Season 7 Ep 38: Unraveling the Cardigan
Unraveling the Cardigan
Photo by Yuliya Strizhkina Cartier on Unsplash
This week on Wisdom from the Wardrobe, we're buttoning up the conversation and letting style loose as we cozy up to that classic wardrobe staple: the cardigan. From its battlefield beginnings (shoutout to the 7th Earl of Cardigan) to its runway reinventions, the humble cardi has gone from knit necessity to closet hero — proving it deserves way more credit than it gets.
The team gets wrapped up in the many faces of the cardigan — cropped, longline, belted, circle, cocoon, oversized, and yes, even those chunky, slouchy numbers that toe the line between cozy and couch potato. We break down which cardigan styles work best for different body types and outfit pairings, how to avoid looking like you borrowed something from a sleepy Sunday morning, and a few surprising ways to wear this wardrobe workhorse with flair.
Cardigans have always walked that fine line between comfort and style — and when styled right, they can be just as fashion-forward as a leather jacket or tailored blazer. We’re not just spinning yarns here — this episode is full of styling tips, fashion missteps to avoid, and a few of our favorite “knit-picks” about what not to do when layering up.
You'll hear us chat about:
How to transition your cardigan from casual to polished
What silhouettes flatter your figure and which ones to skip
The difference between “grandpa chic” and just... grandpa
Color choices that elevate vs. wash you out
How to use texture and length to your advantage
We also take a peek at how cardigans are trending in 2025, from dramatic oversized knits paired with structured bottoms, to luxe lightweight layers worn over everything from camisoles to cocktail dresses. If you think cardigans are just for fall, think again — we’ll show you how they work in spring and summer too.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your beloved circle cardigan is a style win or a wardrobe whoopsie, this one’s for you. And if you've been holding on to that boxy button-up cardi "just in case," we’ll help you decide if it’s worth a revival or ready for retirement.
Expect fashion fun, plenty of puns, and expert advice on how to make your cardigans anything but boring. Whether you’re a layering pro or just dipping your toes into knitwear territory, you’ll come away with new ways to style this old favorite.
Happy listening — and remember: cardigans aren’t just for librarians. They’re for anyone who wants to stay cozy andlook cool doing it.
