Embroidered Cardigans: How to Wear the Knit That Does the Dressing Up for You
Embroidered Cardigans: How to Wear the Knit That Does the Dressing Up for You
The short answer: an embroidered cardigan is a knit that dresses itself up. Wear it buttoned as a top with a plain skirt, open over a silk slip, and with straight jeans at the weekend, and let it be the only decorated piece in the outfit. Our pick is the Khaite Marcela Embroidery Cardigan in Primary Multi, an argyle cardigan in cashmere and mohair animated by embroidery and gold-tone floral buttons. Shop all designer cardigans, the full knitwear edit and every Khaite piece at Coveti.
Khaite made its name partly on a cardigan: in 2019 Katie Holmes wore the house’s Scarlet cashmere cardigan in New York and the photographs went round the world. Khaite is the New York label Catherine Holstein founded in 2016. It won the CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2022 and again in 2023, and it is known for reworked wardrobe essentials: cashmere knitwear, denim, leather and a very particular kind of evening dress. This season it adds embroidery to its knit and its velvet.
Three ways to wear an embroidered cardigan
| How | With | For |
|---|---|---|
| Buttoned as a top | A pencil skirt, a fluid silk skirt | Lunch, the office |
| Open over silk | A slip dress, a silk camisole | Dinner |
| Weekend | Straight jeans, a loafer | Everything else |
Our picks: Khaite embroidery
1. Marcela Embroidery Cardigan in Primary Multi
A classic argyle in a blend of medium-weight cashmere and mohair with heritage cashmere, with embroidery and floral gold-tone buttons.
2. Maura Cardigan in Olive
The plain counterpart, a V-neck in a textured silk and wool blend with dropped shoulders.
3. Rolo Jacket in Black Flower Embroidery
Velvet embroidered with flowers, each one hand-clipped and trimmed, on a draped double-breasted jacket.
4. Han Pant in Black Flower Embroidery
The matching slim trouser, made in the United States, to wear as a suit with the Rolo.
What to wear with it
The Marcela buttoned with the Ophelia Skirt in Black and the Jane Flat in Black Velvet. For more pattern, see our argyle sweaters guide and the Khaite knitwear guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you wash an embroidered cardigan?
Dry clean it, as Khaite advises. Washing can pull the embroidery threads and distort the knit.
Can you wear an embroidered cardigan to the office?
Yes, buttoned with a tailored trouser and a plain shoe. Keep jewellery minimal.
Which Khaite cardigan did Katie Holmes wear?
The Khaite Scarlet cashmere cardigan, which she wore in New York in 2019.
How should a cardigan fit?
To wear buttoned as a top, choose a fitted cardigan. To wear open as a layer, a relaxed fit is easier.
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