HIT OR MISS – CARDIGAN DRESS
It’s time for another Hit or Miss, Would You Wear It segment. Each Wednesday, I try to bring you an outfit that some will love, and some will scratch their heads and wonder, “what was she thinking?” Fashion is a highly personal thing, and you should always wear what you love instead of what someone else loves. You may come to this blog because you like my style, but I’m betting that you don’t like everything I style.
Here is your chance to play fashion blogger. I ask that you be kind in your comments and try to say why something would or wouldn’t work for you. An example might be, “this cardigan wouldn’t work for me because I am petite.” Or, maybe you want to leave a comment on “how” you could make the item work for you. An example might be, “I would pair this cardigan with a shorter dress and heels to make me look taller than I am.”
Reading your comments is what I love best about this post. So many of you are very talented when it comes to fashion suggestions, and I know that others can gain lots of knowledge from the comments.
Let’s start with the basics of this outfit. I added this white button shirt with a feminine ruffle. A white button-up shirt is a wardrobe staple, and it is an item that you can wear with almost anything. A regular button-up shirt is fine, but this shirt with the ruffle takes the look to a different level. The ruffle goes around the collar and extends down one side of the placket. This unique detail keeps you from looking like everyone else walking down the street. The shirt is softly fitted, which is more feminine than a boxy style. I’m wearing a medium, and the shirt fits me great and even has a tiny bit of extra room.
Now, for the star of this outfit. I feel like this navy and white striped cardigan dress will be the item that some balk on. For me, this look is a hit, and I’ll tell you why it works for me. I’m pretty tall at 5’6″ tall, and I love a duster cardigan. I think the longer length makes me look taller since it draws your eye downward. The horizontal stripes will be an issue for some of you. Stripes can make you look larger, but I left the cardigan dress open and opted to wear it as a cardigan instead of a dress. This breaks up the stripes and keeps you from looking larger than you are.
I think the large solid band of navy at the top and bottom breaks up the striped look, giving the cardigan dress a different look. This item is incredibly soft, and it has blouson sleeves, even though you can’t see that very well in the photos. I’m wearing a medium in this cardigan dress.
Here is a close-up view of the white ruffled shirt. I added my large gold hoop earrings to the outfit. These hoop earrings sure make a statement, but they are lightweight and not heavy.
These bootcut jeans are in a medium wash. Bootcut or straight-cut jeans are the most universally flattering for most people. Skinny or flare jeans can be challenging for some people to wear, but the bootcut works for most. I like a medium wash since it can be dressed up or down. A good rule of thumb is that a dark wash is dressier, and a light wash is more casual.
I messed up and ordered the Curvy version of these jeans, so they are too big for me through the hips and thighs. Since I am shaped like a ruler, I don’t have a lot of curves, so the curvy version isn’t for me. I’m wearing my usual size 10, which could have also been part of the problem. I’m in between sizes, so a size 8 might have worked better.
To help elongate my legs, I added a pair of black pointy-toe boots. I usually try to wear shoes in the same color family as my pants so that my legs look longer. I broke that rule yesterday when I wore animal print heels with black pants. Sometimes you want to add a little flair to your look. These boots are sold out, but I’ll link to others that will get you a similar look.
For Valentine’s Day, I wanted to have a Lash Boost special. Some of you might not know, but I never had long lashes before October 2016 when I started using Lash Boost by Rodan and Fields.
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Okay, let’s hear it…is this outfit a hit or a miss? Would you wear it? What would you change?
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Verse of the day
Psalms 121:2
2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
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I think this is a hit! I like the detail on the white shirt. Navy and white are classic to me. I am a dark jeans girl so I would add the darker jeans. This cardigan would also look great with white shirt and white jeans. I’m 5’4 so definitely heels for me
I love it. You very smart on it.
I love the blouse and sweater but I think it would look better with a slimmer jean – straight leg or maybe skinny.
I love the outfit!
I love this outfit! I’m only 5’2″ though, so would need to find a shorter sweater. You have wonderful style, and I enjoy your blog so much! Just one question, how do you get your teeth so white? You have a gorgeous smile 🙂
I love this silhouette and would definitely wear this look. I rue the day the duster length cardigan is no longer “acceptable”, and I fear it might already be not trending as much. Until then, I’m keeping them in my closet and rotation!
I love it and would definitely wear it. Heels to dress it up, and low heeled boots to dress it down. White shirt all the way, and dark skinny jeans or straight leg pants.
I really like the cardigan. I wouldn’t wear it buttoned up as a dress – but like it how you’re wearing it open. I could see wearing it with a dark navy pant or legging & a silky white top. I’d wear silver earrings – and a low heeled black boot.
Thanks for your posts.
How do I get the lash boost discount through you?
Michele, Click on this link: https://tstephens5.myrandf.com/en-us/shop/r-f-lash-boost/p/ENHLSH01
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So cute on you! It would be sooooo long on me!
I love the outfit on you but at 5 feet, I think I am too short. So it’s a miss for me.
I love dusters too! But due to the horizontal stripes I would pass on it. I am definitely a minimalist. Does look great on you.
Fresh and nautical vibe! A hit.
Yes on the outfit – you make everything look good! Question about the R & F – can the serum be used to grow eyebrows too? Mine seem to be disappearing. Can you tell me about how long the serum lasts – like two weeks, a month, or two? Thank you!
Paula, it can be used on the brows also. R+F also carries a Brow Defining Boost that is a combination of Lash Boost and color. That way you get instant results with the color, and then you get long-term results with the serum. Both will work for the brows, the one just has color. The serum will last about 3 months before you need to purchase a new tube. It can take from 4 to 12 weeks to see results. Mine took 12!
Yes…I love it..would rather wear the cardigan then a coat any day…looks classy..😁
I like this, but I agree it would work best on people no shorter than you are. I love a long sweater and have trouble finding them long enough for me at 5’9.” This would be great for me.
I think the outfit is a hit. To make it even more stunning I would go with a column of white or ivory under it. A nice turtleneck sweater with some ivory dress pants would turn a few heads in your direction.
I would like to have seen this worn as a dress as well as open like a cardigan for comparison.
I would also like to see it with white jeans
You are a hit in this outfit. For myself I would wear a turtle neck tucked in just because it’s too cold for shirts now. I would add dark wash straight leg jeans and the highest heeled boots I can stand at 70. Alas I used to be tall but am only 5’5″” now and even though pear shaped I would wear the stripes just because I’m a sucker for navy blue.
I think it looks good on you for a different look but it wouldn’t work for my 5’0 petite pear shaped frame.
Love the jeans and white shirt. The cardigan looks to heavy. So I vote no this outfit.
It looks terrific on you, Tania! I am not sure it would work for me, unless it was proportioned for me. I am shorter and more pear-shaped than you.
I really love the ruffled shirt! But I find that I just don’t wear the ones I have purchased in the past. I am not sure why; I think perhaps on me, it feels to “fussy.” If the cardigan were about 12 inches shorter, I would like it better. I like my long cardigans to end above my knees. I love the color combination – white and blue/navy is one of my favorites!
I was thrown by the description of this as a dress until I clicked on the red print to take a look!
I’m 5’2″ and have a very similar cardigan that was a gift. The duster style is too long for me, but I can’t give it away because it’s from my son!!!
I saw it in a store styled with white pants and top and a pink, navy & white gingham frayed edge scarf. I bought the scarf and that’s how I wear it, or with a column of navy. I wear boots to give me some height with it.
I like it on you. The picture of you with your hand on your thigh is great and really shows how good it looks.
I also think this would look good on you as a dress, maybe with red heels? Don’t know if the casualness of the fabric/sweater would work with heels though.
Hit!
Hello,
When I first saw this on line…I hated it….however, am starting to love it….HIDES A LOT OF SINS, if you know what I mean!!
Also, I really like the darker strands of color in your hair in one of the pix….adds dimension!!!!
Also, in one picture, you have such a BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL RED LIPSTICK ON……so beautiful!!!!
What is the shade and what company makes it?
Thank you…I really enjoy your daily blogs!!!
Elaine
Looks great on you!
Won’t work on my 5’0 pear shape but you’re rockin it👍🏻
It’s a hit. You look fabulous!
Cardigan sweater dress outfit a big thumbs up
This outfit is a hit with me! However, since I’m only 5’3 the cardigan would have to be in a petite size. Also, I have foot issues so the black boots for me would have a more oval toe and a block heel of 2 inches or less. Love doing this hit or miss! At 61 yrs. old I finally am getting much better at knowing what works for me. And your blog has really influenced me in that direction. Thanks, Tania.
Love the cardi as a cardi – looks great on you – as so many things do. I am only 5’1″ so I fear it would be way to long on me –
This is a hit for me! I am 5’9, so this style looks good on me. It also looks great on you, Tania! The higher heels make all the difference!
I love this look even the duster. Unfortunately I am 5’1” and the duster would really be dusting the floors
I love this outfit and would definitely wear it. I am tall so I can rock the long cardigan look.
I love this sweater and it makes a really cute outfit. I would definitely wear it if it was shorter, but I think the length would bother me and get in the way. Thanks for showing this.
If I were thin and not pear shaped I definitely would wear this. But I’m 5’4 and hippy so this wouldn’t help me out, but it looks great on you!
I like the cardigan as a cardigan. Even on the model as a dress it is not flattering at all.
A big YES! I am 5’7″ and love wearing these longer cardigans. I have several. I would pair this one with a hot pink high neck blouse and maybe some white flare jeans. This would be a great Spring look. I do like how you have it styled here ! Thank you!
I love the long cardigan-I call it a duster. I wore a long shacket duster the other day with boyfriend jeans. I do think it would’ve looked better with skinny jeans, though.
I definitely would wear this! Looks great on you!
I’m petite. Dusters don’t work for me. I love the outfit on you. I especially like the blouse.
I’m usually not a ruffle girl, but I could wear this blouse. I do like the sweater dress and agree that the length makes you look taller. I doubt that I would ever wear it as a dress, but I like it the way you have styled it. 👍
I really like the outfit. In fact, if it ever gets to be the correct temperature I may use it as inspiration to shop the closet. Not that I have a navy and white cardigan dress, but I do have some long cardigans. 🙂
I LOVE this entire outfit on you – and the color of the cardigan also compliments your eyes.
This is a hit for me. A duster length cardigan over pants or jeans and a top is my all time favorite look…kinda “my uniform”.
I love it! I would wear it.
Tania, it’s a HIT for you! You look fabulous in it, love the whole look. I am also 5’6, but larger than you so the horizontal stripes around my trouble areas would not work for me. BUT, if I was your size, I would definitely wear this. You look great!
I am really enjoying these hot or miss segments. For this it’s both a hit and a miss. I love the blouse. It’s the perfect amount of ruffle. I love the duster on you from the front. I don’t care for it from the back. I find that is often a problem for me. I have a couple of dusters and from the front I go “yes!” But from the back I go “Yikes!” I really want it to work for me, but it just doesn’t.
Tania, this look is a “hit” for me.. love the cardigan dress… I’ve always been a sucker for stripes. I’m not a big fan of button down shirts, but easy to trade that out. Thanks for another great look!
Tania, this outfit looks great on you! I love the black and white with the ruffle blouse. I’m 5’4” so I probably couldn’t pull off the stripes, but I do have a solid black cardigan “dress” that I wear with skinny black pants or black jeans with high heels. I would either wear a white blouse like you or a bright color under the cardigan to bring the attention to my face instead of the fact that I’m “vertically challenged.”
This outfit is a hit on you…but it would be a miss for me. I’m a curvy girl who avoids stripes like the plague. haha I definitely don’t want to look wider than I am, but you can definitely pull it off. However, I LOVE that white ruffle blouse and boot cut jeans. What about wearing the cardigan as a dress and adding a belt? You could definitely pull that off.
I liked the cardigan even though I cant wear it because I am short. I love dusters in general and wish there was a way i could wear them
First of all, I like the outfit and you look beautiful like always, BUT one thing I don’t like about the cardigan is the buttons on the bottom portion. I think it would’ve looked better to not have buttons. I think it brings the eye down too much (too heavy) and why would you have buttons down there? I know it’s just for looks, but other than that, I really like the outfit. I hate to be a negative Nancy, but it really did catch my eye and you did say to say what we think, right?
At 5″7″ I agree with everything you said about this cardigan! As usual you look fantastic! Not sure about the ruffled blouse but other than that I would wear it all with the hope that the extended length would offset the horizontal stripes. Good seasonal transition piece in navy.
PS your scripture quotes are a great way to begin the day.
This is my type of outfit from head to toe. I love the feminine detail of the button up. I would go a little shorter with the cardigan keeping it closer to my knee. Love This!
I love it! It might not work for me as I’m short. I would also pair it with a pair of navy dress pants, so I could wear it to work.
The idea of this outfit is a hit for me but the color scheme is a miss. I find myself drawn to the duster length cardigans right now (maybe because we’ve been having a cold spell. LOL!) I would prefer a different color in the sweater and I always wear dark colored jeans. I prefer to just wear my jeans into a faded color rather than buying pre-faded. LOL! I could see wearing the navy and white to school, though, but with navy pants for a dressier look.
While you look fabulous in this outfit, I know that it’s not for me. I have a thick backside, so stripes below my waist aren’t my friend. And I cannot wear a heal of any height. For me to recreate a similar look, I would: wear a hip length striped cardigan, add a bold colored top such as bright pink, straight legged or flared jeans, and shoes TBD based on the weather.
This is a great look for you, Tania! I’m only 5’4″/125 lbs but love duster cardigans and think they make me look taller. I do wear skinny jeans with them so as not to get overwhelmed, however, and I would order this one in a Petite.
This look is definitely a hit for me. The only thing I would change would be to wear skinny jeans.
LOVE the sweater but I would pair it with skinny jeans as I think someone else said…..skinny whites. But those of us up north would have to wear skinny dark jeans…..with tall boots! HA!
I love it like you are wearing it. Probably not so much as a dress. I have a lot of long cardigans.
Love the sweater and this outfit
It looks fantastic on you! I am too short to wear a cardi this long so I’ll stick the with the shorter versions.
I’m 5’2″ so this is not something I would be able to wear. I wear cardigans a lot but they’re shorter to keep me from looking like I’m wearing a tarp. I think this one might look nice with skinny jeans or leggings. I’m glad we’re all different. I love seeing your style and reading the comments. Thanks for what you do!
The length and the horizontal stripes are a Miss for me. I can see where this design (solid shoulders then stripes) would be flattering on a wide shoulder, narrow hips body frame…but, I’m the opposite. I’m also about 5’6′ but this length wouldn’t work for me unless I was wearing heels and that isn’t usually the heel height I’d pair with jeans for a more casual outfit. If the sweater length had been about where the last stripe is, that would have been more appealing (I like proportions of thirds and this length is a lot more than 2/3) and I think it would get caught in and on EVERYTHING which makes it impractical to wear all day (for my lifestyle)
I love a duster cardigan and I think you look great! I would tuck in the shirt and wear either straight leg or skinny jeans to balance the volume of the cardigan.
Love the white shirt and the jeans. Thanks for explaining about the different cuts.
I’m not sold on the length of the sweater, although I like the navy and white stripes.
This looks great on you but I prefer wearing knee-length cardigans or just below the knee with skinny jeans for myself. I like to keep it simple. Love your posts for keeping up to date on fashion!
Looks good on you. Miss for me I am 5 foot short.
I think it is a ‘hit’ but i might put a red belt around it with the sweater still open???? what do you think?
It’s a hit on you because you wear high heels. Such long dusters are almost a statement jacket. I don’t wear them because they get caught on everything.
I love the cardigan but would pair it with white skinny jeans. I know you said these jeans were big on you but I think jeans with a tighter fit or leggings would look better. But definitely like the cardigan!
I love this look! Cardigan ordered!
I really like the dress cardigan look. I like the black with white stripe, too. But, at only 5’2” I’d need the dress to be shorter.
I love cardigans so this is a hit for mr. I would wear it more with knee length dresses since I hardly wear jeans
I like the colors of the cardigan, I think I would be overwhelmed in it, as it would be a bit heavy for Florida. I love the white ruffle detail shirt. It works very well to show off with the cardigan.
This a huge no for me personally. I’m petite and this would look so silly on me. I’m happy for those of you who look great in dusters, but definitely not a good look if you have short legs! 😆
You look great in this. I am 5’10”, and love a long cardigan. I am losing weight but not slim yet, so I would not wear it currently. But I love it. And I also love Would You Wear It’s. And btw, those jeans look great on you too, they look comfy , not toooo loose. Thankyou so much for all the details and photos from each angle!
I love that sweater look! I bought one very similar ( nautical look) years ago at Old Navy & wore it quite often ( mine was light weight). You look fantastic in this versatile article of clothing.
I think this sweater look great on you. i love the look of dusters, but not with my height..or lack of it? 🙂
The blouse is lovely, but I would like to see a fitted turtleneck or a v-neck T with a long necklace. Or maybe just tuck in the blouse. A column of white with this sweater would be a pretty summer look – could be dressed up or leave it caural.
The “dress” is way too long for anyone but the very tall, certainly not for me at 5’4”. Also I’m not going be using a lash enhancement product. I think I’m fine without.
Thanks for all you fashion know how. I’d still love to see your closet.
Very chic on you; however, it would look like a bathrobe on my short-self 😉
I did want to thank you for the sale alert at Belks! On my last trip to our cabin, I took a shopping trip to The Pinnacle!
Praying for an early Spring🌸
This outfit is a hit for me! I’d wear it. Navy and white is such a classic look! I’ve been looking for a white blouse and they’re hard to come by or maybe I’m looking in wrong stores.
This is a definite HIT for me! I would wear this all day long. I would do a plain blouse or t-shirt. I don’t do ruffles but that’s a personal thing. It looks good on you!!!!!
Love it! My only problem is in real life when I try to wear a long cardigan I feel like they get twisted around my knees, so I probably wouldn’t actually wear it. But I surely do admire it! That’s a beautiful shirt, too.
So this is a hit for me however, if you are short like me 5’2″ this would not be my choice. I have a couple of sweater dresses that I just never seem to wear. I like the blouse out effect ~ I just tried that the other day myself and really liked the funky look.
A hit for me and a style I wear often. I’m tall at 5’10” and with a heeled boot and more monochromatic styling this makes me look well over 6’ tall which I love. Plus, a lighter weight cardigan dress bells out when you walk and it looks and feels fabulous. I love this style on you! A definite hit.
Definitely a hit on you. Really cute. I like that the duster seems lightweight and could take you through Spring and early Summer.
Unfortunately I’m too short for this look but love it on you!!
I would never wear anything with horizontal stripes, especially since I’m only 5’5 and ALWAYS trying to look thinner.
The Duster Cardigan is a hit for you! I’m 5′ 3″, it would be a miss for me, I’ve tried some this year and I couldn’t carry off the look, lol. But I love these outfits you put together and it gives me ideas how to put items together from my closet or what I need to purchase. I did purchase the bright pink jeans from Belk, the size 4 were a bit snug, the gal from customer service was great and size 6 is in the mailI. Also, purchase the bright pink plaid vest. Thanks for the fun ideas with new outfits!
That’s a hit for me! I love long sweaters, vests, tops and dresses. I’m 5’8 and longer pieces seem to look better on my frame. I love the hit or miss segments, thank you!
I’m a fan of cardigans and own several of varying lengths, so this one’s a hit for me. It looks great with jeans and a white shirt but I’d like to have seen you style it as a dress also.
Tania, a definite HIT on you!!! Would look darling in the summer with white pants and wedges. I have a similar Cabi duster (white with black stripes) and it’s the perfect topper! Love Hit or Miss Wednesdays. Keep them coming!!!
Definitely a HIT for me. I am the same height as you so I feel this would work for me too. I wouldn’t change a thing about this outfit!
I think it looks great on you! I’m a petite size so I can’t do long cardigans, but this one is really cute!! Way to go again!
I love the look. Have you been shopping in my closet? LOL. The only thing I would do is add a long necklace to match the cardigan to balance the white shirt. Thanks for sharing your style with us.
I love it! You look great. I would only change the white blouse to something slightly more fitter, maybe a fine knit sweater or long sleeve t-shirt. But every time you say you are pretty tall at 5’6” I giggle. I am 5’10”.
HIT!!! Reminds me I haven’t worn mine in awhile and it’s perfect weather to wear it. I’ve also worn with leggings. And in a pinch while traveling I grabbed it as a robe.
I’m only 4’11” so it probably would look hilariously bad on me but it looks very cute on you! I do like this style!
Hit! Love navy, stripes, and cardigans. You look great. I am pear shaped so I’m not sure how this would look on me but I’d try it for sure.
I love the duster but would probably wear it as a dress perhaps with a cami under depending on how low cut it is on top. I have some nude ankle boots with a block heel I think would look good with it. Being 5’10” leaving some leg showing between the hem and the boot help not looking too tall.
Love the duster! I have one very similar that I wear the same way. Have a great day!
I love the navy stripe long sweater, but I’m 5’2” and am afraid it would be too long on me. But I do have a question I’d love your opinion on. A few years ago I found out I was autumn tones with my skin color, and. Should go with the deep maroon, gold tones. Since then I hear wear what u want and feel good in. Will you please tell me your opinion on this?
Love this look, especially the ruffle shirt. How did it do after washing? Does it require a lot of ironing? Thanks for your posts.
It is a Miss for me . At 5’4’ the duster would be to long on me. AND I can’t wear heels any longer. So I could not pull this look off.
It’s a beautiful duster & I love the colors but it’s a No Go for me.
I love a long cardigan but being 5 ft 0 this would be too long for me. I’d love it in a shorter length and solid color. I do love it on you.
It’s a HIT for me. Love how you are wearing this as a duster. The navy and white are so pretty. I might swap the black boot for something in the camel family light beige. For spring I would also do a yellow or pink in place of the white shirt for another look, but the white is so nice.
Great ideas! I think camel shoes would look great with the outfit.
How do I purchase the lash booster through you?
Maribeth, just click on the link which will take you to my website. If you want to become my customer, then you click the JOIN PC PERKS button.
Hi Tania, I really like this outfit on you – you look fab! I think this long cardigan is a versatile piece and could be dressed up or down. It could look very smart over a navy shift dress and with navy heels/pumps. You call it a cardigan dress and it would be interesting to see you wear it and style it as a dress. Thank you for another great post. All the best to you, Christabel.
I tried it as a dress, and it didn’t look good on me. I don’t have curves, so it just looked blah. 🙄
This is an absolute hit on you! Just as you said, it makes you look especially long and lean. If I were dressing up and going to wear a boot with a higher heel than normal, I would consider this. However, for my lifestyle, I would probably choose a cardigan that hit closer to my knee.
This is a very long cardigan. While I love the longer length look, I knew it wouldn’t be for everyone.
Hit! I’m also 5’6” and would wear this. Love the jeans, the black boots. I would tweak the top buy wearing a white fine gauge sweater or something similar to the style of yesterday’s red sleeveless turtleneck -but in white. The blouse is pretty on its own but I think it’s too long & throwing proportions off just a bit. Cardigan would be cute paired over a pink, yellow, gold or kelly green knee length dress with nude heels for spring.
I like your ideas. I think navy and Kelly green look great together.