A knit this long has to solve a walking problem, and the side splits are the answer. Velvet Vogue ran a deep chunky rib the full length of the body, past the knee, then opened the seams at each hip so the panels swing apart with every step instead of wrapping the legs. Worn open, it behaves more like a coat than a cardigan.

The rib is what gives it structure at that length. It holds a vertical line down the body, so the cardigan reads long rather than heavy, and the collarless open front keeps the neckline clear for whatever is underneath. Wide drop shoulder sleeves gather into a ribbed cuff, and patch pockets sit at the hip exactly where hands fall when you are standing around outside.

Four colourways: Brown, Black, Gray and Redwood. Sizes run S to 2XL in a loose cut, true to size and oversized through the body; our model is 5'7" and wears the size S. Hand wash cold or take it to a dry cleaner, and dry it flat so the weight of the rib does not pull the length out of shape over time. Worn open over a slim knit and boots it reads as outerwear; add a separate tie belt and it reads as a dress.

• Fit: Loose, true to size, cut oversized through the body
• Knit: Deep chunky rib worked the full length of the body
• Neckline: Collarless open front, no fastening
• Sleeve: Long drop shoulder sleeve with a ribbed cuff
• Details: Side splits at each hip, patch pockets
• Length: Maxi, falls below the knee
• Sizes and colours: S to 2XL in Brown, Black, Gray and Redwood
• Care: Hand wash cold or professional dry clean, dry flat