A Letter From a Reader

As Comfortable as Your Favorite Cardigan, But So Much More Polished

A chunky knit cardigan with an easy oversized shape, beautiful gold-tone buttons and a classic collar. Warm, comfortable, and just special enough to make even simple trousers feel finished.

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by linda parker· mount pleasant, south carolina

Posted August 2026 · 6 min read
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Photographed at home..

At 68, I want to be warm and comfortable, but I'm so tired of sweaters that either cling in the wrong places or make me feel completely shapeless. I still want a bit of polish, something that feels comfortable without looking like I've simply thrown on whatever was closest.

 

What I really wanted was one cozy layer that felt relaxed but still looked put together, something I could throw over a simple top and trousers and feel finished in. Everything I owned was either comfortable or flattering, never both.

 

It was my sister who told me to stop settling and try one from Brooks & Bennett Newport, an oversized collared cardigan she thought was exactly my style. Before I tell you what happened, I think you should know what finally convinced me.

 

The cardigan is called The Isadora, and what surprised me was how practical it was underneath those beautiful gold buttons. The relaxed fit, roomy sleeves and classic collar were exactly the little things I care about now. I'm going to walk you through them, because they say more about the Isadora than I could.

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As cozy as your favorite cardigan — but far more polished

The Isadora is a thick, chunky knit cardigan with an easy oversized shape, a classic pointed collar and five oversized gold-tone buttons. It's every bit as warm and comfortable as your favorite cardigan, but instead of looking ordinary, it makes even a simple outfit feel considered. You throw it on over a tee and feel warm, comfortable, and wonderfully put together.

"The gold buttons are what caught my eye, but it's the relaxed fit that made me keep it. So comfortable and still looks polished."

Diane M., Greenville SC
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Relaxed through the middle — without clinging

Most flattering sweaters seem to come with the same problem, they're fitted exactly where you don't want them to be. Not the Isadora. The drop-shoulder shape falls loosely through the body without clinging, giving you room to move without looking completely shapeless. Comfortable and flattering, both at once.

"Two strangers asked where I got it in the first week. The print looks like art — it makes my whole outfit."

Janet S., Bluffton SC
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Five beautiful gold-tone buttons that make the whole sweater

Five oversized gold-tone buttons run down the front, turning an otherwise simple cardigan into something you notice. They give the Isadora just enough personality without making it fussy, and make it easy to wear open over a simple top or buttoned when the temperature drops. Comfortable, practical, and a little special.

"The buttons are gorgeous. I wore the navy one to lunch and another woman asked me where I'd found it."

Carol R., Charleston SC
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Lantern sleeves that feel roomy but still look polished

The sleeves are generously shaped through the arm, then taper into neat ribbed cuffs at the wrist. That means you get all the ease and room of an oversized cardigan without sleeves that simply hang there. It's one of those small details that makes the whole thing feel more finished.

"I love the sleeves. Plenty of room through my arms, but the cuffs keep everything looking neat and put together."

Patricia L., Columbia SC
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A curved hem and classic collar that finish it beautifully

The pointed collar frames the neckline beautifully, while the gently curved scalloped hem gives the cardigan a softer, more feminine shape. Together they make it easy to wear over a plain tee, blouse or simple trousers without needing much else. Throw it on, add comfortable shoes, and you're dressed.

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The Isadora, against your usual cardigan

Typical fall cardigan

The Isadora

The fit

Fitted or completely shapeless

Relaxed through the body — no cling

The look

Plain and forgettable

Oversized gold-tone statement buttons

The sleeves

Straight and ordinary

Roomy lantern sleeves with neat cuffs

The shape

Basic straight hem

A feminine curved, scalloped hem

The styling

Needs dressing up

Classic collar makes simple outfits feel finished

THE USUAL WINTER TOP

Clings, or hangs like a sack

Hot, stiff fabric

No pockets, or too shallow

Bare arms, or a hot cardigan

Loud or cheap-looking print

THE PATRICIA 

Skims with a soft A-line

Soft, lightweight, breathes

Deep, hidden side pockets

Sleeves that cover, and breathe

A cheerful wildflower, noticed for good reasons

Why they're clearing it now

They priced The Isadora at $199.95 when it launched, and it sold at that price all season. But for the Brooks & Bennett Newport Clearance Sale, we wanted to give something back to the women who have supported us since 1996, so the remaining Isadora cardigans are now $59.95, well under a third of the original price.

 

Mine arrived folded in tissue with a little handwritten note on top. I threw it on over a tee that same cool morning and felt wonderful — it's barely left me since.

THE ISADORA OVERSIZED COLLARED CARDIGAN

4.7 / 5 from 1200+ reviews

$199.95

$59.95

A thick, chunky knit with a cozy weight and comfortable give

Relaxed through the body — comfortable without clinging

Five oversized gold-tone buttons that make the whole cardigan

Lantern sleeves, ribbed cuffs and a classic pointed collar

Sizes XS–5XL · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee

See if your size is still in stock →

The Isadora · $59.95 while sizes last

Our Clearance Sale ends tonight.

Buy 2 get 10%, buy 3 get 15%, buy 4 get an extra 20% off. When it's gone, it's gone.

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Sent with UPS, in us

30-Day Returns

Money-back guarantee

Since 1996

Family-owned in Newport

I don't usually write things like this. But The Isadora gave me exactly what I'd stopped hoping to find, one cozy cardigan that's warm and comfortable but still full of personality, soft without a hint of scratch, easy to wear, and lovely over everything I own. 

 

It's barely left me since it arrived. If you've been resigned to plain, forgettable sweaters the way I had, this is the one I'd tell you to try, while the sale is still on.

— Linda Parker · South Carolina

See the ISADORA— $59.95 →

This is a personal account from a Brooks & Bennett Newport customer. Linda was not paid to write it. · Brooks & Bennett Newport · Timeless Women’s Fashion · Free Shipping · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

See the ISADORA — $59.95 while sizes last