More Military Cardigans

Cardigans are one of my favorite wardrobe staples--comfortable, practical, so easy for layering during transitional seasons, and so warm for winter. I had several cardigans I wore pretty much non-stop for years, and just this winter retired, because they had grown pretty baggy and worn.  If they were my favorite cozy sweaters, they might still be worth keeping just for around the house; and yet, I am getting of an age where it's too easy to feel frumpy, so even around the house I would prefer to wear only things that make me feel good.

Of course, anytime I need something new in my closet, I always first check to see if I can find it the least bit Real World Steampunk!  Pseudo-Steampunk to enliven an otherwise boring jeans outfit--perfect.

Here are some things I saw on Ebay today:

by Free People, found here

I love the texture, color, buttons and angled front.  Not so crazy about where the sweater would fall on my own midriff, but it would still work over a tunic dress and tights.  The overall look would not be neo-Victorian, but would be cute, and a nod towards Real World Steampunk if paired with steampunky accessories and tall boots.

by Rubbish, for Nordstrom, found here

Again, just a basic little sweater for layering.  This is the kind of thing that would be useful when you are going to be wearing jeans but want to have a vaguely steampunky vibe otherwise.  I can see this with a brown and white skinny stripe top over dark denim or brown skinny jeans, with steampunky tall boots.

by Love Culture, found here

The sweatshirt fabric of this one is not ideal, but again--a fine choice for an otherwise boring jeans day.

 Marc by Marc Jacobs, found here

I featured this one in the last cardigan post, in a mossy brown.  The same sweater in black is much more formal, and would look equally good with jeans or skirts.

by Free People, found here

Now, if you are like me and would prefer to wear tops and cardigans that de-emphasize hips when in skinny jeans, this is a nice option.  I'm not crazy about the neckline, however, which is a little too slumpy--a more fitted or stand-up collar like most of the previous cardigans have would not only be more flattering, but more neo-Victorian.

by Leifsdottir, found here

This one has a lovely drape--which is, alas, quite modern in look.  However, I love the ruffly millitary-esque detail down the front, so feminine and a little edgy.  This one too would look really good with skinny jeans over a tunic-length top.

by Bravo New York, found here

Oooooooh, so lovely!  What a flattering, ultra-feminine shape--I almost can't believe it is a sweater and not a jacket.  And it is a beautiful shade of brown, and is cashmere to boot! This one would look great with jeans and really dress them up, but I would like it best with a long skirt in some kind of stripe pattern, with little black granny boots peeking out underneath.

by Roz & Ali, bidding ended

Talk about ultra-feminine!  This is so over-the-top luxe, and so darn pretty.  I am not a fan of faux fur, but this is the way to do it--the color and texture really work well together. This would be so flattering on the right woman, and could be worn with all manner of clothes, from jeans to long Victorian style skirts, to knee-length knit dresses, and could be dressed up or worn casually. So fun!  The right woman could really play up the punk in this cardigan too--if she swapped out the buttons for something dark metal toned.

If you have a favorite cardigan that would work in a Real World Steampunk Wardrobe, please do share in the comments!   This was a fun, quick search today, but so far nothing perfect for my own wardrobe.  I always welcome your ideas!

Adorable Real-World Steampunk Sweaters, on eBay

by Marc for Marc Jacobs

I am so tempted to bid on this cardigan.  This is effortlessly Steampunk--the kind of thing I have been searching for the past year, so easy to throw on with just about anything this winter, and appropriate for just about anything my day might hold.  The only reason I am hesitating is because it is mostly wool, which I am not sure I want rubbing against my neck.  Don't get me wrong--I LOVE the fact that is it a natural fabric, and not some nasty acrylic.  I am sure the texture looks amazing in person for the wool too.  But I'm one of those wool-sensitive types, and can't even wear mohair or merino against my skin without itching.  Which means I usually wear only cashmere.  And even then, only the softest cashmere.  Yes, I'm that much of a baby.  A baby with highly discriminating taste; and, fortunately, excellent skills hunting down luxurious but affordable cashmere at consignment shops and clearance racks.

So, I'm debating the sweater.  I wonder if I would be happy wearing a silk or cotton scarf around my neck underneath, cravat style?  Or maybe that would be too bulky at the front. . . or would shift around and end up looking messy?

Someone else is bidding on this beauty, so I have a feeling I won't have made up my mind before time is up.  That's why I am posting about it now--so at least I can admire it here, if not in my closet. ; )

by H&M

This one is also totally adorable, and Steampunk without even trying.  For me personally, I don't know--the length is the only issue, and it will fall more like a cropped sweater on me.  That is totally fine, if I would wear it open.  But of course the adorable Steampunky appeal is in the look of the cardigan when fastened closed, and I think that would just end up looking weird on me, long-waisted and middle-aged as I am.  So, I'll leave this find for someone else--but enjoy sharing with you.

 by Zara

This cardigan, on the other hand, looks great open, so the cropped length is not an issue.  I like the tone of the buttons, and the color too.  The fabric is a modern cotton knit, but as long as you were going for a more distressed Steampunky look, it would be fine. 

Also by H&M

This cardigan is more subtle, but so pretty.  The only downside is that it closes with hideous silver-tone snaps, very modern (and cheap looking), so you would have to wear it snapped all the time.  But, that would not be a hindrance if you planned on wearing it that way.

Listed as "Grey Military Marching" cardigan, if you feel the urge to go find it on eBay

Oh, this one is soooooo close to my ideal sweater.  3/4 length sleeves, so I can do anything (namely dishes) without having to take it off.  Grey, my favorite color.  Nice shape and good length. But.  It is a cotton/acrylic blend, which is okay, although if I would prefer natural fibers.  But the whole sweater just looks. . . cheap.  I mean, those buttons.  And the close-up photos of the sweater show that there are flecks of yellow and red and white throughout. Ugh.  So, this is one that I would pass on--so close, but yet so far. 

by Free People

This cardigan is a lovely wool, lined with cotton.  The shape is flattering, and the buttons are cute.  I'm not so crazy about the navy & grey color combination for a pseudo-Steampunk piece, since those usually fall in the preppy zone.  But still, it would be adorable with jeans and lend a very subtle steampunky flair to an everyday outfit.

by Juicy Couture

Here is something completely different--an adorable wool/cashmere blend sweater dress.  In the close-ups the weave of this dress is lovely, and this piece could be so sweet for winter--maybe with a brown striped long sleeved shirt or turtleneck underneath, with thick grey tights and some tall Steampunky boots.  And a velvet ribbon in the hair. 

Do you know of any Steampunky sweaters?  I would love to see them, so please feel free to share links in the comments.