Michelle Obama: Making Cardigan Sweaters Popular Again...

via the WSJ:
The versatile twin set enjoyed long-lived popularity during the 1990s, when women doffed business suits in a casual era. But eventually, women got bored with the matchy look, leaving cardigans to stand on their own.

Perhaps as a result, cardigans got a new groove, reviving shapes such as boleros and shrunken shrugs. More recently, designers brought back the classic waist-length button-front silhouette, which flatters everybody and can cheaply update clothes that women already own. Cardigans these days are bursting with stripes, florals and those ever-popular animal prints, as well as vibrant solids. Choose snug styles with high armholes that fit a bit like a blouse with the top buttons open; you can add necklaces or scarves if you like.

Whenever you're layering printed cardigans, it's safe to stick with a solid T-shirt or tank -- or an of-the-moment sleeveless ruffled blouse. If you're keen on combinations -- florals, bold graphics, and stripes, for example -- study the mix-and-match knack of labels such as Etro. Also, try a cardigan with pushed-up sleeves over a sleeveless dress -- a signature look of the first lady.