Fall is my favorite time of the year. The self-deprecating part of me will tell you that I am a jacket and sweater guy because the more clothes I pile on, the better I look. The real and more genuine side of me will tell you that I love the earth and jewel tones that flourish in the autumn wardrobe, and the way the textures get deeper and play off of each other. Dark colors and interesting textures? Sign me up. But there is one piece that I added to my wardrobe this year that has completely transformed my looks and my quality of life. I submit for your consideration, the jardigan.
So, before you ask, what the Hell is a jardigan, let me explain. We all love a good cardigan. It can give you an elevated casual look, or it can keep you wonderfully cozy when you’re drinking an old-fashioned by the fire. We also love ourselves a great sports coat. The ability to dress up a casual outfit to add elegance and class without feeling the need to go all out and wear a suit. But what if I told you that this doesn’t have to be two separate garments, but could be combined into one? A cardigan, cut like a sports jacket, throw those words together and you get the jardigan, the number one piece you should be adding to your wardrobe this fall.
Why this works for you
So why do you need a cardigan? Well, the first reason is that they are going to be the most versatile outer layer you can wear during the cold months. I picked up three for the season, and I wear one virtually every day.
I will throw one on over a t-shirt to wear when I get up in the morning and have my coffee on the porch (you don’t have to yell at the neighborhood kids, but if you are a grouchy old man at heart, the jardigan adds a layer to the aesthetic).
Then, I reach for one when I need that third piece for an outfit. I believe in the rule of three when it comes to the look. A top, a bottom, and then that third piece that finishes off a look. The overshirt, the cardigan, the light jacket, or in this case, my jardigan.
And finally, you can grab one of these to wear with a tie to give your casual look an elevated elegance it would otherwise lack. Pro-tip: Stay away from silk and formal ties here. If you really want this look to work well, opt for the flannel, knit, or otherwise casual tie to keep on trend.
For the sake of versatility, I grabbed three for my wardrobe, and they get the most wear of anything else. These are the three that I put on rotation:
The Evans Blazer from Taylor Stitch. I actually started with this one last fall in the gorgeous green. This year it is available in charcoal or navy, both great options.
The Relwen Sweatshirt Trap Blazer from Huckberry. This one adds an incredible texture to an outfit that gives it depth. While the color says it is Brown Loden, it wears more like a charcoal color.
The ACE Blazer from Mack Weldon. Looks like a blazer, wears like a sweatshirt.
Any of these will go swimmingly in your wardrobe. Pick one up and thank me later.
