Are you, like me, a sucker for houndstooth?
Do you just love the look of that crisp black-and-white pattern every fall or winter?
When I saw this houndstooth cardigan the other day, I just HAD to have it!
And then my little creative brain started coming up with all kinds of fun ways to wear it. Come let me show you what I came up with…
But before we start with the cute looks, did you know that the term “houndstooth” (or houndstooth knit) is actually defined as, “a large checked pattern with notched corners suggestive of a canine tooth, typically used in cloth for jackets and suits”? Who knew? I think that is such a fun (and new to me) fashion fact!
Enough of the trivia. Now on to what you’re here for. Really cute outfits that you need in your wardrobe! (Just sayin’.)
In this post...
Houndstooth Cardigan Outfit #1
I love to wear denim with black and white! In fact, black and white are my go-to colors when I can’t figure out what to wear! So pairing this denim shirt with the houndstooth sweater was an easy combination to pull off. I added silver pave hoop earrings, a silver heart necklace, as well as my stainless steel Ebel watch.
For more black, I paired a darling leather backpack bag, black J McLaughlin Ultrasuede leggings (so comfortable), and black leather riding boots. I love the equestrian feel of this outfit. And I think the black faux suede leggings (wash like a dream!) are a bit more elevated than the black leggings we all reach for so frequently.
How to Style a Long Cardigan
Many of my readers are a bit stumped as to how to style a long cardigan. Pro-tip: I think the key tips to consider involve the fit and style of the piece. All too often, long cardigans can look a bit like an old bathrobe; really oversized and not all that flattering.
When I come up with sweater looks, I consider proportions. I think this particular long cardigan looks good both buttoned and unbuttoned. And because the knit is a bit slubby, to balance that thickness, I wore bottoms that were fairly fitted in all four outfits. If on the other hand, the sweater was a silky thin one, I would probably wear that open, and with a wider variety of bottoms. I would consider tousers, wide-leg jeans, a button-down shirt, or cami, etc. These are all points to consider when determining how to style a cardigan.
Houndstooth Cardigan Sweater Outfit #2
This second look could easily go to work or out to lunch with friends. I styled the long cardigan with the same faux suede leggings as in outfit number one, but this time I added a perfect white shirt as well as a coordinating black and really light ivory houndstooth small scarf.
I actually bought the scarf in the summer during the Nordstrom sale because I am always on the hunt for black and white accessories. Scarves are such fun items to shop for as they add so much value to an outfit and they last forever.
I wasn’t sure that the colors of the sweater and scarf would work together. But because the sweater is a bit of a gray-white, the scarf with the light ivory tones still worked. Yay, me! I wore black suede booties to complete this look.
Here’s a fun detail about this houndstooth sweater. The pattern varies in that at the top and bottom of the sweater, the checks are larger. Then at the waist, the pattern is a smaller gauge check. This is to create a waist look which is pretty great as cardigans can look somewhat boxy. Also, the sweater has beautiful pearl buttons with a silver edge. Pro-tip: The details of Talbots’ items are always there!
An important detail to mention is that I usually wear a size small (S) in most cardigans. In this case, however, I am wearing an XS. It runs just a bit roomy. Talbots has lovely customer service both online and in stores. Their return policy is 60 days. And they frequently have great sales.
Houndstooth Cardigan Outfit #3
Here’s how to style a long women’s cardigan with a columnar effect. The columnar effect is where you wear the same color on top and bottom (of your top and skirt or pants). This creates an illusion of height and is naturally slimming. Then for my third piece, I added the black and white houndstooth cardigan.
I wore the cardigan open as I wanted the all-black pieces to show. I paired a black J McLaughlin ribbed turtleneck with a pair of Talbots jeans. For accessories, I added the same booties as the second look as well as the same silver pave earrings as outfit number one. Pro-tip: An interesting tip is to add a thin silver chain link belt to the waistline. I liked that this slightly defined my waist, but didn’t disrupt the black column effect. Do you agree? Tell me below in the comments.
Houndstooth Cardigan Outfit #4
Do you love a clean, crisp white cotton turtleneck? For a long time, due to the hot flashes of menopause, I could NOT wear any kind of turtleneck as I was ALWAYS TOO HOT! But with the advent of hormone replacement therapy (thank you, Dr. Rock!), and being almost 66, I am back in the business of buying turtlenecks and cozy houndstooth cardigans, for that matter!
This is by far, the most casual styling of this long cardigan. The white turtleneck from Talbots is such a nice weight. Not too heavy, and not so light as to be sheer. Yep, this Goldilocks loves this turtleneck! The white color works with the very light gray of the cardigan. My jeans are light-washed J Crew straight-leg jeans that they play nicely with the black booties. And by the way, this fall and winter, light jeans with a vintage wash are all the rage. You don’t just have to wear dark-wash jeans in the cooler months.
Lastly, I am wearing the silver pave hoop earrings and my Oakley sunglasses.
Conclusion:
So which of the outfits above is your favorite? Tell me some ways YOU would style this fun black and white houndstooth cardigan in the comments below. Also please tell me what other items you are challenged with styling so I can come up with helpful tips. Happy Sweater Weather!
XO,
Dr. Julie
PS. Here are a few more posts for you to enjoy:
Five Plaid Blazer Outfits for Fall
How to Wear a Slip Dress Seven Different Ways!
Three Fall Family Photo Outfits Ideas
I love them all, maybe the one with the denim shirt and boots the best.
I have a cropped denim vest from Sundance that I bought years ago. I love the way it looks hanging in my closet but I never wear it. Still I can’t seem to get it to the Goodwill which is usually not difficult for me. Maybe that look has come and gone forever but if you have any ideas I would love to hear them.
Col,
A vest is a great third piece. I would probably style it much like a jean jacket. For instance, wear a long-sleeved white tee or cotton turtleneck under it and then regular or black jeans as your bottom. Add some fun turquoise jewelry and you’re good to go.
Of course, I would love a ribbed black turtleneck under it with black jeans.
Lastly, what about wearing your Johhny Was embroidered top under it (untucked) with black leggings and boots or booties?
So darn versatile – a good purchase!
I agree Joanie! And fun to wear!