Making Our Knitwear Do More in the Summer

An easy way to stretch your closet with pieces you already own

I am very crafty generally. Sometimes I think my ideas are maybe too out there for people to replicate - I have enough self-awareness to realize this. And at first I thought that was the case with this cardigan thing. But then I tried it a few different ways and realized it really is so easily transferable. You can and should try this. I was so pleasantly surprised by how many cardigans (in different yarns and weights) this worked across.

Sorry I didn’t even get to the point yet but the POINT IS that you should tie your cardigan around your chest and make it a tube top.

It def does matter where you fold the cardigan down. You want enough overlap so that it fully covers your bust. That double layer gives you more support in your breastises.

I may sound like a broken vinyl, but I just want us to get the MOST out of our clothes. And if this is the way to wear our cardigans in the heat of summer, then this is the way, people. This. Is. The. Way.

If you’re worried about support, layer a tube top under it like I did below. It adds structure and coverage without taking away from the look. You can see a better view of the back here. I like pinning a few brooches on it like I did here:

Cardigan, old Bode Track pants but I have these and live in them. These look fantastic and are in my cart. Not the same as mine, but this brooch looks nice and this is a great cheapy option. Sunglasses that make me feel sporty and matrixy. Tote from Etsy

You control how tight you tie the cardigan, how much skin you show and where it hits on your torso. I wore it below with a pareo as a skirt, more on that here.

Cardigan (it’s a bit heavy for summer). This is a lighter version and has elastane so it’s perfect for tying. Similar scarf/pareo that way, sent it to a client and it looks amazing.

For a little extra structure (or if you're concerned it will feel too bare), try it over a boxy tee. It still gives that cool wrapped shape but feels more relaxed and wearable. When folded right, the double layer over your chest adds support. even without a bra.

white tee I have been living in, Jcrew cotton cardi under $60. Khaite jeans I’ve had forever - they really went up in price! Wish I was wearing these anyway but still expensive. THESE look like the ticket, lets all match. Same shoes above

Unlike a true tube top, it’s not clingy. The knit gives some structure without overheating you. This is the heaviest yarn I tried it with, the knot in the back hung down a bit because of this. I still love it, the color is great but maybe I’d wear with a tube top underneath to avoid a nippy slippy.

My cardigan is sold out but this one is less heavy and will do the job a bit better. Same goes for my trousers but these are cool and have an adjustable waist so you can wear them higher or low slung. Also love these as a cropped version. Ancient Greek sandals.

I love the combo of brown and blue together so thats what sparked the boxer short into the mix.

I bought this cardigan in a small town of Lake Garda but here is a good alt. The boxer shorts. The Maryjanes are prob my favorite thing I own. If you’re not into the split toe, try these.

It’s one of those styling tricks that makes you feel clever. This Kule cardigan looked so good. It may be the winner, perfect yarn - it has a lot of stretch bc of the lycra and its not a precious yarn (the way a cashmere would be). I love the stripe detail at the cuff, making the back look even better than the front. It’s like, hate to see you go but love to watch you leave / back that arse up / show me that tie girl, type of sitch.

I’m wearing this tee. This is the closest cardi I can find to mine bc it has the lycra. This one has similar stripe color to the one i’m wearing but it’s in cashmere, also beautiful. Same Khaite jeans as above, I still think the agolde ones are the best for price and look.

It gives way more visual interest than a flat cotton tank or tee and the texture adds dimension so you don’t need many accessories.

The linen pant i’m wearing is sold out, but here it is without the stripe. These also look fun in the sun. I know from one of my clients that these are also very good.

Video reference heaa:

So there you have it. Your cardigans don’t need to hibernate till fall. This little trick keeps them in rotation all summer - and it’s a packing hero too! Giving you multiple looks from one piece.

Try it out, tell me your thoughts.

Love yousss

xx Kelly