Monday, March 2, 2015

Cabled Sweater Craziness - A Conundrum in Cable Knit

I've been mentioned before that I've been on the hunt for the perfect, cozy, slightly slouchy cable sweater in ivory this winter. I don't know why exactly - it just seems like it would be a nice addition to my wardrobe. Clearly I am not the only one feeling some nostalgia for a good ol' traditional aran style sweater because they are EVERYWHERE this season. Here is my roundup of choices. I'm really not sure which one to keep (or none).

If you have a moment, would you mind weighing in?

Cabled Boucle Pullover in Neutral (XS)
 This is sort of a bonus review becuase I put this in a different category of cable sweater - not traditional but oh so cozy. At first I thought it added too much bulk but now I am really loving it. The color is more tan than ivory (thus the color name neutral). I love the design down the back and the big cowl. It even smells good. I think it runs pretty big so keep that in mind.

 Gap Boyfriend Cable Knit Sweater (XS) in Cream
 Grabbed this on the sale rack the other day for $19.99. Pros: tunic-y length, open neckline, side slits Cons: maybe not enough cabling? Runs a little wide (middle pic) and the color is a bit strange. It's hard to tell in the photos but it's sort of a greyish white as opposed to a warm ivory. Nonetheless, it is quite comfortble - not sure how it will hold up over time. Then again, every single Madewell sweater I have has pilled terribly and cost a lot more!

 Jack Wills Boyfriend Cable Knit Sweater (US 6)
This is from ASOS. I think it's the most traditional of the lot. The 6 runs a little wide but I like that it buys me a bit more length. The color leans a little more tan/grey but I like it. Love the cable down the sleeves and the interesting neckline. The drop shoulders make me look a litle hefty in the shoulder area. 

 Same sweater in grey 2 sizes smaller. I think this makes me look less bulky but I am losing a little length. The grey is fairly dark and I like it but don't love it. If only I could get the cream in a 2 or 4 I think this may be the one.

 Gap Cable Knit Sweater in Ivory Frost (Size S)
 Then again... this little one from the gap is so cute! It's definitely not slouchy or boyfriend style but the cabling is cute and I like that the sleeves are neither raglan nor drop shoulder. I supposed I could try sizing up so it was more slouchy but I don't think that would work with this one.

 Barnegat Pullover (XS) in Ivory
 The open stitch is so beautiful on this one. Slightly more cropped than the others. All cotton which also makes it different. The ribbing at the neck is quite thick - not totally loving that but not minding it that much either. Cute, but is it the more traditional look I'm going for?

Mixed Cable Sweater (XXS) in Antique White

This one I'm just adding in because it's cable and ivory-colored. This thing runs HUGE. This was an XXS! I like the thickness of it but the neck was too high and thick for my taste. Also those weird drop shoulder arm bands. Bummer.

This one at Banana Republic looks intriguing but the reviews are all over the place.
I love Autumn Cashmere and wish this one was lighter colored and less expensive :)
I don't have much experience with Club Monaco or I might be tempted to try this Maebel Sweater.

There's my roundup. I like different things about each of them and in the end I probably just want one that is flattering whether it's traditional/boyfriend/ whatever.

What do you think? Please weigh in or feel free to tell me where you got your own cable sweater!

14 comments:

  1. I would say the Cowl Neck seems the most cozy, you don't need a button down or anything underneath.

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    1. Thanks, TeriLynn13! It is definitely super cozy.

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  2. My #1 vote goes to the first sweater with the cowl neck (where is that from?). Love it! My #2 vote goes to Gap Cable Knit Sweater in Ivory Frost (Size S). I think it has a more fitted silhouette and still would even if you went up a size to get it slouchier (if you wanted that). It looks better than the wide, boxy ones on you. I think it looks great in the size Small.

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    1. The Cable Boucle is from Anthropologie - it just cut to $39.95 but it pops back all the time. It comes in navy, purple and grey as well. Thanks for the feedback. After looking at the pictures I agree with you! Sometimes it's hard to actually see how you look in stuff!

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  3. I agree that the cowl-neck Cabled Boucle sweater is fantastic - it just looks so comfy and at the same time stylish. The Gap Cable Knit does fit you well, but if you want slouchy I think the Jack Wills is a better look. As for the Club Monaco option, I buy quite a lot from them and their quality is very good; their sizing tends to be slightly smaller (and way more consistent) than JCrew, more like Gap/BR. The CM sweater is not perhaps the most traditional-looking as it is a boatneck, but it is lovely!

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    1. Thanks for the feedback, cagliari67! Good to know about Club Monaco - I like how their stuff looks but I don't have one close by so I've never tried much.

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  4. I managed to score that Cabled Boucle sweater (in the pretty teal color) on markdown for $70 and I LOVE it!!! Compliments galore, super cozy, just perfect!! I ordered it in an XS and it fit perfect. I'm normally a sz. S in most sweaters. I'd buy it in another color if I could grab it, but I was lucky to track down mine a few weeks ago.

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    1. At first I wasn't so sure about it but now i really like it. I would love to catch it another color as well = so cozy and yet chic with skinny pants!

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    2. Do you think they're still floating around in stores? I really would like to try for the ivory color. Esp. at $40! Maybe I'll make a few calls. It looks fab on you, btw!! :)

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    3. Thanks! I've only seen the occasional one in stores but they pop back online several times a day. Good luck - I really like the neutral color.

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  5. I vote for the cabled boucle. I have it in plum and love it and I think it looks great on you. Now that it's had another markdown, I'm hoping for it in the blue colorway.

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    1. Me too! Thanks for the compliment. I think it's a keeper!

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  6. I like the cabled, #1 and also the Barnegat. Lots of great choices. I love looking at creme, cabled sweaters.

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    1. Thanks, Gigi. It's been sort of a fun project. I love creme cabled sweaters as well. Something so wintery and yet bright about them.

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