It’s officially fall, the time of year when layering clothes is a must! The one wardrobe staple that every collegiette™ must have: a chunky knit cardigan (or what I affectionately call a “CKC”). In a lot of ways, a chunky knit cardigan is like your security blanket. You can wear it on strolls in the Arboretum, while waiting for that early morning bus or on a Friday night date downtown. Regardless of your style, a CKC deserves a special spot in your wardrobe rotation.
Once you find that quintessential chunky knit cardigan, you’ll never want to part from it.
With so many ways to wear a CKC, you can’t go wrong! Here are 15 ideas to get you started…
1. Cinch it with a Belt – Chunky knit cardigans are called “chunky” for a reason. They are thick, heavy and don’t hesitate to add bulk to your frame. Enter the always practical accessory known as the belt. Whether it’s a super-skinny neon orange belt or a wider one in a more neutral color, a belt will define your waist and instantly make you appear more pulled together.
2. Throw on a Scarf – ‘Tis the season to wear scarves on a daily basis. Take advantage of the fall weather and invest in numerous scarves to pair with your knit cardis. Floral, solid or houndstooth, tartan, polka dot or striped, these will surely carry you through the holidays.
3. Be Dressy – For all of you girly-girls out there, don’t put your summer dresses away just yet! Instantly make your favorite sundresses winter appropriate by adding a chunky knit cardigan, thick socks and a pair of oxfords or ankle boots. Trés Chic!
4. Add Embellishment – If you have a knack for vintage brooches or chiffon flower pins, fasten one onto your cardigan for a touch of personality. Or, if you prefer, take a trip to Michaels and make your very own statement piece!
5. Go All-American – Start with a blank slate by pairing your chunky knit cardi with a white tee. From there, choose your go-to pair of jeans, or jeggings, and pull on a pair of equestrian boots. Simple, classic and timeless, this look never gets old!
6. Be Preppy – Tuck a plaid, chambray, or white button-down shirt into a J.Crew-esque, high-waisted skirt or skinny leg jeans and finish the look off with a chunky knit cardigan. Roll up your sleeves to achieve a look of understated cool.
7. Make a Statement – Time to delve into your jewelry box! Long strands of pearls, multi-strand bead and chain necklaces, eye-catching pendants, chandelier earrings, chunky bangles, cocktail rings, and oversized watches are the perfect way to spice up any CKC. Just don’t wear everything at once!
8. Wear it the Urban Outfitters Way – Slightly destroyed denim shorts + t-shirt + chunky knit cardigan +tights + lace-up booties = UO style to a tee.
9. Be Über Feminine – Ruffled blouses, lace tops, oh-so-pretty floral skirts, flower and bow headbands, lace tights and classic ballet flats make a relatively casual chunky knit cardi appear ten times more luxe.
10. The No-Nonsense Approach – For a late night study sesh in Carrier or ECL, a chunky knit cardigan will be your best friend. Comfy, cute and casual, it will keep you warm and make you appear effortlessly chic. Let the cardigan be the focus of your ensemble; maybe even try buttoning it up!
11. Make it Bohemian – Take style cues from Nicole Richie and pair your chunky knit cardigans with floor grazing maxis. Pleated skirts are all the rage this season and look absolutely swoon-worthy when paired with a sophisticated striped tee. If you’re worried about losing definition around the waist, simply add a belt!
12. Add Pizzazz – Nothing makes a statement like sequins! The next time you’re out on the town, grab a chunky knit cardigan and wear it over a sequined top or fitted mini. Not only will a CKC keep you cozy, but it’ll make you stand out in a sea of fleece North Face jackets. Don’t forget the heels!
13. Layer it – Right now, the thought of wearing three, four, or even five layers may sound crazy. Give it a month’s time, however, and you’ll be changing your mind! A lightweight cardigan in a pastel hue, thin sweater vest, white shirt, extra-long printed cami, v-neck sweater and Free People dress are all viable options for layering underneath your chunky knit cardigan.
14. Neutralize a Pattern-Intensive Ensemble – Mixing and matching prints (aka going pattern happy) just so happens to be a runway to campus trend this season. If an outfit consisting of a polka dot print skirt and striped top appears too busy, then it probably is. Tone down the ensemble by adding a chunky knit cardigan.
15. Show Your JMU Spirit – Shake up your JMU game day wardrobe by trading in an ill-fitting sweatshirt for a chunky knit cardigan. Choose a cardigan in purple, dark gray, or black for maximum compatibility with your favorite JMU t-shirt. Go Dukes!
Never underestimate the power of a chunky knit cardigan. Take the CKC challenge and see how many ways you can wear yours!