Floral Applique Cropped Balloon Sleeve Cardigan

The appliques are what people ask about. Alverra scatters hand-finished dimensional flowers across the front panels and down the sleeves of this cropped cardigan, each one attached to a chunky ribbed knit that has enough body to carry them without puckering. The flowers are tonal with the ground they sit on, so the effect is texture first and decoration second, which is what stops it tipping into costume.

The shape is short. It sits at the waist, which makes it a natural partner for a high-waisted skirt or wide trousers, and the V neckline opens the chest so the cropped length does not read boxy. Five buttons run up the front placket, so you can wear it closed like a knitted top or open over a slip dress. The sleeve is the other flourish: full and rounded through the arm, drop-shouldered, and gathered into a ribbed cuff at the wrist.

Four colourways are available, Beige, Black, Olive Green and Burgundy, in sizes S to 2XL. Our model is 5'7" and wears a size S. The appliques are hand-finished and sit proud of the knit, so wash by hand or use a professional dry cleaner, and reshape the cardigan flat to dry rather than hanging it. Stored folded, the flowers keep their shape from one spring to the next.

• Fit: Loose and relaxed, true to size, or size down for a closer shape
• Key details: Hand-finished dimensional floral appliques across the front and sleeves
• Neckline and closure: V neckline with a five-button front placket
• Knit: Chunky ribbed knit with ribbed cuffs
• Sleeve: Long balloon sleeve with a drop shoulder
• Length: Cropped, sits at the waist
• Sizes and colours: S to 2XL in Beige, Black, Olive Green and Burgundy
• Care: Hand wash or professional dry clean, model is 5'7" in a size S