Remember the twinset? it is a knit long sleeve cardigan sweater with a matching knit under-layer, usually sleeveless or with short sleeves. Twinsets were originated in 1934 by Pringle of Scotland and made from cashmere or wool. They have a 1950s “Grease” style and were an ‘it’ fashion item at that time. No longer considered only a workwear staple from the 1950s, they are surging in popularity. They are available in their traditional style which will never go out of fashion, and designers are also showing them in diverse styles and materials. Fashion runways like Prada, Gucci, and Dior have been full of twinsets, making it one of the largest trends over the past few years. The simple combination of a snug underlayer made from the same fabric that coordinates with the outer layer is still a pleasing combination.
Grace Kelly, 1955 in her pink twinset
If you wear them, keep in mind that they can be dressed up or down. They look fabulous with a pair of jeans, or with a tailored skirt. They can be preppy and conservative or streetwear and casual. Knits, in general, have been trending in the past few years mostly because they are comfortable. They are also excellent for transitioning between seasons as they add a little extra warmth going from summer into fall, or you can wear the cardigan over your shoulders if you get a warm spring day, heading into summer. Mix and match your under layer to other cardigans to change your look.
This sweater and tank top by Lilly Pulitzer comes in green or pink. The set is 100% combed cotton. It should be hand washed cold or dry cleaned. The cardigan is $148.00. The tank is $98.00.
La Ligne has the Solid Lean Lines Cardigan that comes in 11 colors. It is made from lightweight cashmere and is a year-round closet staple. It can also be monogrammed. $325
I only see this pink color available. I’m hoping they will make the other cardigan colors available soon. This tank is $195.
The long sleeve under sweater comes in 6 colors $295
This La Ligne x Dianna Agron design collaboration is a modern adaptation of the twinset. Made from featherweight cashmere/wool blend. It also comes in rust blue smoke.
Cardigan is $350
Tank is $195
This is the Eva Cashmere Crew Cardigan. It comes in 8 colors and many items are on sale. It is machine washable and has an easy shape. The full price is $179.00. It is currently on sale for $143.20 with code T4TM.
The tank top comes in 6 colors, and many are on sale for $111.20. The full price is $149.00.
This is the cropped featherweight cashmere cardigan from J. Crew. It comes in 12 colors, and many are on sale. The cardigan is $188.00
The cropped tank is a featherweight cashmere-blend and comes in 14 colors. It is on sale for $158.00.
Gap CashSoft Crop Cardigans come in 9 colors. They are very soft and feel like cashmere but are made from a midweight plush yarn. They are cropped so that they hit just at the waist. They are machine washable cold and laid flat to dry. On sale for $55.00.
The tanks only come in 4 colors. The tank pictured above is in Wind Blue. It is also available in black, heather grey, and ivory beige frost. On sale for $29.00.
This is a Fine Gauge Cashmere & Silk Chiffon Trim Cardigan from Lafayette 148. It is very soft and ultra-light in fine gauge cashmere. It is designed for a slim fit and layered with a matching short sleeve sweater. It comes in 4 colors. The pale pink and the blue cardigans are on sale for $509.00 and the matching short sleeve under-sweaters are on sale for $389.00.
This is a Lona Scott 2 ply cashmere twinset that comes in 7 colors. Both pieces are crew neck. The two pieces are $295.00.