Cardigans: is a twinset necessary?

[windsey]

I'm 23 and i only started buying cardigans this past season (an effort to adult-ify and prep-ify my wardrobe). I bought a black, white and baby blue one. But i didn't buy any of those shells because I just couldn't get myself to like them. Crew neck just sometimes makes me feel like i'm being choked. and maybe i think subconsciously that it's stuffy. I'd rather have a more open neck... but am i making a mistake by not buying a shell with it if i want to look more... i don't know, adult/put together? i mean, am i going to regret not having the option of having the matching shell. or can i just wear tank top like stuff under them in other colors like white and never feel guilty that i don't have an exact match underneath?

 

[Blondes]

You're talking about twin set type things? I don't think it's necessary to wear a matching top under a cardigan to look like an adult. If you want to look like Bree Van de Kamp, on the other hand...

 

[crepebacksatin]

a shell is definitely not necessary... unless you want to go for that 50s kinda feel... i remember the twinset was really big in the early 90's too... but yeah... if you don't like the shell, just wear the cardis over tanks/tees/dresses/whatever

 

[Suburban Snob]

I like cardigans myself (J.Crew has especially been turning out some nice ones) but I hate the matchy matchy twinsets. I usually like to add a pop of color or something underneath a cardigan.

 

[softgrey]

if you are trying to 'prep-ify'...
then the matching shell and a string of pearls are the way to go...

 

[windsey]

joy! i don't feel guilty for not getting the shell for any of them. thank you.

 

[baRose]

I don’t like the shells typically fit. They are usually too loose and matronly and reminds me of Barbara Bush for some reason. If the fit of the shirts were more like American Apparel or Shade Clothing, that would be different. I usually just buy sweaters alone.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I don't like shells/crewnecks either, and usually buy just the cardigan. This is a great way to ensure you don't look like anyone else--wearing separates ... separately

 

[MUXU]

no, twinset is not necessary.
i brought some cardis from uniqlo and i always wear my cardis with the buttons on the back

 

[Deborah]

I wear mine like that sometimes too!

 

[MissyJG]

god, no, i think it's pretty awful most of the time. Love cardigans though. Wearing another cute top underneath is so much better!

 

[jazspin]

Yup, I never buy the matching shells. Mixing and matching is much more individual and you can create a lot more outfits from your pieces.

 

[DandyWarhol]

*shrieks in horror*
please please please do not buy the matching shell for the love of all that is holy unless your goal is to look like a 50+ overtanned frosted-haired talon-nailed hawaiian-print-pant-wearing lady in an airport!!!!!!

 

[cutxpaste]

^ i echo jules (or unless you want to look like an elementary school teacher)