A Letter From a Reader

The cardigan I keep reaching for now the mornings are getting cooler.

On finding that perfect layer between summer and autumn — something comfortable enough for everyday, but colourful enough to make getting dressed feel effortless.

Bellthorne reader
A Bellthorne Reader · United Kingdom
August 2026 · 5 min read

Mabel blue and orange striped cardigan
The Mabel in Blue Orange — an easy layer for the season ahead.

I always find this time of year surprisingly difficult to dress for.

You leave the house in the morning and there is already that little chill in the air. By lunchtime, the sun is back out. A proper jumper feels like too much, but going without an extra layer doesn't feel quite right either.

For years, my answer was the same collection of plain cardigans at the back of my wardrobe. Practical, yes. But they never made me particularly excited to get dressed.

Then I came across the Mabel.

It was the colour that caught my eye first. The soft blue with those warm orange stripes felt different without being loud. But it was how easily it worked with the clothes I already owned that made it stand out.

So I thought I would share the handful of things that made this cardigan different for me.


1

A little colour changes everything

Mabel cardigan blue and orange colour detail

The contrast stripes are what give the Mabel its character. There is enough colour to lift an outfit, without making it difficult to wear.

With a simple top and your favourite trousers or jeans, it becomes the detail that pulls everything together.

★★★★★
"The orange stripes caught my eye, but the soft knit won me over. I walked to the local café without needing a jacket at all."
Gillian B., Richmond, London

2

Relaxed — without looking shapeless

Mabel cardigan relaxed fit

There is a fine line between comfortable and oversized. The Mabel has a relaxed silhouette that gives you room to layer underneath while still looking put-together.

It is the sort of cardigan you can throw on with an otherwise simple outfit and still feel like you have made an effort.

★★★★★
"I have not felt this confident wearing bright colours in years. It keeps the chill off without feeling bulky."
Maureen T., Bath, Somerset

3

The details make the difference

Mabel cardigan buttons knit texture and contrast trim

The contrast edging and statement buttons are small details, but they are what stop the Mabel from feeling like just another basic cardigan.

Wear it open over a simple top on milder days, or button it up when the temperature drops.

★★★★★
"Two women at the garden centre asked about the buttons. At 64, I had forgotten what a nice compliment felt like."
Brenda H., Edinburgh, Midlothian

4

Made for those in-between days

Late summer and early autumn are rarely cold enough for your winter wardrobe, but the mornings and evenings are beginning to ask for an extra layer.

The Mabel fits naturally into that gap — easy to reach for on a morning walk, for coffee with friends, while running errands or when the evening turns cooler.

★★★★★
"A brisk morning walk in October and I was the only one not shivering in the autumn breeze."
Susan M., Greenwich, London

5

Five colours to choose from

Five Mabel cardigan colourways

The Mabel comes in five colour combinations, each with the same distinctive striped design.

Choose the shade that feels most like you — or simply the one that works best with what is already hanging in your wardrobe.

★★★★★
"I bought the blue and orange one first. Two weeks later I bought another as a gift for my sister. I regret nothing."
Valerie K., Harrogate, North Yorkshire

6

Sizes from UK 8 to UK 22

The Mabel is available from XS (UK 8) through 4XL (UK 22), with a relaxed shape that makes everyday layering simple.

★★★★★
"I usually dread buying knitwear online at my size, expecting it to cling. It drapes naturally and fits like it was made for me."
Patricia W., Cardiff, South Glamorgan

The Mabel, against the cardigans you've been buying

Typical cardigan The Mabel
Style Plain and predictable Distinctive contrast stripes
Shape Can feel bulky Relaxed silhouette
Styling Often one fixed look Wear open or buttoned
Season Often too heavy or too light Easy transitional layer
Colours Limited choice Five colourways
Sizing Often limited UK 8–22

Why it's reduced right now

Bellthorne

As the new season begins, we're making room for the months ahead with our Autumn Sale.

The Mabel was originally priced at £70.00. During the sale, it is currently available for £34.95 — a 50% saving while the current colours and sizes remain available.

For me, the timing could not have been better. The mornings are already beginning to feel different, and this is exactly the sort of layer I know I will keep close at hand.

Mabel cardigan presented in Bellthorne packaging

The Mabel Cardigan

£70.00 £34.95
Autumn Sale — Save 50%
  • Distinctive contrast stripe design
  • Relaxed everyday silhouette
  • Wear it open or buttoned
  • Five colour combinations
  • Sizes XS (UK 8)–4XL (UK 22)
  • Free UK shipping · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
See if your size is still available →
The Mabel Cardigan · £34.95 during our Autumn Sale
Autumn Sale Selected styles are currently reduced while available.
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I didn't think I needed another cardigan. What I wanted was something easy enough for an ordinary day, but with enough colour and character to make a simple outfit feel considered.

That is what made the Mabel stand out to me.

And with cooler mornings beginning to arrive, it is exactly the kind of layer I want close at hand.

— A Bellthorne Reader · United Kingdom
See the Mabel — £34.95 →
Bellthorne · Women's Fashion · United Kingdom · Free UK shipping · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee