Little black dress with pink striped cardigan

2 April 2013

OK, admittedly, this is not a great achievement….. putting a cardigan on a black dress.
Nevertheless I like it and it gives me an opportunity to wear this cardigan for which I had little use so far.
On the other hand, this outfit is 100% classic. So really, it needs something to give it a twist. Any ideas?

It is so nice to be able to use you all as stylists. For free. (“For free” is something we Dutch are known to love. LOL)

The variations are simple: buttoned up, buttons open at the top and bottom or cardigan completely open.
My preference is open, which is a bit of a surprise to me. The fact that you interrupt the horizontal lines by opening the cardigan would have stopped me from doing so. In theory. In practise I think it makes me less straight which is good to me as I don’t want to look like a long stick.

Have you got a preference? And do you have a tip to make it less classic?

(With the exception of Josep-Maria, who likes classic. LOL)

Looking forward to your advice for making it less classic.
Greetje

76 responses to “Little black dress with pink striped cardigan”

Lady of Style

February 23, 2019 at 10:18 pm

Nothing wrong with classic, Greetje. I always love that style. Especially in the office I like wearing a cardigan with a black dress to make it less formal.What about a big statement necklace in pink if you want to give it a bit of a twist?I am thinking of something like:http://bit.ly/YZlqdForhttp://bit.ly/13OUox9Annette Lady of Style

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 28, 2019 at 5:11 am
  
  Oh Annette… what a wonderful necklaces… especially the first one. So lovely, but I always want to try these things first. If you order them from abroad, it costs quite a bit of money to have them shipped (and even more if you have to send them back if they are not right). I will try my own necklaces first and pretend it is shocking pink. See what it looks like. But oh, that first one with the olive pearl drops… mouth watering.
  
  Reply
Heather Fonseca

February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

It’s a really pretty outfit on you! To make it more trendy you could wear the sweater with a black & white stripe skirt or better yet, skinny jeans!

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  March 1, 2019 at 10:37 am
  
  On skinnies? Not with my hips and bum dear. Oh no. But the cardigan with the black and white striped skirt is an idea I had not thought of. Thanks, I will try that.
  
  Reply
RedTagChicLosAngeles

February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

I am a huge cardigan girl. I love buying it in every color & pattern imaginable….& that one you’re wearing is something I would grab from your closet! :-)Rebeccawww.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  March 1, 2019 at 2:18 pm
  
  Just reach out your hand…
  
  Reply
silvergirl

February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

great classic look, all you are missing are pearlsbrett

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 28, 2019 at 5:11 am
  
  That would make it even more classic. I would rather make it more modern.
  
  Reply
Happiness at Mid Life

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

It’s a sweater that you can dress up or down. I like it paired with a classic LBD as you did here. But I can see this being really cute with a summery white eyelet dress or even an unexpected cobalt blue underneath. This will work nicely with jeans and a cute top (since I love pattern mixing – I would go with polka dots or even a black & white striped top).I love the idea of asking for free style advice. I have a dress that I need a lot of help – I think I will wear it and ask for some help. Great idea!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  Well Alice, you know you can upload the picture to the Forum of 40plusstyle. Lots of women (and Sylvia) there who like to give some help. I am going to try the black and white striped top as I have a few of those.
  
  Reply
Tanguera/Anja

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

With the vest open, adding a neon pink necklace a la your yellow one would make it more contemporary.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  Please be on the look-out for this kind of pink necklace (SMILE).
  
  Reply
Jeanne@twotakeonstyle

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Greetje – I want to second Annette’s idea because I think the solution is once again about accessories. The dress is lovely as is the sweater; now you should bring it into the 21st century with a great bold necklace or scarf. I would do the necklace in black myself – such as http://needsupply.com/womens/new-items/rios-necklace.html?affiliate_id=20648&click_id={clickid}&utm_source=pepperjamYou could in a simple outfit like this combine two necklaces. Please see our post on layering more than one necklace at a time. I also love the pics of you out and about with Sylvia.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  I was answering your comment Jeanne when I read your last sentence and thought: “What????” Went to 40plusstyle.com immediately and there was me in an article. So funny.Thanks for the compliments and the link to the lovely necklace. I will go necklace hunting (again).
  
  Reply
Sacramento Amate

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

The touch of pink cardigan gives it a more casual look. Such a lovely ensemble.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  As said by so many people, with a good LBD you can do anything, wear it anytime.
  
  Reply
Ofelia

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

I love cardigans I wear them almost every day to work because my job is usually very cool. I wear mine completely open but on you I like the one with the top 3 bottoms open.Have a great week,

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  Thanks Ofelia. I never wear cardigans, they are on my NO GO list. But this fitted one I like.
  
  Reply
Anonymous

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

I like all three looks. The first is the most traditional, the second is a bit more youthful (I think the way the sweater is open at the top and bottom defines your waist), and the fully opened cardigan makes you look long and lean – in a totally good way. The pink is flattering to you. The only way to give this a “twist” is with a colorful shoe and/or bag. Orange and pink together are big this Spring but yellow or a bright green might work too. I am happy with the classic look of this though. I would be content to wear it as is. :)Suzanne

Reply
1. Tanguera/Anja
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm
  
  Hahaha! In that case you might even wear it as a hat-)
  
  Reply
2. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm
  
  Now you are going overboard. LOL
  
  Reply
3. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  You gave me too many options. If you had said it definitely needed an orange bag, I would be on my way to buy one. But as you well know, I have a yellow one. Green too, but not bright. I have a lunchbox which is bright green. Might use that as clutch. As long as I pull a face as if it is a trend, I can get away with it, can’t I?
  
  Reply
dan

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

well, the cardigan is nice but I wouldn’t wear it with black. Perhaps with creamy colours would be better

Reply
1. Tanguera/Anja
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm
  
  Indeed. I like it.
  
  Reply
2. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:31 pm
  
  Why not Dan? It has a black stripe in it.
  
  Reply
3. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm
  
  I know what you mean Dan. English is not my native language either. And although I can express myself pretty well, it is not the same as my native tongue. And I agree that black is a very severe colour. It is also totally the wrong colour for me, but I cannot resist it. Like a moth is drawn to a flame.
  
  Reply
4. dan
  
  February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm
  
  … I find that black sometimes makes an outfit too severe ( even if your dress is very beautiful ). ( sorry for my poor English that don’t allow me to express myself as I would )
  
  Reply
trinagrandinetti

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Greetje, sometimes classic is beautiful and you, my friend, just stated it here with this ensemble. I actually love the first photo the best, simple and classic, it is just stunning. If you really want to add a twist to it, I will let you borrow my bow belt (lol) which would be really fun to wear over the cardigan (buttoned up). I do like all three combinations as they are all lovely on you. With the cardigan left opened, I would add a strand of pearls (maybe 3 in different lengths). With the second combo I would have a fun floral neck scarf, but you know me, I’m all about mixing patterns. Good to see you!

Reply
1. trinagrandinetti
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm
  
  Greetje, I hadn’t seen Sylvia’s post before my first comment, but WOW you looked amazing in those photo’s. What a fun day you must have had, you looked so happy. Great buy with those gloves, the little polka dots (buttons) are fabulous. And, I love your purple velvet blazer.
  
  Reply
2. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  And you are very good at mixing patterns Trina, so I welcome your suggestions. Thanks.
  
  Reply
3. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm
  
  I am happy. Sylvia is great in taking photos. As with everything she does, she really gets into the stuff and finds things out. No half work here. Therefore she has become really good at photography as well. And nice photos make or break an outfit. I have shown this purple jacket on my blog as well, but the jacket always turned out blue. Today my niece, who is a photographer, gave me some lessons again. Slowly learning….
  
  Reply
josep-maria badia

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

You laugh at me? 🙂 LOL. You’re right. That elegant with your LBD! I love this jacket, the outfit that set the dress is very nice and balanced. It really is a classic look, but fun. I really like the cardigan open so you can see the full dress. In the second picture I laugh at you. 😉 🙂

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:31 pm
  
  Love you dearly Josep-Maria. Would not dream of laughing at your expense. LOL
  
  Reply
2. josep-maria badia
  
  February 23, 2019 at 2:31 pm
  
  thanks Greetje, 🙂
  
  Reply
Heather Fonseca

April 13, 2013 at 5:57 pm

It’s a really pretty outfit on you! To make it more trendy you could wear the sweater with a black & white stripe skirt or better yet, skinny jeans!

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 13, 2013 at 7:56 pm
  
  On skinnies? Not with my hips and bum dear. Oh no. But the cardigan with the black and white striped skirt is an idea I had not thought of. Thanks, I will try that.
  
  Reply
RedTagChicLosAngeles

April 4, 2013 at 6:55 am

I am a huge cardigan girl. I love buying it in every color & pattern imaginable….& that one you’re wearing is something I would grab from your closet! 🙂

Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 4, 2013 at 6:15 pm
  
  Just reach out your hand…
  
  Reply
silvergirl

April 4, 2013 at 6:01 am

great classic look, all you are missing are pearls
brett

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm
  
  That would make it even more classic. I would rather make it more modern.
  
  Reply
Sacramento Amate

April 3, 2013 at 8:16 pm

The touch of pink cardigan gives it a more casual look. Such a lovely ensemble.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 9:28 pm
  
  As said by so many people, with a good LBD you can do anything, wear it anytime.
  
  Reply
Aileen

April 3, 2013 at 8:07 pm

I think this is a classic look and a bit different from your usual style, but I like it.
The skirt is a good elegent length and I love the black band on the cardigan with the black skirt.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 9:27 pm
  
  Yes, I am a woman with many faces… LOL
  
  Reply
Aileen

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

I think this is a classic look and a bit different from your usual style, but I like it.
The skirt is a good elegent length and I love the black band on the cardigan with the black skirt.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
  
  Yes, I am a woman with many faces… LOL
  
  Reply
Tanguera/Anja

April 3, 2013 at 9:57 am

With the vest open, adding a neon pink necklace a la your yellow one would make it more contemporary.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 5:55 pm
  
  Please be on the look-out for this kind of pink necklace (SMILE).
  
  Reply
Happiness at Mid Life

April 3, 2013 at 7:22 am

It’s a sweater that you can dress up or down. I like it paired with a classic LBD as you did here. But I can see this being really cute with a summery white eyelet dress or even an unexpected cobalt blue underneath. This will work nicely with jeans and a cute top (since I love pattern mixing – I would go with polka dots or even a black & white striped top).

I love the idea of asking for free style advice. I have a dress that I need a lot of help – I think I will wear it and ask for some help. Great idea!

Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 8:38 am
  
  Well Alice, you know you can upload the picture to the Forum of 40plusstyle. Lots of women (and Sylvia) there who like to give some help. I am going to try the black and white striped top as I have a few of those.
  
  Reply
Ofelia

April 3, 2013 at 4:05 am

I love cardigans; I wear them almost every day to work because my job is usually very cool.
I wear mine completely open but on you I like the one with the top 3 bottoms open.
Have a great week,

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 8:36 am
  
  Thanks Ofelia. I never wear cardigans, they are on my NO GO list. But this fitted one I like.
  
  Reply
Jeanne@twotakeonstyle

April 3, 2013 at 1:24 am

Greetje – I want to second Annette’s idea because I think the solution is once again about accessories. The dress is lovely as is the sweater; now you should bring it into the 21st century with a great bold necklace or scarf. I would do the necklace in black myself – such as http://needsupply.com/womens/new-items/rios-necklace.html?affiliate_id=20648&click_id={clickid}&utm_source=pepperjam
You could in a simple outfit like this combine two necklaces. Please see our post on layering more than one necklace at a time. I also love the pics of you out and about with Sylvia.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 8:35 am
  
  I was answering your comment Jeanne when I read your last sentence and thought: “What????” Went to 40plusstyle.com immediately and there was me in an article. So funny.
  Thanks for the compliments and the link to the lovely necklace. I will go necklace hunting (again).
  
  Reply
trinagrandinetti

April 2, 2013 at 10:25 pm

Greetje, sometimes classic is beautiful and you, my friend, just stated it here with this ensemble. I actually love the first photo the best, simple and classic, it is just stunning. If you really want to add a twist to it, I will let you borrow my bow belt (lol) which would be really fun to wear over the cardigan (buttoned up). I do like all three combinations as they are all lovely on you. With the cardigan left opened, I would add a strand of pearls (maybe 3 in different lengths). With the second combo I would have a fun floral neck scarf, but you know me, I’m all about mixing patterns. Good to see you!

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 7:38 am
  
  And you are very good at mixing patterns Trina, so I welcome your suggestions. Thanks.
  
  Reply
2. trinagrandinetti
  
  April 3, 2013 at 6:42 pm
  
  Greetje, I hadn’t seen Sylvia’s post before my first comment, but WOW you looked amazing in those photo’s. What a fun day you must have had, you looked so happy. Great buy with those gloves, the little polka dots (buttons) are fabulous. And, I love your purple velvet blazer.
  
  Reply
3. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 9:25 pm
  
  I am happy. Sylvia is great in taking photos. As with everything she does, she really gets into the stuff and finds things out. No half work here. Therefore she has become really good at photography as well. And nice photos make or break an outfit. I have shown this purple jacket on my blog as well, but the jacket always turned out blue. Today my niece, who is a photographer, gave me some lessons again. Slowly learning….
  
  Reply
Lady of Style

April 2, 2013 at 8:13 pm

Nothing wrong with classic, Greetje. I always love that style. Especially in the office I like wearing a cardigan with a black dress to make it less formal.

What about a big statement necklace in pink if you want to give it a bit of a twist?
I am thinking of something like:
http://bit.ly/YZlqdF
or
http://bit.ly/13OUox9

Annette
Lady of Style

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 2, 2013 at 9:25 pm
  
  Oh Annette… what a wonderful necklaces… especially the first one. So lovely, but I always want to try these things first. If you order them from abroad, it costs quite a bit of money to have them shipped (and even more if you have to send them back if they are not right). I will try my own necklaces first and pretend it is shocking pink. See what it looks like. But oh, that first one with the olive pearl drops… mouth watering.
  
  Reply
Marianne van den Berg

April 2, 2013 at 7:42 pm

I don’t think it needs a lot. You can’t change it being classic. The cardigan is present enough. I would wear it open, and wear a small pink belt[the same colour as the cardigan]. This to break the long black line of the dress.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 2, 2013 at 8:10 pm
  
  Oh dear, I have a yellow one. Will that do? My pink ones are wider and meant for the hip.
  
  Reply
josep-maria badia

April 2, 2013 at 7:07 pm

You laugh at me? 🙂 LOL. You’re right. That elegant with your LBD! I love this jacket, the outfit that set the dress is very nice and balanced. It really is a classic look, but fun. I really like the cardigan open so you can see the full dress. In the second picture I laugh at you. 😉 🙂

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 2, 2013 at 8:09 pm
  
  Love you dearly Josep-Maria. Would not dream of laughing at your expense. LOL
  
  Reply
2. josep-maria badia
  
  April 2, 2013 at 8:24 pm
  
  thanks Greetje, 🙂
  
  Reply
Anonymous

April 2, 2013 at 6:59 pm

I like all three looks. The first is the most traditional, the second is a bit more youthful (I think the way the sweater is open at the top and bottom defines your waist), and the fully opened cardigan makes you look long and lean – in a totally good way. The pink is flattering to you. The only way to give this a “twist” is with a colorful shoe and/or bag. Orange and pink together are big this Spring but yellow or a bright green might work too. I am happy with the classic look of this though. I would be content to wear it as is. 🙂
Suzanne

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 2, 2013 at 8:08 pm
  
  You gave me too many options. If you had said it definitely needed an orange bag, I would be on my way to buy one. But as you well know, I have a yellow one. Green too, but not bright. I have a lunchbox which is bright green. Might use that as clutch. As long as I pull a face as if it is a trend, I can get away with it, can’t I?
  
  Reply
2. Tanguera/Anja
  
  April 3, 2013 at 9:59 am
  
  Hahaha! In that case you might even wear it as a hat;-)
  
  Reply
3. No fear of fashion
  
  April 3, 2013 at 5:56 pm
  
  Now you are going overboard. LOL
  
  Reply
dan

April 2, 2013 at 6:37 pm

well, the cardigan is nice but I wouldn’t wear it with black. Perhaps with creamy colours would be better

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  April 2, 2013 at 8:05 pm
  
  Why not Dan? It has a black stripe in it.
  
  Reply
2. Tanguera/Anja
  
  April 3, 2013 at 9:58 am
  
  Indeed. I like it.
  
  Reply
3. dan
  
  April 7, 2013 at 5:09 pm
  
  … I find that black sometimes makes an outfit too severe ( even if your dress is very beautiful ).
  ( sorry for my poor English that don’t allow me to express myself as I would )
  
  Reply
4. No fear of fashion
  
  April 7, 2013 at 9:40 pm
  
  I know what you mean Dan. English is not my native language either. And although I can express myself pretty well, it is not the same as my native tongue. And I agree that black is a very severe colour. It is also totally the wrong colour for me, but I cannot resist it. Like a moth is drawn to a flame.
  
  Reply
Marianne van den Berg

February 23, 2019 at 2:18 pm

I don’t think it needs a lot. You can’t change it being classic. The cardigan is present enough. I would wear it open, and wear a small pink belt[the same colour as the cardigan]. This to break the long black line of the dress.

Reply
1. No fear of fashion
  
  February 28, 2019 at 5:11 am
  
  Oh dear, I have a yellow one. Will that do? My pink ones are wider and meant for the hip.
  
  Reply

Little black dress with pink striped cardigan

76 responses to “Little black dress with pink striped cardigan”

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