A letter from a reader

I kept reaching for the same outfits. Then one cardigan caught my eye.

My jeans weren’t the problem. Neither was the plain white T-shirt I wore with them. But every time the weather cooled down, I reached for the same ordinary layer, and my outfits started to feel identical.

I didn’t want to rebuild my wardrobe. I wanted a cardigan that felt easy to style, but brought something different to the pieces I already owned.

Sometimes all an everyday outfit needs is one layer with a little personality.

Then I noticed the colourful knitted pattern

Clara was the cardigan that made me stop scrolling through the Bella Toronto collection. The mix of colours and geometric knit patterns was exactly the kind of detail I had been missing from my usual outfits.

I could picture it with the basics I already wear: a plain top, blue jeans and simple jewellery. The cardigan would do the talking without needing an entirely new look.

The same basics, a different look

I like pieces that can work with clothes already hanging in my wardrobe. A patterned cardigan over a white T-shirt and jeans feels casual enough for coffee, while wearing one with neutral trousers creates a more put-together look.

It’s a small styling change, but it gives those familiar outfits a new focal point.

Three things that stood out to me

One. The colourful knit pattern. Clara combines different shades and textured patterns, bringing colour into a simple everyday outfit.

Two. Different styles to choose from. Alongside the colourful patterned cardigans, Marlene offers a more relaxed look with a hood.

Three. Easy combinations. A simple T-shirt, jeans or neutral trousers let a cardigan become the interesting part of the outfit. I’d always check the fabric and measurements on the product page before choosing a size.

About the price

In the collection listing, Clara is shown at $59.95, compared with a crossed-out price of $199.83. Marlene is also listed at $59.95, compared with $199.90. I’d check the product page for the current price, sizes and available options.

Looking through the different designs helped me narrow down the one I could imagine wearing most often. I kept coming back to the colourful patterns, but there are quieter options too.

What I’d tell you over coffee

If you still love your everyday clothes but feel like you’re wearing the same outfit on repeat, I’d start with the layer you put on top. A cardigan with a little detail can change the whole feel of an otherwise simple look.

For me, that inspiration started with Clara, my usual jeans and a plain white tee.

Amelia