Three Ways: The Jackie Cardigan
Mar 1, 2011
As I said this morning, the Jackie may be the perfect cardigan. Inspired by Jackie Kennedy, it fits perfectly, wears well and can be purchased in several colors. I own three (loden, raspberry and navy), and my co-worker owns a half-dozen. So, today, I’m not going to limit myself to just one shade.
I subscribe to the philosophy that America’s closets have become too casual. When I walk through my neighborhood and I see women in tracksuits, Uggs and unwashed hair, I feel like the world is spinning out of control. My Mother taught me to take pride in my appearance, and that there was no occasion that wasn’t worth getting dressed up for. Because if you take pride in yourself, than you should take an equal measure of pride in your appearance. So while this outfit may seem overly dressy to some, this is what I would wear to the grocery store or to a casual lunch with friends.
I love the bright cardigan for spring and summer. If you choose this cardi, you can balance it with a striped top, a button-up blouse, or a nude colored top/blouse. Or if you want to try something bolder, a purple, yellow or cobalt top would really pop. And those t-strap flats are an absolute must-have.
Confession time: This is actually an outfit I own, more or less. I wear a navy pencil skirt and cognac boots, but the basic pieces are the same. So judge harshly at your own risk (*wink*).
I really like to mix pieces that are different shades of the same color, so here we have a loden green cardigan with a chartreuse top. And while you could choose grey or tan for the trousers, I prefer navy because it feels a little richer to me.
While the Kennedy Center is a bastion for the arts, the attire worn to the performances is quite a bit more casual than most people first imagine. I was very surprised the first time I went to the opera to see people wearing jeans and casual attire. So I think something akin to “church clothes” are the best choice for the symphony or the opera.
This season, you are going to see a lot of soft, deconstructed pieces in silk and chiffon. It’s like the return of pretty, effortless dressing. Here I paired a muted-print dress with a grey cardigan and soft lavender pumps. And how great are those earrings? I don’t usually wear drops, but for those, I’d break the habit.
I too love the Jackie, for planes, office attire, and over a sundress out for a nice night however they seem to fade fast. Does anyone have suggestions on keeping them in condition while laundering them ?
I too love the Jackie, for planes, office attire, and over a sundress out for a nice night however they seem to fade fast. Does anyone have suggestions on keeping them in condition while laundering them ?
I think these looks will be quite suitable for Dallas in the early summer and also fight off the ungodly airconditioning freeze.
Love, love, love.
I think the first outfit is great for travel! I keep hiding my color with black cardigans, so these are great options!
I really like these outfits, but noticed that since you started using Polyvore that all of the items have been on the pricier side. I used to love your tiered pricing for Members, Staffers, and Interns–and would love to see some pricing variety in your Polyvore sets if they have less expensive items to choose from.
Your writing and style are as classic as ever, so I hope the pricing comment doesn't come off as too critical.
Love this. Especially about the symphony. It makes me so sad when I see people at events like that who aren't dressed up. To be sure, I don't expect evening gowns and opera gloves, but dress up a little bit! I love getting dressed up, and going to the symphony is one of my favorite reasons to do so.
Love, love, love. Possibly the best posting in CapHillStyle history. I will keep trying to not wear the Jackie to work every day – but it's just so darn hard not to!
For the symphony is absolutely adorable. Very lovely and feminine especially when paired with those shoes.
I found myself frowning though with the comment that you see people wearing jeans to the opera. Some traditions should just remain sacred, and dressing up to the opera in fanciful attire should remain one of them (though like Allie said, Oscar or awards wear doesn't necessarily have to be the case).
For a trip to the symphony or daytime wedding, this outfit is perfect in every way.
For a cheaper cardi option – that for me, has held up and seems to be the same quality as J.Crew – try Nordstrom https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-crewneck-cardigan/3133151?origin=category&resultback=1463
Rachel-
I try to choose less expensive pieces when I can, but they're not always available. And when they're not, I prefer to stick with the vision, and then people can look for something in a lower price point if they see it in person or if it trickles down later. Sadly, this is a transitional time of year and these are tough to find.
Belle, can you explain your cardigans with fancier dresses rule? You posted something recently that indicated that crewneck cardigans weren't okay for semiformal black/sequined dresses, but I love the dress you posted here and it makes sense to include a cardigan with this. Is the difference formal versus semiformal, or what?
https://caphillstyle.com/capitol/2011/2//15/ask-belle-roundup-vol-2.html
Belle, the “three ways” section you've added to the blog is an absolute favorite of mine! And I too dress very similar as you to go to the grocery store. You never know who I'll run into in the cheese aisle at Harris Teeter…
Thank you for sharing your exquisite taste! Yet again, your polyvore sets are educational and inspiring…
I'll be dreaming of that tan satchel all afternoon.
How has this cardigan escaped me? I am off to purchase one this afternoon (and I am not joking). Thank you, Belle, for your amazing style and insight!
I too love the Jackie, for planes, office attire, and over a sundress out for a nice night however they seem to fade fast. Does anyone have suggestions on keeping them in condition while laundering them ?
I'm also a huge fan of the Jackie cardigan. No such thing as too many! I love your choices, and they actually gave me a ton of additional ideas that work with my own closet! Thanks!
Protip: The Land's End Canvas has a cardigan that is EXACTLY the same as the J. Crew Jackie. And it's half the price, and comes in a variety of great colors. I, sadly, was 6 Jackies in when I learned of this, and since I've acquired quite a few more of the LEC version. (LEC clothes tend to run large, by the way!)
Link: https://canvas.landsend.com/pp/TheHeritageCardigan~203167_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IP2&CM_MERCH=IDX_00017__0000002201&origin=index
Love love love times a million! But the Old Navy striped shirt – it doesn't show this color option that you used on the website. Do you know where I can find it?? I like it best in this navy color.
Thank you!
Kelly – add 1/4 cup white vinegar to your wash loads to keep the color from fading. Works very well for me!
Love the first look! Orange and blue together is a personal fave and I always love stripes. Thank you for posting!
Kelly- wash with Woolite!
These wear it three ways sections are one my new favorite, too! I always find myself loving every outfit you post!!! Just makes me long for a post-college employed budget so I could do some spring shopping!!!