11 Ways to Wear a Cardigan

During this in between season of winter and spring a cardigan is a great layering piece and staple for your wardrobe. The misconception on cardigans sometimes is a big, oversized clothing item worn by grandmas. But we are here to tell you that's no longer true! They are now available in many shapes and styles from cropped to long tunic style. Here are a list of ways you can wear it successfully day to night. Happy reading and happy shopping! - Katie from Four Seasons


1. Wear it Belted

To achieve this look, place a belt at your 'true waist' - the smallest part - creating a slimming hourglass shape. Pair any type of bottoms for a classic look, day or night.




2. Choose an Open Style Cardigan

Invest in a cardigan that has no fasteners so it virtually hangs or drapes over your body. It does hang vertical which gives the appearance of a long, lean shape. It's also quite easy to pair over a blouse, tee or sweater! Think, simplicity and instant style!




3. Pair a Longer Layer Under your Cardigan

It's all about contrast! Mix up the patterns and play with the illusion of a short piece over a longer tunic top. Make sure you choose a cardigan that is more fitted and even a little cropped to achieve this look successfully. This look feels more modern and contemporary compared to the usual ideal of a cardigan as frumpy or older.




4. Printed Top + Solid Cardigan

There is nothing more daring than choosing a bright or loud patterned article of clothing. The key here is to choose 1 'loud' piece and pair with solids or neutrals to offset it. Pictured here the solid cardigan helps neutralize the bright colored dress. This outfit is definitely a win!


5. Be Daring and Choose a Bright Colored Cardigan

It's great to have basics like black, white, gray and other neutrals, but invest in a bright colored, great fitting cardigan too for pairing over your great LBD. The pop of color in this blue cardigan really makes the outfit. Make sure to wear your bright colored cardigan with colors that offset it - not a whole outfit of this one color. You don't want to resemble a crayola crayon!




6. Long and Chunky Cardigan

Yes, you may be thinking 'my grandmas old sweater'? Well partly, but this cardigan has style and drama. Choose one that is chunky and textured so it doesn't just appear big and bulky. Although remember the bigger the cardigan the taller you should be too. Don't forget bold accessories to go with this outfit. The bigger the sweater - the bigger the bracelet cuff, earring and long necklace too. Also, this look is great for fall, winter or even spring as show through the pink hues in this outfit.


7. Wear Your Cardigan as a Top

Button it all the way up and you are good to go. Add a camisole with a little lace peaking out if you want a little more coverage. A subtle sex appeal makes wearing this cardigan a great look. This look pairs great with your favorite jeans for a causal yet put together look. Think casual Fridays or running errands on Saturday.



8. Textured Cardigans are Always a Win

Crocheted, lacy and open-knit cardigans can add lots of visual interest to an outfit. Helen Mirren pulls it off by adding texture to a print by keeping it in the same color family. These type of cardigans can be cropped, short or waist length and still work.

9. Lady Like Cardigan

Cardigans can be very feminine in a pretty pink shade as pictured here on Katy Perry. Paired with a bow shirt for added class and style. Lace, ruffles and soft fabrics all work well under these cardigans and enhance this look. Just make sure you don't age yourself and pair an outfit of all one solid color - this will give off the 2 piece older style suit look.



10. Make Your Cardigan Preppy

Wear a button front shirt, untucked and buttoned all the way up. Pair a cardigan of contrasting shade over it. Add skinny jeans in black or dark denim and pair with flats or heels. You can even make this look dressy by choosing a crisp button front white blouse with a more structured cardigan - a great outfit for the office.


11. Pair a Longer One with Leggings

This tunic length cardigan covers enough of the backside to be worn with leggings. Choose a basic long cardigan and play with printed, patterned or sweater type leggings. This look is both comfortable and stylish - a win in our book!

How to Dress 10lbs Thinner!

It's the beginning of a new year and maybe your resolution was to lose a few pounds or inches, hit the gym more frequently or get back into those skinny jeans? Well if those resolutions haven't quite been working or you just want quicker results.....try these tips for choosing clothes that make you appear 10lbs lighter (without even going to the gym)!

1) Body-Lengthening Clothes

"Everything should be body skimming," says celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. "The most common misconception is that bigger clothes will make you look slimmer." Pile on lightweight vertical pieces (think long cardigans, scarves, necklaces) to build a body-lengthening look without the bulk.

2) Accentuate Your Waist

A voluminous white tunic may sound like the antithesis to dressing thinner, but it can be surprisingly flattering. "Define your waist with a skinny belt," Verdi says. "And the farther you are from the floor, the skinnier you'll look, so wear platform heels." Remember to harness the power of slimming undergarments--they're the sneakiest look-trim trick of all.

Did you see the words "slimming undergarments"?? That means SPANX! Don't forget your foundation before you even get dressed and you will feel more confident as well! Shop Spanx here.

3) Boot Cut Jeans

"Dark boot legs are the most flattering. The slight flare at the ankle will give a long, lean appearance." Choose the size that is appropriate for your body - not too small and not too big. If you appear to be "squeezing" into your jeans or they are too baggy, they will not flatter your body.

Add a longish top for coverage and a cropped, fitted jacket to nip in your waist. Or belt your longish-tunic top around your waist for an added slimming bonus.

4) Choose Shapely Skirts

The tailored cut look of a pencil skirt makes all bodies look sleek. The idea here is to make sure the skirt is not too tight through the hips (like the one pictured on the model here). Add a nice jacket and you have a classy look plus look slim.

5) Get yourself a V-neck dress that’s cinched at the waist.

The one dress everyone looks great in, it is usually constructed with darts at the b ust, has curve-enhancing seams and cinches in at or just above the waist—all sveltering features. The Little Black Dress (LBD) is a must in every woman's closet and this version is especially slimming.