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How To Wear An Oversized Cardigan

How To Wear An Oversized Cardigan
Carly Jacobs
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ike any girl bigger than an Olsen twin, it took me a long time to feel comfortable wearing oversized clothing. I always had it in my head that bigger clothes made me look bigger. Which isn’t entirely untrue but it’s not a hard and fast rule. For example my brother’s hand me down cargo shorts and Nirvana t-shirt made me look ENORMOUS in the 90s but a fitted dress with a chunky cardigan over the top can look quite snazzy (don’t you just love that word?) now I’m a grown up and don’t feel the need to dress like Avril Lavigne anymore.

how to wear an oversized cardigan

Wearing

Dress from Styling You’s shop – you can’t get this exact one anymore but her shop is always full of rad stuff. I actually stole this from her and bought her a new one.

Shoes from Toms – I had a leopard print pair of these and wore them to death (they actually fell of my feet) and now they’re discontinued. I bought the last colour I could find and I don’t mind the red. I feel like red shoes go with everything.

Cardigan from Religion – I bought this in Singapore years ago and I’ve worn it so often. A very excellent last minute buy. I almost didn’t buy it because it’s always hot in Singapore. You know how hard it is buying jackets in summer? I’m so glad I ignored myself that day.

How To Wear An Oversized Cardigan

1. Choose a fine knit

If you’re worried about adding bulk to your frame (aren’t we all?) try a finer knit. I quite like a chunky knit but I wear fairly fitted clothing underneath to balance it out. Also if you’re teeny tiny and you don’t want to look like you borrowed your grandfather’s jumper, finer knits can help you out too. Although Mary-Kate looks awesome dressed like that so go for it, if that’s your bag.

2. Try it with a dress

Most of the Pinterest fashion queens wear their over sized cardigans with distressed skinny jeans or boyfriend style denim but if pants aren’t your thing, you can totally go with a fitted dress underneath. Or even a floaty dress underneath. No matter how you cut it, oversized cardigans have a boho edge so embrace it, even if it’s not your usual style.

3. Make sure it covers your bum

Over sized cardigans that don’t cover your bum look end up looking like 80s style bomber jackets. Which is fine if that’s the look you’re going for but if you’re looking for a longer, unbroken silhouette, it’s best to make sure the cardigan doesn’t come in at your waist.

This outfit was worn for a day of filming, podcast recording and a trip to my local markets. My life is very much routine based at the moment which I’m really loving. I travel often (which I love!) but I’ve been trying really hard to only travel when I have to for the first few months of this year and it’s been really excellent. Just holed up at home with my love, working, resting and just plodding along through the beginning of 2017.

I’ve been booze free since Jan 1st this year (except for a few vodka sodas one night for my mate’s karaoke birthday!). I won’t lie, it has made me a lot less social but only casually. I still have dinners out with friends, attend birthdays and go to events, I’m just much less likely to say yes to an impromptu pub session on a Wednesday afternoon which is good because that’s exactly the type of behaviour I was trying to cut down on. My life feels calmer and more purposeful without booze filled weekends and I really like it. Don’t get me wrong – I have the 30th March ear marked for my first glass of wine for 2017 with my mum the night before my brother’s wedding but I’m liking this booze free time. I’ll almost definitely do it again. Speaking of which – if there are any wine aficionados out there I’d love your advice. I want a special bottle for my first drink this year and my favourite wine ever is Pepper Jack shiraz but I want something a wee bit fancier – any suggestions? I don’t ‘know’ wine but I love big, bold reds. Shiraz or Cab Sav will do nicely thank you!

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Are you an oversized cardigan wearer? Or not so much?

 

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P.P.S I’ve also got a beginner bootcamp coming up for anyone who wants to learn to crochet. If you fancy yourself as one of those totally calm and serene yarn crafters you should float on over and join my crochet mail list.

8 Comments

  1. Reannon 7 years ago

    I know I say this all the time but your hair is the best!!! I chopped mine really short over the weekend & I have cutters regrets. BIG TIME REGRET. Also, those shoes are so damn cute! And, your face is looking slimmer- a side affect of no booze maybe? (I always feel weird telling people they look like they’ve lost weight because some people aren’t worried about size/weight but I know I like when people tell me that so end up saying it to others regardless. Ramble! Sorry. )
    I do love an oversized cardi, I have 2 in crazy patterns that I flog. I’m with you & keep it very slimline underneath too 🙂

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 7 years ago

      Oh my lord never worry about telling me I look like I’ve lost weight. It’s literally my favourite thing to hear. I’ve been working hard on a new eating plan and while I haven’t lost much on the scales I’m seeing huge changes in my measurements and the way my clothes are fitting. Thanks for noticing! Must admit I wish ditching the booze had a greater effect! 🙂

      • Reannon 7 years ago

        I enjoy a weight loss compliment too!! Id be interested to hear about your new eating plan. I’ve been meaning to email Straight & Curly for a while to ask if you guys had done an Ep on how to make better food choices or get out of a bad eating rut because I am in a heap of trouble & I can’t remember if you had done something like that or not? I know the choices I’m making are no good but I keep making them & I can’t figure out why? It feels like self sabotage on some level…. maybe if you haven’t already done a podcast like that you could think about doing one? I’d be forever grateful. X

  2. Foxee 7 years ago

    Omigosh – I’m a Pepperjack lover too! However, I bought myself a birthday bottle of Amon Ra a couple of months back… nearly didn’t, because I’m a pathological tightarse and don’t like spending money on myself (spending on others is fine!). Couldn’t justify $90 for a bottle of wine but bought it anyway… SO glad I did! Yummm…

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 7 years ago

      I’m a massive Pepperjack gal. It makes buying presents for me so much easier! I’m a total tight arse too but I’ll spring for a decent bottle of red every now and then!

      • Foxee 7 years ago

        Exactly! I’ve scored a couple of pretty sweet deals on Pepperjack + Penfolds (Penfolds are yet to be opened, just because I’m worried I’ll be disappointed!) I had to buy a new wine rack – so bought a vintage meat safe which has had racks put inside. It’s full of Pepperjack, bar about 6 bottles of other reds (and a couple of bottles of Mumm). My boss and most colleagues are aware of my preferences… you know, for Kris Kringle and performances and such… 😉
        Just sayin’… I wanted the Amon Ra JUST because of the label (eye of Ra)… but loved the inside of the bottle as well… 😉

  3. Jodie 7 years ago

    Henry’s seven by Henschke is always a good option!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 7 years ago

      Oh nice thanks for the recommendation! I like wine but I don’t really know wine! 🙂

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