The Holy Grail of Neutral-Colored Cardigans

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Today's pick comes from Racked National columnist Frank Gargione.

I have been looking high and low for a beige- or camel- or oat- or linen-colored cardigan. A weight that works in November with a coat but is just as wearable in the spring and early fall. A cut that I can wear to work but wouldn't look too slick or buttoned-up at brunch. Something clean—not too trendy or overwrought with Fair Isle intarsia, cords, and cables. And no one has it! The colors in stores right now all tend towards opulent, impractical winter white or deep and dusty caramel tan. I don't like winter white, and caramel tan doesn't like me.

But I think I finally found it! By Velva Sheen and available at Hickoree's—Brooklyn-based purveyors of all things heritage—this iteration has patch pockets and a subtle shawl collar and feels just heavenly. Some background: Velva Sheen was a Depression-era, Ohio-based sportswear label that put college kids in jersey for generations. A California-based company has revived the name, producing top-quality knit basics straight out of the Velva Sheen archive right here in the USA. The woven, sewn-in labels? They're mid-century deadstock—nice touch.
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