Stylish Holiday Gifts for Men – #8 of 10: The Cardigan Sweater
We have already featured style pieces like cufflinks, dress boots, watches, and wallets on our Holiday gift guide. This time around we are focusing on a classic clothing piece that will not just a warming layer to his wardrobe, but will also earn him plenty of style points. We are talking about the cardigan sweater. In 2012 cardigans have gained a huge popularity in men’s fashion – a trend that is likely to continue throughout 2013. Cardigans are versatile enough to incorporate into a wide range of looks and styles, they are super comfortable, and they don’t even have to be expensive, making them the perfect Holiday style gift any man would appreciate. Consider the following tips on what to look for in a cardigan, how to accessorize with them, and which piece is the best on the market.
What to Look For
There are a variety of things you’ll want to take into consideration when shopping for the perfect cardigan. For one, you’ll do best to find those that are made out of high-quality wool; merino wool is a popular material used in cardigans, as is cashmere. Color is important as well,; avoid those which are exceptionally bright in color, as they tend to be relatively difficult to pair with other ensemble elements. Excellent are cardigans in colors gray, charcoal, dark navy, and brownish earthtones. Finally, remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a cardigan; sometimes “low-end” items are just as high in quality as those which cost hundreds of dollars.
Best Piece of 2012
2012 saw a fair amount of high quality cardigans hitting shelves. Life After Denim’s Campalli cardigan, for example, is one of the nicer pieces on the market, featuring season-appropriate greys and blues and a 4-button enclosure. Constructed out of a blend of cotton, poly and alpaca, it’s an extremely soft and comfortable piece that can be worn as part of a variety of ensembles. At $138, it’s certainly not a budget item, but it’s fair to say that any guy with a penchant for fashion would be happy to have this piece in their wardrobe.
Style Guide for Cardigans
Since cardigans typically feature relatively wide V-necks, they can be perfect for showing off a shirt underneath. Go with a graphic tee, or perhaps a simple striped fitted-tee for a more casual look. Want something a bit more dressy? Then pair the cardigan with a gingham check shirt, dark wash jeans, and dress shoes. Still not formal enough? Then simply add a tie to this look and swap the jeans for a pair of black dress pants.
Depending upon the weather, you can choose to wear your cardigan either with jeans or khakis; jeans is preferable, although it can be a chilly combination for those who live in exceptionally cold areas. Also, don’t hesitate to layer your cardigan underneath a jacket, which is an effective way to stay warm and still look good.
Other Style Gifts for Men:
Style Gift Idea #7: Dress Wrist Watches
Style Gift Idea #6:Men’s Dress Boots
Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team