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From cropped, belly baring ’90s style to great big hugs of cashmere, the cardigan makes a welcome return in time for the cold season
If you’re in a cardigan state of mind, there’s plenty to choose from as fashion’s cosiest ally cradles us from the storm. Whether tucked into high waisted jeans or over a white shirt varsity style (see Kendall Jenner for Versace), there’s no denying the comfort of a cardi in winter. Ganni’s pilgrim collar number has already sold out online at Brown Thomas with Weekend Max Mara and Tommy Jeans offering those après-ski vibes in the run up to Christmas. If you’re in the market for something extra special, Irish knitwear designers Sian Jacobs and Sphere One’s Lucy Downes offer their expertise in the softest cashmere with delicate detailing.
The Pure Collection’s powder pink, balloon sleeved cardigan looks like marshmallow softness for peak lounge lizard duty. Co-ords, once known as nana’s favourite, the twinset, are proving popular. Opt for a matching bralet if you’re brave. Or indeed nothing underneath. Best undertaken with the heating on.
Don’t worry if you mistakenly shrink your knits in the wash. That’s a look too. The Zoe Report tells us, ‘Chalk it up to Kendall Jenner and
Bella Hadid’s obsession with the shrunken cardigan for its return to the fashion scene. Though the itty bitty top emerged back in the ’90s circa Clueless, it’s made a comeback…’ Think cropped knit, cropped some more, then some more. Again, bra optional. Frankly, the nipple is free. The campaigning has worked.
Whatever way you play it, the cardi’s embrace is a welcome lockdown hug.
Quite a lot of my fo c us du r i ng the November and December months is on seasonal decorating, and you’ll want to brace for impending Christmas decorating content in the coming weeks. But daily decorating needs still arise throughout the winter months, and depending on your situation, you may well be in the market for a new sofa. This lovely collection of inspiration images makes quite the case for supple brown leather sofas — for aut u mn, wi nt er a nd beyond.
One of the biggest arguments for leather, despite the typically heftier price tag, is that leather can last a long, long time, making a leather sofa a solid investment piece for your home.
You can go one of two directions with a brown leather sofa: you can go classic or modern. Look for classic lines and simple structure for a classic look, or head in the direction of the new upholstered
Halo Luxe range from DFS. Both styles will last you years and can grow with the rest of the style of your space as your taste changes and the interior needs a refresh.
But do make sure to avoid the over-stuffed and very dark brown versions reminiscent of rent a l house f ur n it ure a decade ago.
While they may be the most comfortable sofas in the history of the furniture category, they take up a lot of visual space and just aren’t very aesthetically appealing.
When it comes to styling a brown leather couch, consider ways you can brighten the room around it. Stay away from strong colours, especially warm tones like red, yellow and orange. Instead, stick with light neutrals, cream, white and tan, for a contemporary look that’s sophisticated and luxurious.