
Baby, it’s downright cold outside. With that in mind, this week’s edition of 10 Ways to Style is all about the cardigan, an essential winter staple. From tying it up around your waist to turning it into a sweet strapless top, you’re sure to find a new way to rock your cardi in this playful collection of looks.
Oh, and you can feel free to cue up Lovefool by… The Cardigans ;)
1. East Coast Prepster: This look comes straight from Nantucket on a crisp fall day. Keeps your shoulders warm and acts as an extra layer when you need it.
2. Hoodie Chic: Just because you love rocking a hoodie doesn’t mean you need to look like you rolled out of bed. Layer a cardigan over a light zip-up hoodie and you’ve got a totally chic look.
3. Be My Valentine: This one makes us wish Valentine’s Day was even closer! Tuck that cardigan into a belt for a layered look that still shows off your fab figure.
4. Strapless Sweetheart: That’s right. We turned our cardigan into a tube top with a look that reminds us of a sweetheart neckline. Put the cardigan on backwards and pull it down so that neck is around the top of your chest. Tie the sleeves around the front and you’re done.
5. Buttoned Up Mini: And now a skirt! This works really nicely with our cardigan because it has a v-neck that fits right around the waist. Tie the sleeves around your waist and tuck excess sleeve into your newly made waistband and you’re set.
6. Patriotic Party Dress: We think Michelle Obama would approve of this rather patriotic look. We simply tied our cardigan up over a dress to give it a playful look, while still keeping things formal enough for cocktail hour.
7. Hipster Librarian: Wait a minute, isn’t “hipster librarian” kind of an oxymoron at this point? The cardigans, the oxfords, the knit beanies? Love this look.
8. Stripes + Shrug: If you’re wearing a long summer dress, warm it up by turning a cardigan into a shrug. Simply unbutton the cardigan, pull the sides around to the back and pin up.
9. Skirt It Up: Another skirt! For this one we went more high-waisted and tucked everything in with a belt. Digging this bomber jacket.
10. Cozy Cowl: And finally, rock your cardigan as a cowl!
And if you’re lucky, you can get one of your charming coworkers to pose with you too!
Such a perfect look for Valentine’s Day!
How do you rock a cardigan in unusual ways? Got any other clothing hacks we should know about? Or any items you want to see styled 10 ways? Talk to us in the comments below.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.