Short cardigan

Nordstrom green cashmere cardigan

Made famous in the 60’s with women wearing them over poodle skirts and tight jeans, the short cardigan is one of the longest lasting clothing items in history since it has outlasted countless trends.  It matches almost everything you wear, whether it is a short skirt or trousers.  You can dress it up or dress it down.  The key to a short cardigan is to make sure it falls at the right place on your body.  Ideally, you want it to fall right at the top of your waist.  These days, since many pants and jeans are more low waisted, you should make sure that the short cardigan is still long enough to hit at the top of those low waisted pants.  You definitely do not want it falling higher than the waist.  Nor, do you want it to hit below the waist, hiding your waist line.   No matter if you are short or tall, skinny or slightly chubbier, the short cardigan will work for you.  Choose a short cardigan in a bright color like red or green to compliment your wardrobe.  Or, buy one in a conservative color like black or grey to blend in.

Long cardigan

Vince cashmere cardigan

The longer trend has resurfaced in the past few years and is here to stay.  From Gap to Neiman Marcus, you see the long cashmere cardigan being sold all over the place.  The key to the long cardigan is to style it with the right clothes.  Wear these over tight jeans or just tights.  Wear them over a short dress, but make sure they fall straight and are not too short compared to the dress.  The key to a long cardigan is where it hits on your body and how it falls.  If you are buying a tighter style, you want that cardigan to fall a little tighter down to the middle of your thighs.  Basically, the entire fit will be more narrow and body hugging.  On the reverse, if it is a more looser style, then it will be fitted on top, but fall out and swing around your body.  

Trendy vs. conservative

Sutton Studio cardigan, Bloomingdale's

The final decision for a cashmere cardigan is whether you want a more trendy or conservative one.  A conservative one is very long lasting and you can wear it again and again in every season.  The look is very classic with nice buttons and a regular shape.  It won’t hug your body as much, but it will still flatter everyone.  A trendy cardigan changes with the fashions.  The latest fashions have more cardigans that drape, have less buttons, and are more voluminous.  You won’t wear the trendier cardigan for as long as you will the conservative one but it will definitely be more fun to wear.  With the trendier cashmere cardigan, you will feel like it is a great part of your outfit.  That season, you will probably wear it again and again.  However, be careful, it may not last you more than one or two seasons before the shape or the style disappears.