Today, I’m partnering with my long-time friends at ABLE, to share a closer look at one of their customer favourites, the Neva Long Cardigan, in the newly released Midnight colour way.
Read on for some thoughts on what sustainability means to me and how ABLE is approaching it within their business. Then we’ll take a closer look at this piece and a few different ways you might try styling a long cardigan in your closet!
OUTFIT SOURCES : NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M) | MAE DRAPEY TEE* (wearing S) | WHITNEY JEANS* (wearing my usual 27) all by ABLE . | SUEDE MULES* | CIRCULO TOTE* by Artisan & Fox | HEADBAND by Atelier Batac | LUMEN PENDANT by Wolf Circus
MY TWO CENTS ON SUSTAINABILITY
April is Earth Month and as we approach Earth Day on April 22nd, there are lots of important discussions happening around sustainability and what that means to different folks. For me, sustainability in my wardrobe means a lot of different things. To start, it means being very thoughtful about what I add, prioritizing natural materials, versatile styles, and timeless design. Then, of course, caring for the pieces I have so they last as long as possible.
Another key elements in building a sustainable closet, that I think is often overlooked, is whether or not a piece feels true to you and your personal style. For instance, I’ve always been drawn to the look and feel of a long, minimal, open front cardigan. Throughout my many years of closet curation, this type of garment has become an integral part of my personal style and I keep reaching for it time and again.
Knowing your personal style and what is going to best serve your lifestyle will help you avoid adding items that aren’t quite right and won’t serve you long term, thus, ending up unworn or worse. You can explore Defining Your Style and lots more in the Closet Mission section.
I’m very much of the mindset that if an item supports the best version of yourself and the life you’re trying to live, it’s a keeper. Not to mention the fact that the most sustainable closet you’ll find is the one you already have!
A BIT ABOUT ABLE
For ABLE, sustainability and ethical practices go hand in hand – to do what is ethically right for people in the fashion industry, includes protecting the environment. Fashion brands that acknowledge the need to figure out how to slow consumption and use fashion for good are few and far between but ABLE isn’t shying away from this topic. Nor do they shy away when it comes to the discussion of fair wages.
The Neva Long Cardigan is spearheading ABLE’s efforts towards sustainable styles. It’s made of 100% organic cotton, traceable from seed to sweater and the factory where each one is created is GOTS certified, the highest sustainability credit available.
Along with the process behind the Neva Long Cardigan, ABLE is actively working to uplift the sustainability of all of their product categories. I really appreciate that the brand isn’t pretending to have it all figured out, but they’re working diligently to do better and better. You can read more about their efforts here.
A FEW DETAILS I LOVE ABOUT THE NEVA LONG CARDIGAN
SUPER SOFT ORGANIC COTTON
This knit feels so good on the skin. It’s made from 100% organic cotton, traceable from seed to sweater. Not an inkling of an itch to be felt.
It’s machine washable!
SUBTLE BACK V NECKLINE
I may not have noticed this subtle details if my hair wasn’t short but I think it’s lovely.
PERFECTLY PLACED PATCH POCKETS
I find I prefer a patch pocket on a cardigan (over an inseam pocket) as they tend to help the garment fall nicer through the hip. These are perfectly place for sliding my phone in during long walks with Dobby.
BEAUTIFUL MARL & TUCK STICH TEXTURE
I love the nubbly, open texture of this knit, which makes it super breathable.
DEEP RIBBED CUFFS
Push them up or roll them to expose a little base layer sleeve. I love that they’re fitted so I’m not dragging them through anything as the day goes.
CLEAN LINES
A long cardigan can definitely “take over” an outfit but with the streamlined design of this one it feels minimal and elegant, not overpowering.
A sizing note
I have this cardigan in two colours and two sizes. In the Tan Marl, shown here, I have a size Small, which is more fitted through the sleeves and shoulders.
For the Midnight, I decided to try out the Medium, and I prefer this fit. It’s a little roomier everywhere and I can wrap myself up in it more easily, especially over a loose fitting denim.
For reference my measurements are approximately: 32 in bust, 27 in waist, 38 in hip. I typically wear a small or medium in knitwear.
5 WAYS TO WEAR THE NEVA LONG CARDIGAN
FOR EVERYDAY & WFH
OVER A WHITE TEE WITH WIDE LEG JEANS AND POINTED TOE MULES
OUTFIT SOURCES : NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M) | MAE DRAPEY TEE* (wearing S) | WHITNEY JEANS* (wearing my usual 27) all by ABLE . | SUEDE MULES* | CIRCULO TOTE* | HEADBAND | LUMEN PENDANT
DRESSED UP
BELTED OVER A LONG SLIP DRESS WITH SANDALS
OUTFIT SOURCES: NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M) . | SLIP DRESS (old) . | BELT & WALLET* | SLIDE SANDAL (old) .
ON THE WEEKEND
OVER A LOUNGE SET WITH SLIPPERS
OUTFIT SOURCES: NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M). | CREAM LOUNGE SET: TOP & BOTTOM | SHEARLING LINED CLOG*
AS THE TEMPS GO UP
WITH SHORTS, A CROP TANK AND CLOGS
OUTFIT SOURCES: NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M). | CROP TANK (old) | PAPAYA SHORTS (oatmeal colour discontinued) | CLOG (old) These look super similar and comfy.
WITH SOME COLOURFUL
PANTS AND NUDE FLIP FLOPS FOR PATIO HANGS
OUTFIT SOURCES: NEVA LONG CARDIGAN (wearing M) . | RIBBED LONG SLEEVE | OLIVE GREEN PANT . | FLIP FLOPS These are a summer favourite. | BEADED BAG.
