Christopher Kane’s metallic fringing below,) sequin and jewel appliqué, power-prints and bright colours that are coming in chunky cable designs and oversized rib knits. There is a cardigan for every wardrobe whether you have a uniform and never stray further than grey, navy and camel in autumn or you love the drama or a statement knit and full-on print and colour-clashing.
And which am I wearing? With autumn fast-approaching the idea of Sunday roasts, red wine and being wrapped up on dark evenings really excites me; it’s my favourite season. Zara has a brilliant selection of cardigans at the moment from fine knits to long ribbed designs to wear like a dress and chunky appliqué details, but it was this raspberry mohair design that caught my eye; super-soft and perfect with indigo denim and silk layers before it gets colder.
