May 3, 2014

Somewhere recently I read about a trick to shorten long cardigans by wearing them upside down. This may have been in Link Love, but I can't find it. If you know of it, please add the link.
I decided to try the idea and took some quick photos of the results. I can see this working well with a dress or skirt.
It seemed easiest to manage by spreading the cardi on the bed, opening side up and top to the edge of the bed. With my back to the bed, I slipped arms into the sleeves and adjusted the bottom of the cardi around my neck like a shawl collar. What do you think? I have not actually worn any of these out. The cardigans used need to be fairly long. Shorter ones form a bolero type topper.

Posted in the Dressing category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

36 Comments

MsLuna replied 9 years ago

What an innovative way of wearing the cardigan! I love it and it looks so flattering on you!
columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

What a fun idea. You have inspired some experimenting for me. A lot of my cardigans are a little too long. I liked your third photo particularly. Do you like how these all look in the back?
Adelfa replied 9 years ago

I like it!
SarahTheWhite replied 9 years ago

I totally need to try this! I have seen this done on a sweater from last fall's CAbi collection (circle sweater) but I assumed it was special for that sweater. It never occurred to me to try it on my regular ones!

I love all of these looks on you! That is so creative!
Joy replied 9 years ago

Columbine, they look fine from the back. I should have tried to get pictures. The neck of the cardi just seems to disappear underneath.
I added photos of some shorter cardigans for comparison. The last one is the most bulky, a wool. The others are mostly linen or rayon or both.
Jeanie replied 9 years ago

Aren't you fabulous for sharing this. I love this! They look great in the shorter length. I must try this!
vipanchi replied 9 years ago

I can't believe this! Never would have thought of trying it!
Neel replied 9 years ago

Wow! Genius!! I am going to try this as well!!!!

On a different note: Have you tried wearing a long sleeved tee as pants? Looks like harems. Lol. Funny but I wonder if this is how designers get inspired for new silhouettes ;)
Inge replied 9 years ago

What a clever idea!
Mona replied 9 years ago

That is a great idea, Joy! Your cardi collection is impressive.
Lyn D. replied 9 years ago

Thanks for sharing- you wouldn't guess that they are the same cardis!
Mander replied 9 years ago

Interesting! I might try it next time I see one in a shop.
viva replied 9 years ago

That is really clever.
Helena replied 9 years ago

I have to admit, I was already trying to think of a positive way to say I wasn't sure before seeing the pictures ... well if we needed more proof not to judge pre-maturely ... as these look really great!
Sveta replied 9 years ago

What a great idea! Too bad I don't have any left or I would be off to experiment right now!
BTW I love your D'Orsay nude pumps!
Angie replied 9 years ago

HAH. That's soooo creative. Looks great, and what a good idea, Joy. You wear the upside down cascading card with panache. xo
Joy replied 9 years ago

Angie, or I may look like a crazy old lady wearing on of these with Neel's long sleeved tee as harem pants :)
Neel, I'll have to try that but it will need to be a tee with wide sleeves.
Angie replied 9 years ago

*chuckle*

I dare you, Joy. You'll be a trendsetter.
crutcher replied 9 years ago

I have a cascding cardi with the tags still on it because I am not clever enoug to come up with a style that suits me...This is wonderful...Thanks so much for sharing...My stuck in the closet cardi sends her thanks also...
Neel replied 9 years ago

Hehehe! I should have added a warning for the tee-harem saying "Do not try this outside the home" ;)
Joy replied 9 years ago

It brings new meaning to the term " bag lady"
Aubergine replied 9 years ago

I'll have to try this sometime! Thanks for the idea.
Vix replied 9 years ago

Hi Joy --

Thanks for being a guinea pig -- love the results! I have at least one that's still work-appropriate but don't like the length with skirts/dresses; will be giving this a try.

Thanks also for the instructions. /spatially impaired, hoping I don't have to ask for more help
Karie replied 9 years ago

Great idea! I'll have to try it.
Joy replied 9 years ago

Vix, please ask . It literally is putting it on upside down.
shiny replied 9 years ago

I love this!
Jaime replied 9 years ago

I have learned something new - clever!
Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

Atta Girl! Be the boss of your clothes! Recycling has never been so chic!
jackiec replied 9 years ago

So creative! Must give this a try....
DeeCee replied 9 years ago

I searched for this post after reading a response to Angie's post on toppers for sleeveless dresses which mentioned Joy's upside down cardi as a possible solution. I just tried this with a couple of cardis that I don't wear because their long length does not work with my short waist. All I can say is wow and thanks! Great tip!
Deanna replied 9 years ago

Can't wait til I can see pics lol! I'm excited to see what this looks like!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

Great idea, Joy! I have seen sweaters (and have one) that are meant to be worn two ways, but I wouldn't have thought to try it with others.
I've heard of upcycling, but now we have upside-down-cycling!
shedev replied 9 years ago

That is a pretty awesome idea.
DirectorofAwesome replied 9 years ago

Wow! I am rushing to my closet right now to try this with the one and only cascading cardigan I have. Thanks for sharing such great pictures. This looks fantastic on you!
Suz replied 9 years ago

Wow. You are so clever, Joy! I don't have any cascading cardis left, or I would be trying this!
Windchime replied 9 years ago

Joy, this is so clever and resourceful! I'm so inspired by how good this looks on you that I'm going to try it with a couple of mine, IF my spatially-challenged mind can figure out how to put them on!

Eclectic Joy

A new look for cascading cardigans

36 Comments

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