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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 89 Comments · by

Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: Open Cardigan

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Gap Open CardiganReader K suggests this cardigan, noting that it's “very lightweight and versatile. I bought it in gray and mocha.” We like it, particularly the simple look — there are no ruffles, no buttons, no pockets, no snaps, no draped fabric — nothing. We also like that it comes in regular, petites, and talls, in sizes from XS – XXL. It's available in mocha (pictured), navy, gray, white, purple, and Hawaiian red. Gap Open Cardigan (L-2)

Sales of note for 9.10.24

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Comments

  1. houda

    This is definitely something I would love to keep at the office. Very understated so it should combine well with all the ruffles and flowers that I see everywhere lately.
    I find the no button feature very appealing as my button holes usually grow bigger – I don’t know how to describe this.. when you wear a cardigan and it gets a little too tight, then the pulling on the buttons makes the button hole stretch and it is not pretty.

  2. Elle Woods

    I quite like this, actually. I always struggle with cardigans as I find that they often fit badly or stretch out or just make me look frumpy. I particularly cannot get away with V-neck cardis due to my… um… shape, as they look ridiculous on me buttoned up, but equally ridiculous unbuttoned. I only have one cardigan, a really simple black round neck one, sort of a twinset style. I wish I had bought 19 of them in different colours when I had the chance – now I can’t find a similar one anywhere!

    • Anonymous

      Macy’s always has round neck twinsets in a gajillion colors–look for the August Silk brand (a silk/synthetic blend).

      • anon

        Better yet, hit up Ross for August Silk twinsets. I have 3 of them that cost me ~$30 each set, and I’ll probably get some more soon

      • Eponine

        They often have August Silk cardigans at Filene’s, for $20. I love them because they are so simple and classic. Lands End and Talbots also have simple round-neck cardigans, and the J. Crew “Jackie” style is very popular and classic.

    • dee

      i think i have the same problem with cardigans as you (due to my “shape”) and I have had great success with Lord & Taylor cardigans (the cashmere ones), the Jackie cardigan at J. Crew, and a cardigan from Banana that’s no longer on the website.

      • AN

        I hate cardis as I’m curvy on top but think this one would work! Love the understated effect.

  3. Eponine

    I like the look of open cardigans, and in fact am wearing one today. But my problem is that when I wear them outside, they inevitably blow open. Not sure if there’s a fix for this really, but it’s really annoying because if it’s cool enough that I want to wear a cardigan, I’d like it to stay on.

    • Cat

      Someone had suggested in the brooch post to use them to secure cardigans like this — if it works with your style, might be a good option. Depending on the knit of the sweater, one big earring could be good for this too.

      • Eponine

        Ooh, that’s a good idea. I have a few brooches. Not sure how it would look with my rather large chest, but definitely worth a try. Thanks!

          • Cat

            MelD, yes! Perfect for keeping those capes around your neck :)

            Aside from the librarian/broomstick imagery, I don’t think these would solve the problem of it flapping open — it would only keep the points at the top closed, not the rest of the sweater.

        • Eponine

          I love these! So cute and 50s. However, they probably wouldn’t help keep the sweater closed. But they’re awesome and I might need them anyway.

        • Eponine

          Ooh, I love these! So cute and 50s. However, they probably wouldn’t help keep the sweater closed. But they’re awesome and I might need them anyway.

    • houda

      I am thinking if the fabric is dense enough – without being too thick for spring/summer – then the cardigan would probably stay in place.

    • anon - chi

      What about belting it with a skinny belt? (Take this with a grain of salt, as I am STILL trying to figure out how to do the belted sweater thing without looking like an idiot.)

      • dee

        me tooooo! i have chalked it up to what one commenter below euphemistically called her “shape” and i will call my “boobs”

      • Eponine

        Yeah – the belt negates all the reasons I’m wearing a looser sweater :).

    • Anonymous

      The only time Im outside is to walk in from the parking garage to my office and then back outside at the end of the day. I guess I need to get out more. lol.

  4. Beth

    Has Reader K washed it yet? Did it hold up? I noticed it’s machine wash… all my cardigans seem to end up frumpy as soon as I launder them.

    • Anon

      Same question. I have one very similar to this from a previous season – wore it once, washed it, and now I wear it only at home with sweatpants and tank top. It is comfortable but totally looks like it’s been to h*ll and back.

    • lawDJ

      I’m also curious about washing this piece. If it holds up well with a handwash I’d run and buy a few (with a coupon :)

    • s-k-s

      I’ve had good luck with more delicate clothes doing gentle cycle with wool lite, followed by hanging up to dry. You could also try dry-el since you will (hopefully) be wearing it as a layer and it shouldn’t be too dirty.

    • j

      I own this cardigan in the heather gray – it has held up well to washing and is super soft. I wear it all the time and highly recommend it! (Also, it doesn’t wear a short as it looks in the picture.)

      • KatyEsq

        Beth – Yes, I have washed it in cold water on delicate and then laid flat to dry. It holds up great and still feels soft. I wear it all the time and LOVE it!

    • anon

      that was me! Thanks for the link, I’m going to hit up the mall this weekend and do some serious sandal-scouting.

    • AIMS

      Ooh — I have actually been looking for something just like this for a while. How’s the quality in person? The sizing??
      It looks like the perfect weekend item to have on hand for this transitional period.

      • cee

        The quality is great and the fabric is SO SOFT! I feel so luxurious when I’m wearing it! I’m usually an XS and this fit me in XS- so for me it was pretty true to size. I’d say you might want to go down a size if you like clothing to be as fitted as possible. I love this cardi for weekends and the office! Looks great with jeans- it really dresses them up. I think I’m going to snag another color besides my black.

        • AIMS

          Thanks! I’m totally ordering one (and returning an inferior version I bought at H&M last weekend in an effort to find something just like this!)
          Great find — I’m super excited :)

      • dcm58

        I own this and it is so very fabulous. I need to get another one! It is super soft and actually looks pretty luxe and good to throw on at the office.

    • Eponine

      This looks like sweatsuit material to me, rather than sweater material.

      I did find a very similar one in 100% cotton, knit, at Filene’s a few weeks ago.

      • C. Z.

        I really like that drapey open cardigan, and it’s such a great price. I think I’ll pick up the black and the grey.

  7. Law-Less

    This cardigan is ho hum – ok, but not great. I like that it is simple and doesn’t have all of that strange drapey fabric at the front like most open cardigans, which I find to look incredibly frumpy on anyone who isn’t a stick. The length of this particular cardigan seems off though. I guess I would prefer it to hit slightly lower on the hip.

    • Marcaile

      “The length of this particular cardigan seems off though. I guess I would prefer it to hit slightly lower on the hip.”

      That was my first thought as well. I really like the way this cardigan looks, I just wish it was a bit longer.

        • AIMS

          If you look at the different colors, they appear different lengths — I would imagine that it’s the model/styling that makes the one featured seem shorter.

  8. s-k-s

    I really like this piece – I think it could be incredibly versatile and dressed up or down as the occasion demanded.

  9. PG

    I love this cardi! So versatile. It will be useful as a coverup without adding bulk! I wish there were brighter colors though! Nowadays GAP and BR are a sea of beige and gray!

  10. ERP

    Ooo I think that this is frumpy! The shape and color are both lackluster. I can’t see this doing much for anyone, or yielding any compliments.

    This is something I would wear on a sunday, but not to work (at least, not if I was trying to look pulled together). Sorry for the negativity on what is otherwise a Happy Friday!

    • Law-Less

      I agree ERP! Not really a fan. And I think it looks too casual for the office.

  11. 75

    If I were buying a cardigan this season – and I am not – I would buy one that is a good bit longer than that. I would buy one with buttons – the only reason this one has no buttons is that saves the manufacturer a good deal of moneyto omit them. I have a hunch you cold get something better at WalMart for half the price.

    • dee

      i have actually been looking for cardigans without buttons because if i’m wearing a dress, i want the cardigan to be open so that you see the top of the dress, but if you leave a button cardigan open it looks sloppy. i think there is a functionality to buttonless – they’re not just trying to save money.

    • S

      I agree with 75, cardigans need buttons! You have an option to leave it unbuttoned, leading to exactly the same look as a button-less cardigan. I dont think it looks sloppy leaving a cardigan with buttons, unbuttoned. Just making use of the ‘optionality’ there.

  12. MelD

    I am not in love with this one. The styling in the mocha picture makes it look nice, but when the sleeves are pulled down as in the other pictures, it really does look fairly frumpy. I think with this length you need something with a 3/4 or shorter sleeve for it to work. It’s not really useful to have a long-sleeved cardi if it’s not going to cover up your lower back when you sit down because it’s so short.

  13. Res Ipsa

    Any recommendations for short-sleeved cardigans? I’d like to get one or two to wear over summer dresses w/nonwork appropriate sleeves.

  14. Elle

    My first attempt at posting this comment was deleted – hopefully this doesn’t appear as a duplicate.

    I actually really like the scalloped shirt underneath the cardigan. I think it’s a really pretty way to add texture and interest to an outfit. I like that it has an interesting neckline without being too revealing.

    I did a quick search on gap’s website but couldn’t find it. I will have to do a more thorough search this weekend when I’m at home and have more time!

    • lawDJ

      Looks a bit frumpy open, I wish there was a picture of it closed. Could be a cute piece with jeans for the weekend. I would not wear this to the office unless it was super casual, and then, maybe only on Friday.

    • B

      Strongly dislike. I can’t even articulate why – I just hated it at first sight. Maybe – maybe – the cut would work if the fabric was something other than linen, but the combination makes it look sloppy, and I can’t see it flattering anyone’s figure.

    • anon - chi

      Agree. It looks terrible on the model (like it’s going to swallow her up.)

    • Lizbet

      Really shapeless, which is seldom flattering on anyone except the very thin. Sorry!

    • Eponine

      Not a fan. It hangs strangely and looks sloppy even on a stick-thin model, plus linen will wrinkle. It’d be one of those jackets you buy, and can never figure out what to wear with and eventually give away.

    • KLo

      I think you and I have a similar shape (guessing from history) and I think I would look like a frumpy linebacker :( I think we can do better!

  16. CS

    im LOVING the open cardigans this season. I got a great long sleeve gray one from H&M, and a white one w/ some ruffles from express. I am definitely needing a lighter brown one (the one i’m using now is so bulky for summer). So i’m waiting for a sale/gap coupon and ill be getting a few of these!

  17. Rebecca

    Stores have it in black and a bright green as well – I bought it in both (and mocha)!

  18. Legally Brunette

    For those of you who want to buy something from Talbots, use this code for 20% off plus $5 off shipping (which basically means free shipping):

    019091678

    • PG

      It looks very bulky! Also, the “MOM” jeans on the model just turned me off!

    • KelliJ

      The color is a bit bright for me. (Actually, my first reaction was OOOH, you couldn’t pay me to wear that color.) Sorry.

      • 3L

        I really like it! Rather than bulky, I would say it is structured, which makes it perfect for the office. I’m pale and blonde like the model and I kinda love it.

    • Legally Brunette

      Thanks for the feedback. I ended up buying it in both white and green. I have dark skin and that color of green usually looks really good on me, but I guess I am a fan of brighter colors. :)

    • Eponine

      Love it, and I have a similar one. It is structured enough to replace a jacket in the office.

    • dr

      I have this one. To me, it is midweight, being more sturdy (?) that the light, eatherweights at at these days. My complaint is that it basically is a ‘swing top’ cut when you fasten the top button…so I end up wearing it open. Then it seems boxy. Also, the way the top portion w/button is cut, you don’t get a nice line from the jacket and a dress top or even a tank. I am rarely wearing it sadly, as it’s one of the few nice sweaters I have seen this season in red. The fabric is sturdy and won’t likely pill quickly though. So sad about the cut.

  20. C. Z.

    Does anyone have any opinion on the Cozy by DKNY? They came out with a linen one that seems like it would be nice for summer, but I can’t tell if the length of the ties is so long as to be unprofessional. Does anyone have one, or any experience in wearing it to work?

    • tr

      I have the off-white cozy in the silk cashmere blend. I wear it to work quite regularly and wrap it around myself on days when the a/c is on full blast. I do get compliments on it, and I find it to be quite versatile. In general, I wear shawls on a regular basis, so folks are used to seeing me in loose, flowing clothes :-)

      Our office is business casual (no jeans allowed); but then again, I’m in SoCal, so it may be different in the east coast. Also, I love the cozy for traveling; it’s like a sweater & blanket it one – perfect for going dozing off on planes!

  21. MPC

    I looked at this one in white, but it was too sheer and loose for my taste. Even the XS looked weirdly frumpy on me.

    Ann Taylor has some amazing deals in-store right now, though. I just bought a black tropical wool sheath with top-stitching detail– originally $148, on the website it’s marked down to $99, in the store it was $40 (!!!). I saw several other items marked down similarly. Consider this a public service announcement :-)

    • anon

      I’ve noticed that too! Items in the AT store are sometimes so much cheaper than the same item online!

  22. Frump

    I suppose this could work if your office was casual, but I don’t see it working in a dressier setting.

    What would go underneath it? As I keep in mind recent discussions around here, a cami with this sweater would probably be inappropriate because it might look a) much too casual (think the sort of shelf-bra stretch type camis you can buy for $5 at teen clothing stores) or b) too much like trying to conceal nightwear/underpinnings, especially if you tried to dress up the look with a silk cami or one trimmed with lace. So camis are out. Since there are no buttons, your cami would also be full well on display, going against recent suggestions not to wear such items as under-layers unless you can fully cover them up.

    Would you wear a t-shirt? Likely not, as I can’t imagine it being in any way appropriate save for the most casual of offices to expose a regular t-shirt so openly under a cardigan that is very casual to begin with. Seems like it could be a very ‘mom goes to the playground’ look to wear this as such.

    Button down shirts obviously wouldn’t work at all, and I am not sure I could really think of a kind of silk blouse this would work with, as most pretty blouses would just be way too dainty for something as blah and ‘throws over PJ-top/yoga pants to run out at 10 at night to get Tylenol PM’ as this. I wish I could say something good about this, but I just don’t see how it could really be worn well in a dressier environment.

    For basic cardigans that can be dressed up or down, I much prefer crew-neck, long sleeve styles with nicer (think mother of pearl, rhinestone, etc.) buttons, made from dressier, but versatile, materials such as merino wool, silk blend knit, or even cashmere/angora/cotton blend. Not only are cardigans such as these good for all weather (I find merino works great in the winter as a layering piece and great in the summer for light coverage without the sweating caused by 100% cashmere), but they can be worn open or closed, with shells/blouses or without (buttoned up), and work great for dressier business environments as well (as they are perfectly prim with pencil skirts, pearls, and silk scarves tied around the neck).

    • Grump

      Urgh, so agree – hate the cardi.

      Also I don’t understand why GAP seems to be so popular for workwear – on this blog at least. I’ve certainly seen it being mentioned serveral times here. In my experience there’s a reason ‘GAP’ rhymes with ‘crap…’ Everything always looks so casual and is invariably of a poor quality. There are cheaper (and better) places to shop for the most basic of basics.

      • Clerky

        I bought one shirt from Gap that was discussed on this site and get lots of compliments on it, but it’s definitely a weekend only shirt. I never see anything from Gap that looks work appropriate.

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