The Velvet Vogue ribbed cardigan is the layer that decides how formal the rest of the outfit is. A chunky rib gives it weight and structure, and smooth wooden-look buttons run down a deep V-neck placket — done up, it reads as a top with a neat neckline; left open, it falls away from the shoulder and behaves much more like a soft jacket over whatever is underneath.

Bishop sleeves are the detail that keeps it from looking like a basic. They stay full through the arm and then draw into a deep ribbed cuff, so the shape holds all day instead of collapsing at the elbow. The same deep rib repeats at the hem, anchoring a body that is otherwise cut relaxed, and the length stops at the hip so it works over both high-waisted trousers and a dress.

Black, Purple and Coffee Brown cover the range from plain to considered, and sizes run S to 2XL with a regular fit through the shoulder. Our model is 5'9" and wears a size S — on a shorter frame it will read longer through the body. Hand wash cold or have it dry cleaned; the heavy rib holds its shape best when it is reshaped and dried flat.

• Fit: Regular through the shoulder with a relaxed body, true to size
• Neckline: Deep V-neck with a button-front placket
• Closure: Smooth wooden-look buttons down the front
• Sleeve: Bishop sleeve gathered into a deep ribbed cuff
• Details: Chunky ribbed knit with a deep ribbed hem
• Length: Hip-length
• Sizes and colours: S to 2XL in Black, Purple and Coffee Brown
• Care: Hand wash cold and dry flat, or professional dry clean