Benetton
This is the yummiest, warmest, brightest winter cardigan you can possibly imagine! It’s the kind of cardi that begs you to throw it on after a hot bath and then cuddle up with a good book. It’s 30 per cent mohair, and large enough to wrap all the way round and then some. This is the cardi for the Cinderella who didn’t go to the ball, but stayed in and enjoyed some quality time with a hot water bottle.
Price: £61.50
Bershka
Here’s a cardigan for the brunettes. The wonderful golden orange will set off darker complexions to perfection, and the price won’t break the bank either. Alright, it’s not mohair, but it is cheap and cheerful, and will work beautifully with jeans and a brown suede jacket (guess what I tried it on with!). At this price, you can afford to buy several, and they come in all the fashionable winter shades, from aqua through to mauve.
Price: £12.90
Casual Club
Now this is my sort of cardi. It may not be bright, but the toggle fastening ensures a glimpse of whatever you wear underneath. Personally, I’d throw this on over a chocolate polo neck and add some cord trousers. It’s the perfect cardi for a casual lunch, a trip to the mountains or even just lounging around in the evenings. It’s not going to win prizes for most glamorous item of the year, but it’s functional and well made, and flatters most figures.
Price: £22.00
Morgan
This is a princess cardigan, the kind that begs the wearer to bat their lashes and play coy. Although I can’t see my mum in this, my sister and I would fight over it. In fact it would probably come down to who could afford it; at ?71.40, it doesn’t come cheap. But it is 30 per cent mohair, and delightfully soft. Wear this with jeans in the day and a floaty skirt at night, for maximum sex kitten impact. Single? Buy this, and your Christmas won’t be lonely this year!
Price: £71.40
Next
This is my favourite. It leapt off the rail shouting ‘pick me pick me’! Fair Isle isn’t for all tastes, but it is terribly in fashion this winter. I love the design and while those who have scorned it freeze in something delightful but impractical, I’ll be warm and toasty in 100 per cent lambswool. This is a cardi for any age and any style. Wear it with straight cut trousers or throw it over a chiffon dress for an eclectic nighttime look. Just don’t go to the same places I do!
Price: £44.99
Red Herring
Now here’s a little number, literally. It’s shorter than the average cardigan, but makes up in style what it lacks in size. The shade is great for those willing to bring some colour into their lives, but not wanting to risk the fuchsias and golds. Alright, it’s not the warmest cardi on the market, but it is quite sexy and just that little bit daring. Worn open, bolero style, over a white shirt, this is the perfect number for drinks and dinner. Just don’t risk a midriff-bearing top underneath!
Price: £35.00
Stradivarius
There’s not much to this one, which may explain the price tag. £9.50 doesn’t buy you much in the way of winter warmth but it will get you a flirty cover up in one of this season’s hottest colours. Forest green is very in, and it matches most hair shades, particularly blonde and red. It’s the cheaper version of the Red Herring cardi; at Stradivarius you get a safety pin rather than a toggle fastening. But it is fashionable and should look fetching on anyone below thirty.
Price: £9.50
