A cardigan is one of the most essential business casual pieces
The best part about building a wardrobe centered around the concept of versatility, is that you’re able to draw from pieces you already have in your closet to give one outfit a completely different look. Nowhere is that idea better illustrated than when it comes to workwear and jackets.
For many, a blazer worn to the office is de rigueur. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t (and shouldn’t) mix it up now and then. Maybe you’re feeling a little rebellious on any given Friday. For your commute, why not trade the blazer for a denim jacket?
Simple substitution. Maximum style benefit.
As we ease into our month-long conversation about the changeable dress code known as business casual, I thought that beginning with that simple concept – the big impact a very small substitution can have – was a good place to start.
And this is especially true when you’re talking about the cardigan, a bona fide business casual essential.
One of the keys to the business casual dress code is mastering that “balance point” between your regular workwear and a more relaxed version of that. That’s why the cardigan is such a great blazer substitute in this situation. It’s not as structured as a blazer, yet it still appears “put together”.
Let’s talk about fit. A cardigan is meant to fit snugly, which means that it’s going to look fitted if you’re substituting it for a blazer. Over a spread collar shirt with knit tie and a pair of sharply tailored pants, it’s perfect.
Choose a fabric weight based on the season. For the fall transition and into fall, wear a lightweight merino wool. And when the temperatures fall, break out the chunky knits, which we’re fond of wearing with even more tailored looks.