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Styling the Shawl Collar Cardigan

The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan 

The shawl collar cardigan is a classic, with roots in ivy league style and traditional smoking jackets, popularised in the 60s by Hollywood icons, counting the likes of Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and Alain Delon amongst its champions.

Although a traditional garment, the shawl collar cardigan need not be worn in a traditional way. We have reimagined how it makes for a stylish accompaniment to numerous outfits that incorporate sartorial, workwear and vintage pieces alike, making this not only the heftiest, cosiest piece of knitwear you will have in your wardrobe, but also the most versatile.

Our version is made in Scotland, using a luxuriously thick and soft 6-ply superfine lambswool yarn from world renowned mill Todd & Duncan. As it is made using the world's softest lambswool (at 18.5 microns in diameter) and washed in Scottish water, the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is a chunky garment but incredibly soft against the skin. It is a true heirloom quality piece, made by the world's finest knitwear makers in the Scottish Borders, famous for making knitwear that last decades; not years. Experience the satisfaction of having a piece of clothing that can be enjoyed your whole life, getting better with age, and then passed on.

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Navy

The navy version of our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is very dark, which goes well with elements of black and white.

White jeans
For this look, we've paired the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan with a denim shirt - the rugged textures of both the shawl collar cardigan and the denim shirt complementing each other. They are both within the blue palette so they go well colour-wise (one light wash blue, the other dark navy). The mock neck in oatmeal serves as an under layer here, and contrasts nicely against the richer navy and blue colours given its more matt, neutral tone. The white jeans go with the light oat colour of the mock neck to achieve congruence between those two pieces. 
A maritime inspired look, and in keeping with the navy/white colour theme, we've combined the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in navy with our cashmere cotton breton stripe in ecru and navy. The ecru and navy on the breton stripe go with the navy of the shawl collar cardigan. Given the more casual top half, we've styled the look with smarter covert cloth pleated grey trousers. Note that the trousers are in a covert fabric - a more rugged and casual cloth compared to a finer worsted, to go with the woolly texture of the garments on the top half. This outfit also serves as an example of how our knitwear can be styled well together. The cashmere cotton has a lovely hand feel - the friendly and familiar touch of cotton laced with the luxurious hand feel of cashmere makes this piece perfectly suited to be worn against the skin. 
Outfit 3.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in navy
Black leather biker jacket
White tee
Dark wash selvedge denim
Black loafers
The rugged texture of the thick, rib-stitch knit complements the ruggedness of the worn in leather with its natural creases. The elongated shape of the two shawl collars align with the pleasing v shape of the lapels of the black leather jacket when unzipped. The navy of the shawl collar and the even darker navy of the denim work well together tonally. The higher waisted, wider legged denim balances out the larger volume on the body, which is manfully carrying the weight of the leather jacket and 1.2 kilos of wool in the shawl collar. Dark horn buttons to match the black leather.
Or you can take off the black biker and wear the shawl collar on its own casually at home over a t-shirt - the pinnacle of cosyness. The shawl collar adds a touch of formality to the plain tee and jeans look, making you look well put together without trying too hard, for those desperate milk runs in the morning when you're not quite ready to face the world just yet.
 
Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in navy
Black and white houndstooth sport coat
White poplin shirt
Charcoal flannels trousers
The thick shawl collar acts as a robust, casual substitute to an overcoat, adding interest to what would otherwise be a very formal outfit. The plain dark navy on the shawl collar mixes well atop the relatively busy black and white houndstooth pattern. The dark horn buttons on the shawl collar to match the black buttons on the sport coat.
Outfit 5.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in navy
Chambray shirt
Charcoal trousers
Grey and navy paisley scarf
We've swapped the multiple layers for just a chambray shirt, the light blue and slubby fabric, complements the ruggedness and dark navy of the shawl collar. As the shirt and shawl collar are both block colours, we accessorised with a light wool paisley scarf with base colours of muted navy and grey, mixed in with a splatter of white and mustard to add interest, and to keep the neck warm on those colder days.

Outfit 6.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in navy
Black denim trucker jacket
Grey brown motify silk scarf
Charcoal flannel trousers

Staying with the darker colours, we have styled the navy shawl collar here simply, with a grey/brown motif silk scarf, black denim jacket and charcoal flannel trousers. The casual trucker jacket is juxtaposed against the smarter charcoal flannel trousers and the patterned silk scarf contrasts against the block colours of the other items in the outfit. A black trucker is also something you don't normally see styled with a traditional shawl collar cardigan, which keeps the outfit novel yet elegant. 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Ecru

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in ecru
Medium wash jeans
Medium wash denim shirt
Inspired by Starsky and Hutch, denim is back in this outfit, this time in the form of a denim shirt and jeans. Both are medium wash, which we find complements the ecru shawl collar best, as opposed to darker denim colours. An easy, casual outfit that takes hardly any effort to throw on for that stroll in the park.
For a doubling up of warmth, we've paired our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in ecru with our cashmere ribbed submariner rollneck in merlot. Our ecru and merlot colours work well together, both quite matt and soft. Due to the more casual top off, we've finished the look off with smarter grey flannels for a more balanced look. 
The ecru colour of the shawl collar, being a darker white, works particularly well with denim in all shades, including this beat up 70s vintage denim trucker. The doubling up of wool layers in the mock neck and shawl collar makes this a supremely warm outfit for those bitter winter days. Dark brown in mock neck and brown check trousers work harmoniously with the ecru shawl collar to create a beige/brown tonal palette, with some ruggedness thrown in the middle by way of the denim jacket. The smart brown trousers contrast against the more casual denim jacket. The versatility of the shawl collar complements both the workwear and sartorial elements alike in the same outfit. Mid-brown horn buttons to match with the brown tone in the rest of the outfit.
Outfit 3.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in ecru
Brown check sport coat
Pale blue stripe oxford cloth button down
Charcoal trousers
We swapped the casual mock neck and denim jacket for the shirt and sport coat combination for a smarter look. Brown check pattern on the sport coat mixes well with the plain ecru colour of the shawl collar. The texture of the flannel on the sport coat matches well with the rugged wintry texture of the rib-stitch of the shawl collar, both being woollens, so that the sport coat does not look out of place. The shawl collar works as an overcoat alternative, for a more stylish take on a classic menswear combination. 
"Delayered" outfits.
Same as the outfits above, but without the sport coat / denim jacket mid-layer. You can see clearly here that the darker shade of the ecru means it can go with any dark grey/blue/black outfit (left), as well as an outfit consisting more of a beige/brown palette (right). The below also shows that stripping these outfits back to two layers doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the natural cool of the shawl collar. Some days, you are just in the mood to keep things simple, and wearing the ecru shawl collar over any simple outfit will still instantly set you apart. 
A more unconventional outfit, but just to illustrate how easy it is to throw on the shawl collar simply over a t-shirt and take it out with you on a day to the beach for when it gets chilly after the sun sets. Wool, given its moisture-wicking and insulating abilities mean that the shawl collar will keep you warm even when it gets wet and will dry quickly. 
 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Grey Mélange 

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange
Cashmere Belmondo rollneck in black
White trousers
Black loafers

We have found our grey melange goes very well with black, and have styled a knit on knit combination here with our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey melange and cashmere Belmondo rollneck in black. Finished with white trousers and black loafers to keep within the black/white colour palette. Given the chunky and casual texture of the shawl collar cardigan, we thought that combining it with a more refined plain stitch black cashmere rollneck would serve as a nice complement that provides a contrast in textures. 

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange
Superfine lambswool mock neck in navy
Blue corduroy shirt
Charcoal flannel suit

Our take on tonal layering where we have the charcoal flannel suit under the slightly lighter grey mélange of the shawl collar cardigan. We then completed the look with the light blue cord shirt over our dark navy mock neck - the two blue shades complementing each other tonally. With the shawl collar cardigan over the top of all the layers, working as the modern version of a "great cloak", we think it finishes what is an otherwise very refined outfit with a small dose of craggy charm, in typical Colhay's fashion. Note the flannel suit here, again given that it is a woollen cloth we believe this works better with the chunky knitwear.

 

Outfit 2.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange
Cashmere crew neck in dark olive
Tobacco brown suede jacket
Pleated cream trousers

 

In contrast to tonal layering above, this is more of a high contrast outfit, but we find that the grey mélange of the shawl collar works well with the cream trousers, dark olive, and brown. The slight fuzziness of the suede jacket also works well with the woolly texture of the shawl collar cardigan.

To keep things simpler, you can also take off the suede jacket and simply layer the shawl collar cardigan over the cashmere crew neck in dark olive.


Outfit 2.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange
Black denim jacket
Black jeans

Experimenting again with grey on black, this time we've combined the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange with a black denim jacket, to show how it can be worn with more casual pieces. We've also got on black jeans for this outfit to keep the top and bottom half congruent, making the wearer look taller and more refined despite the casual nature of the black denim jacket and jeans.

Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in grey mélange
White henley shirt
Grey trousers

To show that the shawl collar cardigan can also be easily worn with more casual pieces, we've styled it with a plain waffle textured white henley here. The workwear nature of the henley goes well with the chunky texture of the shawl collar. 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Dark Brown

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in dark brown
Superfine lambswool tennis cardigan in oatmeal 
White shirt
Grey trousers

An example of how two cardigans can be worn together. The dark brown of our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is rich and pairs well with other oat and cream colours, as shown here with our styling of it with our superfine lambswool tennis cardigan in oatmeal. To complete the colour palette, we've combined it with an oxford cloth button down white shirt. 

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in dark brown
Cashmere shirt cardigan in camel 
Mustard and white bandana
White jeans

Our camel also works well with dark brown - here we've gone for another knit on knit combination. Our cashmere shirt cardigan is worn here as a shirt substitute, the brown horn buttons matching the brown of the shawl collar cardigan. The plain stitch of the cashmere shirt cardigan works well with the more textured rib stitch of the shawl collar cardigan. In keeping with the cream/brown palette, we've finished the look with white jeans, and mustard and white bandana.

Outfit 3.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in dark brown
Superfine lambswool fisherman cable rollneck in ecru
Grey flannels

With this outfit, we've swapped out the cashmere shirt cardigan and have the fisherman cable rollneck instead for those coldest days in the depths of winter, you need a chunky knit on chunky knit! The superfine lambswool fisherman cable rollneck is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin, and with the luxuriously thick shawl collar cardigan over the top, it is a look that guarantees supreme comfort. Combining the ecru with our dark brown this time to show they work together.

Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in dark brown
Cashmere polo shirt in oatmeal
Beige trousers

Another oatmeal on brown example, this time with our cashmere polo shirt in oatmeal. Our colours are carefully chosen so that they all work together, ensuring maximum wear. With this outfit, we follow the same principle of keeping within the beige/brown palette, as well as have refined texture of the polo shirt contrast against the more rugged texture of the shawl collar cardigan. 

 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Camel

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in camel
Denim shirt
White jeans

We favour a denim and superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan combination - it's one of our favourites as we think the rugged texture of the denim goes really well with the rib stitch and chunky texture fo the shawl collar. It also shows that a heritage quality hefty shawl collar can be worn with something casual and contemporary, as opposed to a classic shirt and tie combination. We've completed the look with white trousers, a slight variation to the double denim outfit that we have combined with the ecru superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan. The cold camel colour works well with light wash denim. 

Outfit 2.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in camel
White corduroy shirt
Grey flannels
Brown chelsea boots 

Another texture that we like pairing with the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is corduroy, as shown in this outfit. In keeping with the beige/white colour theme, we've combined the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan with a white corduroy shirt. The two textures both have a fuzzy/woolly surface, making them a natural pairing. Finished with grey trousers to contrast the more casual top half. Brown chelsea boots to go with white and camel. 

Outfit 3.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in camel
Superfine lambswool cricket sweater in cream and olive
Light wash denim shirt and jeans

For this outfit we've gone back to our double denim combination - a sure win with any colour of our shawl collar cardigan, including our camel version. We find the best double denim combination is when you have light wash top and jeans, which are also both a similar shade as shown here. We've added our superfine lambswool cricket sweater in cream and olive in the mix. We like the layering of this look the predominant cream and camel colours combine well, with a touch of olive added in for interest. It's also a convenient combination, when it gets cold, you simply need to layer on the camel shawl collar, and when indoors, you can take off the shawl collar and still be left with an outfit on its own that works - the double denim combination with the cricket sweater. As with all of our designs - nothing stands out and attracts unwanted attention - our pieces are just slightly more designed, breaking away from the norm, but still in an elegant way, like our cricket sweater in cream and olive - a piece that can easily be worn in a professional setting. 

Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in camel
Cashmere polo shirt in dark brown 
Superfine lambswool mock neck in oatmeal
Grey flannels

Mixing up the middle layers, this time with a tripling of knits - combining our superfine lambswool mock neck in oatmeal, cashmere polo shirt in dark brown and superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in camel. The oatmeal, dark brown and camel form a harmonious beige/brown colour palette. 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Olive

Outfit 1.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in Olive
Cashmere Belmondo rollneck in oatmeal
Grey flannels 
Brown loafers

This outfit shows how well our olive colour on the shawl collar goes with the oatmeal on our cashmere Belmondo rollneck. We like this rollneck with shawl collar combination as it makes the wearer look dressed up and elegant, yet at the same time putting the wearer in an the most comfortable clothes imaginable - a comfort level that far exceeds lounging in sweats, but actually look presentable. The cashmere used is the world's highest quality, knitted in Scotland for an extra hefty, soft feel. The superfine lambswool is densely knitted in an all over rib stitch structure, giving it its extra warmth and softness.

Outfit 2.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in olive
Superfine lambswool mock neck in vintage camel 
Dark denim jeans

The olive colour on our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan also goes very well with the vintage camel on our superfine lambswool mock neck. Both of these colours work really well with a pair of very dark denim jeans - the reason we have styled this outfit with these three pieces. The darker colours of the olive and jeans are contrasted by the relative vibrancy of the vintage camel. Note the vintage camel is different from our other camel colours - this one has a distinctly rust brown tone to it - to emulate the vintage colours often found on 70s mock neck sweaters. 

Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in olive
Cashmere shirt cardigan in oatmeal
Denim shirt
Grey flannels

Going back to our olive on oatmeal combination, but this time with our cashmere shirt cardigan. To demonstrate how the shirt cardigan can be worn, we have layered a denim shirt underneath that. The olive, oatmeal and dark denim all work well together as a colour combination. The more casual denim shirt makes the outfit more relaxed in what would otherwise be quite a formal outfit with the grey flannels. A great outfit for those cold days when you have to go between indoor and outdoor a lot, and you want to look presentable, and be in just the right temperature, in both settings. When going outdoors, simply put the shawl collar cardigan on to keep warm, and take it off when inside, the denim shirt and cashmere shirt cardigan in oatmeal combination holding its own as a smart casual outfit, whilst keeping you just warm enough without being too hot inside.  

Outfit 5.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in olive
Black denim jacket
White jeans

Showing our superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in olive in a very casual outfit, showing the shawl collar's versatility. This outfit also shows how well olive, black and white go together. The perfect outfit for the weekend when you want to dress in a relaxed combination on the inside but wear your supremely warm and comfortable shawl collar cardigan!

 

Outfit 4.
Superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan in olive
Superfine lambswool fisherman cable rollneck in navy
Light wash jeans

Another cable knit on shawl collar combination, this time matching our dark navy with olive. We've completed the look with light wash jeans as they look great with the dark navy of the fisherman cable knit. Perfect outfit for long walks and you need to keep warm, the cable knit and the shawl collar each being knitted in a 6-ply superfine lambswool yarn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               
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