Q. I'm a 29-year-old attorney who loves cardigans! I just went on a cardigan buying spree at J. Crew and now I own three more cardigans but they all have a three-quarter length sleeve. Since it's winter and I live in New York, I don't want to wear a cami or a short sleeve blouse with them... Can I wear a long sleeve button down shirt instead or are long sleeves a no-no?
-Long or Short
A. Long Sleeves are definitely a yes with a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. It can be especially chic with a pop of color like a shiny silk blouse or a patterned top. Generally, you should opt for a thin fabric so you don't add unnecessary bulk underneath the cardigan. Some suggestions:
1. Aqua Ruffle Front Bow Blouse, $31.20 (sale) at bloomingdales.com
2. Carte Blanche by Anja Flynt Long Sleeve Button Front Tunic in Ivory, $235 at couturecandy.com
3. Rag & Bone Wrap Neck Blouse, $168 (sale) at tobi.com
4. Munthe Plus Simonsen Rosalina Tunic, $175 (sale) at tobi.com
I also enjoy cardigans, and I particularly love those with 3/4 sleeves. I find that they look just charming over long-sleeve, broadcloth, button-down Oxford shirts. I roll up the shirt's cuffs to just over the sweater's cuffs, and I get nothing but compliments. It looks particularly good when I leave my shirt untucked over dark skinny jeans and button the sweater to just beneath my bustline.