THE BLOG
The journey, the collaborations, the evolution of a start up independent fashion brand.
Why I Chose To Make My Dresses In Britain (Even Though It Would Have Been Easier Not To)
If you've followed Cara & The Sky for a while, you'll probably know that being British made has always been a huge part of the brand.
My knitwear has been made in Britain since day one and, when I decided to launch my first dress collection, there was never really any question about where I wanted the dresses to be made.
They had to be made here too.
Not because it's the easiest option.
In fact, if I'm completely honest, it's probably the exact opposite.
Finding a British manufacturer for my dresses took far longer than I ever expected. There were countless emails, phone calls, meetings, samples and setbacks. At times it felt like every time I thought I'd found the right partner, another challenge appeared.
But I knew from the start that it was something I wasn't willing to compromise on.
Because for me, being British made isn't just a label sewn into a garment.
It's about quality, craftsmanship, supporting skilled makers and creating clothes that are designed to be loved for years rather than worn a handful of times and forgotten about.
What Does British Made Actually Mean?
The phrase "British made" gets used a lot in fashion, but it's not always obvious what it means.
For me, it means that the garments are manufactured here in the UK by skilled people who are paid fairly for their work. It means being able to visit the factory, build relationships with the people making the collection and be involved in the process from start to finish.
When something is being made on the other side of the world, that level of involvement simply isn't possible.
With British manufacturing, if there is a problem, a fit issue or a detail that needs tweaking, I can work directly with the people creating the garments. That level of collaboration is invaluable, particularly when you're launching something as personal as your first dress collection.
Why British-Made Dresses Often Feel Different
One of the things I've noticed throughout my career in fashion is that the best pieces tend to be the ones that have had time, care and attention poured into them.
That's one of the reasons I love British manufacturing.
The factories I've worked with aren't producing hundreds of thousands of garments at a time. They're often producing smaller runs, working closely with brands and paying attention to the details that can sometimes get lost in large-scale production.
That doesn't mean every British-made garment is automatically better, but it does mean there's often a level of craftsmanship and care that is difficult to achieve at enormous scale.
When you're investing in a dress you hope to wear for years, those details matter.
The Challenges Of Making Dresses In The UK
I'm not going to pretend it was easy.
There is a reason so many brands manufacture overseas.
It's often cheaper. There are more factories. There are more options.
The reality is that UK manufacturing has shrunk dramatically over the last few decades and finding the right partner can be incredibly difficult, particularly if you're a small independent brand wanting to produce relatively small quantities.
For the dress collection, I spent nearly two years sourcing fabrics, refining designs and searching for the right manufacturing partner. There were moments when I genuinely wondered whether we'd ever get the collection over the finish line.
But looking back now, I'm glad I didn't take the easier route.
Because these dresses feel exactly how I wanted them to feel.
Why Small Batch Production Matters
Another reason British manufacturing was important to me is that it allows me to produce in much smaller quantities.
Rather than creating hundreds of dresses and hoping they sell, I can create limited runs and focus on quality over quantity.
For the launch of the collection, only 25 pieces of each style were produced.
Some of the fabrics are genuine deadstock fabrics, meaning once they're gone, they're gone forever. One of the fabrics had already sold out at the supplier before production even began, which means there will never be another run made in exactly the same fabric.
I love that.
It makes every piece feel a little bit more special.
The British-Made Dresses I Couldn't Find
The funny thing is that this whole collection started because I couldn't find the dresses I wanted to wear myself.
I was looking for colourful, comfortable dresses that felt feminine without being restrictive. Dresses with personality. Dresses that worked for real life. Dresses I could wear on holiday, to a wedding, to a BBQ or simply on a sunny day when I wanted to feel good.
And I wanted them to be made properly.
Not rushed.
Not trend driven.
Not designed to be worn twice and forgotten.
So I created them.
The result is the Maisie Maxi Dress and Ruby Mini Dress. Two dresses designed in Hertfordshire, made in Britain and produced in small batches using a mix of deadstock and specially sourced fabrics.
They're colourful, relaxed, practical and designed to bring a little bit of joy back into getting dressed.
Which, when you strip everything else away, is really what Cara & The Sky has always been about.
Why Supporting British-Made Fashion Matters
Every time you choose a British-made garment, you're supporting skills, craftsmanship and an industry that has become increasingly rare.
You're supporting the machinists, pattern cutters, garment technologists and factory teams who keep those skills alive.
You're helping independent brands continue to manufacture locally.
And you're investing in clothes that have been made with care.
Of course, British-made fashion isn't the only way to shop more thoughtfully, and it won't be the right choice for everyone. But if you're looking for pieces with a story behind them, produced in small quantities and created by people who genuinely care about what they're making, it's something worth considering.
When I launched my first dress collection, I wanted to create the dresses I'd spent years searching for. Colourful, comfortable, relaxed dresses that worked for real life and were made properly here in Britain.
The result is a small collection of limited-edition dresses designed to be worn on holidays, to weddings, at garden parties, festivals, pub lunches and everywhere in between.
If you're looking for a British-made dress with personality, discover the collection below.
A relaxed floral maxi dress with pockets, designed for weddings, holidays, festivals and everyday summer adventures.
A playful mini dress with an oversized collar, pockets and a relaxed babydoll shape, perfect for BBQs, picnics, pub gardens and sunny weekends.
Both styles are made in Britain in small batches using carefully sourced fabrics and are available in very limited quantities.
Shop The British-Made Dress Collection →
FAQs
Are British-made dresses better quality?
Not automatically, but British manufacturing often allows for greater oversight, smaller production runs and closer relationships between brands and manufacturers, which can lead to higher quality garments.
Why are British-made dresses more expensive?
Labour, manufacturing and operating costs in the UK are generally higher than in many overseas manufacturing countries. However, this often supports fair wages, skilled craftsmanship and smaller-scale production.
Are Cara & The Sky dresses made in Britain?
Yes. Both the Maisie Maxi Dress and Ruby Mini Dress are designed by Cara & The Sky and manufactured in the UK in small batches.
What are the benefits of buying British-made clothing?
Supporting UK manufacturing helps preserve valuable skills, supports local jobs and often allows brands to produce smaller, more thoughtful collections with greater control over quality.
The Best Summer Maxi Dress I Could Never Find
After years of searching, ordering, returning and feeling slightly disappointed, I realised I was looking for a very specific type of dress.
I wanted a floral maxi dress that felt relaxed rather than restrictive. Something colourful and feminine, but easy enough to wear on an ordinary Tuesday. I wanted a dress I could pack for a holiday, wear to a summer wedding, take to the races, throw on for a garden party or wear out for lunch with friends without having to think twice about it.
I wanted beautiful fabric, a flattering shape, pockets and enough personality that it didn't look like every other dress on the high street.
Most importantly, I wanted a dress that made me feel good every time I put it on.
When I couldn't find it, I designed it.
That's exactly why I created the Maisie Maxi Dress.
Made in small batches right here in Britain using a mix of deadstock and specially sourced fabrics, Maisie was designed to be the dress you reach for all summer long. The relaxed silhouette makes it effortless to wear, whilst the floral prints, thoughtful details and practical pockets make it feel truly special.
It's the dress I pack first for holidays. The dress I'd wear to a wedding. The dress I'd throw on for a BBQ, a festival, a garden party or simply a sunny day when I want to feel a little more like myself.
In short, it's the summer maxi dress I'd spent years searching for.
If you're looking for a colourful floral maxi dress that combines comfort, personality and effortless style, discover the Maisie Maxi Dress.
✓ British made
✓ Limited edition fabrics
✓ Relaxed fit
✓ Pockets
✓ Wedding guest ready
✓ Holiday approved
✓ Designed to be worn and loved for years
The Dresses I Couldn't Find, So I Created Them
The funny thing is, I never set out to design dresses.
When I launched Cara & The Sky, knitwear was always the plan. Colourful, joyful knitwear that made getting dressed feel fun again. Dresses weren't even on the roadmap until much later. In fact, if everything had gone to plan, they probably would have launched years ago. But somewhere between building a brand and having two babies, life had other ideas.
The more I searched for dresses for myself, though, the more I realised there was a huge gap in the market. I wasn't looking for anything particularly groundbreaking. I simply wanted dresses that felt like they had been designed for women living real lives.
Women whose bodies have changed.
Women who want comfort but don't want to sacrifice style.
Women who still love colour, prints and personality, but also want to feel comfortable enough to spend an entire day in what they're wearing.
I wanted dresses that felt relaxed without feeling shapeless. Dresses that skimmed rather than clung. Dresses that looked just as good with Birkenstocks on a school run as they did dressed up for a wedding, holiday, garden party or day at the races.
I wanted dresses with pockets. Dresses made from beautiful fabrics. Dresses that felt a little bit different from everything else on the high street.
And because I couldn't find them, I decided to create them.
After nearly two years of development, countless samples, fabric sourcing trips, fit tweaks and manufacturer meetings, the collection that had been living in my head for so long finally became a reality.
Just like my knitwear, every dress is made in small batches right here in the UK. Finding the right British manufacturing partner took far longer than I ever imagined, but it was something I wasn't willing to compromise on. Supporting UK manufacturing has always been incredibly important to me, and being able to work closely with the people making the collection means every detail gets the attention it deserves.
The collection is made using a mix of deadstock and specially sourced fabrics, which means quantities are genuinely limited. In some cases, once a fabric is gone, it's gone forever.
The Maisie Maxi Dress was designed for those moments when you want to feel effortlessly put together. Whether you're heading to a summer wedding, wandering around a market on holiday, packing for a festival weekend or meeting friends for lunch, it's the kind of dress you can throw on and instantly feel good in.
The Ruby Mini Dress has that playful, carefree feel that I always find myself reaching for in summer. With its oversized collar, relaxed babydoll shape and pockets, it's the dress I imagine wearing for pub gardens, picnics, BBQs and all those spontaneous summer plans that seem to appear when the sun finally comes out.
Both styles were created with exactly the same goal in mind: to help women feel like themselves again.
Not a younger version of themselves.
Not a smaller version of themselves.
Not the person they were before children, before life got busy or before their body changed.
Just themselves.
Because I genuinely believe that getting dressed should feel joyful. It should feel easy. It should feel like an act of self-expression rather than something that fills you with dread every morning.
So if you've spent the last few years feeling disconnected from your wardrobe, frustrated by changing room mirrors or wondering where all the dresses for women like us actually are, I'd love you to take a look at the collection.
These are the dresses I spent years searching for.
And in the end, they're the dresses I created.
Discover the Maisie Maxi Dress → A floaty floral maxi dress with pockets, available in two limited-edition colourways.
Discover the Ruby Mini Dress → A playful British-made mini dress with an oversized collar, pockets and a relaxed fit.
All made in Britain. All produced in small batches. All designed to help you fall back in love with getting dressed.
The Search For The Best Summer Dress
Every year, usually around the first properly warm day of the year, I find myself searching for exactly the same thing.
The best summer dress.
Not a dress for one specific occasion. Not a dress that's trending for five minutes before disappearing off the face of the earth. Not a dress that looks amazing in a perfectly styled Instagram photo but spends the rest of its life hanging unworn in the wardrobe.
I mean the dress. The one you reach for over and over again because it somehow works for almost everything summer throws at you.
The dress that gets packed first into your holiday suitcase. The one you throw on for a BBQ when the weather suddenly decides to cooperate. The one you wear to a wedding, a garden party, a festival or a pub lunch and feel equally comfortable in every situation.
As someone who has spent over a decade working in fashion, you'd think I'd have this figured out by now.
The reality is that finding the best summer dress is surprisingly difficult.
There are thousands of dresses out there. Every retailer launches a huge summer collection. Every magazine tells us which styles are supposedly essential for the season. Yet year after year I found myself ordering dresses, returning dresses and wondering why something that should have been so simple felt so hard to get right.
The problem wasn't that there weren't enough options.
The problem was that none of them seemed to tick all the boxes.
What Actually Makes A Great Summer Dress?
The older I get, the more I realise that the best clothes aren't necessarily the most fashionable ones.
They're the ones that make life easier.
They're the pieces you don't have to think about. The pieces that make getting dressed feel effortless. The pieces that work so hard in your wardrobe that you wonder how you ever managed without them.
For me, the best summer dress needs to be comfortable enough that I can wear it all day without constantly adjusting it. It needs to feel relaxed and easy to wear, but still special enough that I feel good when I put it on. It needs to be versatile enough to work across multiple occasions because, let's be honest, most of us don't have the budget or the wardrobe space for a different dress for every event in our diary.
It also needs personality.
Life is too short for boring dresses.
I want colour. I want beautiful fabrics. I want interesting details. I want something that makes me smile when I open my wardrobe.
And I want pockets.
Because every good dress should have pockets.
Why Finding The Best Summer Dress Is Harder Than It Should Be
I think one of the biggest problems is that so many dresses seem to sit at opposite ends of the spectrum.
They're either incredibly casual and feel a bit forgettable, or they're so occasion-focused that you can only really wear them once or twice a year.
I found myself constantly searching for something in the middle.
A dress that felt special without being fussy.
A dress that felt feminine without being restrictive.
A dress that felt comfortable without looking like I'd completely given up.
I wanted something I could wear on holiday, to a wedding, to a BBQ, to the races, to a picnic or simply out for lunch with friends.
The kind of dress that makes getting dressed easier rather than harder.
The kind of dress that earns its place in your wardrobe.
And surprisingly, that proved much harder to find than I expected.
The Summer Dresses I Was Looking For
The more I searched, the more I realised I had a very clear picture in my head of what I wanted.
Actually, that's not entirely true.
What I realised was that I wasn't looking for one dress.
I was looking for two.
Some days I wanted a floaty floral maxi dress that felt effortless and romantic. The kind of dress that works beautifully for weddings, holidays, garden parties and those occasions where you want to feel a little bit more dressed up without sacrificing comfort.
Other days I wanted something more playful. A dress I could throw on for a pub lunch, a picnic, a festival, a family day out or a spontaneous summer plan without having to think twice about it.
What both dresses had in common was how I wanted them to make me feel.
Comfortable.
Confident.
Like myself.
I wanted beautiful fabrics, practical details, relaxed silhouettes and enough personality that they didn't look like every other dress on the high street.
Most importantly, I wanted dresses I'd still be reaching for years from now.
When I couldn't find them, I decided to create them.
It took nearly two years to get here.
There were countless samples, fabric sourcing meetings, factory visits, design tweaks and moments where I wondered if the collection would ever actually launch.
But eventually the dresses I'd been imagining for so long became a reality.
Maisie is my dream summer maxi dress.
Made from beautiful floral fabrics and designed with a relaxed silhouette and practical pockets, it's the dress I reach for when I want to feel effortlessly put together. It's perfect for weddings, holidays, garden parties, festivals, the races and all those occasions where you want to feel special without feeling overdressed.
It's comfortable, colourful and easy to wear, which is exactly what I wanted from a summer maxi dress.
Ruby is Maisie's slightly more playful little sister.
With its oversized collar, relaxed babydoll shape and easy-to-wear mini length, Ruby was designed for the everyday moments that make summer so enjoyable. Think pub gardens, BBQs, picnics, festivals, sunny weekends and all those spontaneous plans that seem to appear the minute the sun comes out.
It's fun, effortless and incredibly easy to wear.
Like Maisie, it has pockets because I refuse to make a dress without them.
And like Maisie, it's made in Britain in small batches using carefully sourced fabrics.
Why British-Made Matters To Me
Just like my knitwear, it was incredibly important to me that these dresses were made in Britain.
Finding the right manufacturing partner wasn't easy and, if I'm honest, it would have been far simpler to take production overseas. But supporting British manufacturing has always been a core part of Cara & The Sky and I wanted the dresses to reflect those same values.
Producing in small batches allows me to work closely with the factory, focus on quality and create limited runs using beautiful fabrics, including genuine deadstock materials that might otherwise go to waste.
It's a slower approach, but it's one I believe in.
Which Summer Dress Is Right For You?
If you're looking for a dress for weddings, holidays, garden parties, the races or summer celebrations, Maisie is probably your girl.
If you're looking for a dress for pub gardens, picnics, BBQs, festivals and everyday summer adventures, Ruby might be the one.
And if you're anything like me, you'll probably find room for both.
Because whilst I set out to find the best summer dress, what I actually discovered was that summer is better when you have a few dresses you genuinely love wearing.
Shop The Summer Dress Collection
After years of searching for the best summer dress, I eventually stopped looking and designed my own.
The collection consists of just two styles, both made in Britain in small batches and both designed to make getting dressed feel easier, more joyful and a little more colourful.
✓ Floral maxi dress
✓ Relaxed fit
✓ Pockets
✓ British made
✓ Perfect for weddings, holidays and garden parties
✓ Relaxed babydoll shape
✓ Oversized collar
✓ Pockets
✓ British made
✓ Perfect for BBQs, pub gardens and sunny weekends
Whether you're searching for a floaty floral maxi dress or an easy-to-wear summer mini dress, I hope these dresses bring you as much joy as they've brought me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best summer dress?
The best summer dress is one that feels comfortable, versatile and makes you feel good every time you wear it. For some people that's a maxi dress, for others it's a mini dress. The most important thing is finding a style you'll genuinely wear again and again.
What dresses are best for summer holidays?
Lightweight dresses in breathable fabrics tend to work best for holidays. Versatile styles that can be dressed up or down are particularly useful when packing.
Are floral dresses still in style?
Absolutely. Floral dresses remain one of the most timeless summer wardrobe staples because they work for so many different occasions and never really go out of fashion.
Are Cara & The Sky dresses made in Britain?
Yes. Both the Maisie Maxi Dress and Ruby Mini Dress are made in Britain in small batches using carefully sourced fabrics.
The Best Boho Summer Dresses For Holidays, Festivals And Everyday Life
I've always been drawn to boho dresses.
Long before they became a trend, long before social media started calling everything "coastal" or "cottagecore", there was always something about a floaty dress, beautiful prints and a slightly carefree feel that I loved.
Maybe it's because I've never been particularly drawn to overly polished dressing. Maybe it's because I like clothes that feel comfortable as well as beautiful. Or maybe it's because a great boho dress has a way of making you feel like the best version of yourself, even when you're running late, your hair is doing its own thing and you've got approximately three minutes to get out the door.
Whatever the reason, every summer I find myself searching for the same thing.
The perfect boho summer dress.
Not one that's covered in every trend going. Not one you'll wear once and forget about. A dress with enough personality to feel special, but enough versatility that you'll still be reaching for it years from now.
As it turns out, finding one isn't always as easy as it sounds.
What Makes A Great Boho Summer Dress?
The word "boho" gets thrown around a lot these days, but for me, a true boho dress has less to do with trends and more to do with a feeling.
It's relaxed rather than restrictive.
It's effortless rather than over-styled.
It's feminine without feeling precious.
And most importantly, it's comfortable enough that you genuinely want to wear it.
The best boho summer dresses tend to have a few things in common. Beautiful prints, flowing silhouettes, interesting details and fabrics that move with you rather than against you.
They're the dresses you throw on for a festival and end up wearing on holiday too. The dresses that work with sandals, boots, trainers or bare feet in the garden.
They're the dresses that make summer dressing feel easy.
Why Boho Dresses Never Really Go Out Of Style
Fashion trends come and go, but bohemian dresses seem to stick around year after year.
I think that's because they're less about what's fashionable and more about how they make people feel.
A great boho dress feels free.
It feels relaxed.
It feels joyful.
And in a world where so many clothes seem designed for photographs rather than real life, that's a pretty powerful thing.
The best boho dresses don't sit in your wardrobe waiting for the perfect occasion. They become part of your everyday life.
You wear them on holiday.
You wear them for lunch with friends.
You wear them to summer weddings.
You wear them because it's sunny outside and putting them on makes you happy.
The Boho Dresses I Could Never Quite Find
As someone who has spent most of her career working in fashion, you'd think I'd know exactly where to find the perfect boho dress.
The reality was quite the opposite.
Everything seemed to be either heavily trend driven or strangely lacking in personality. I wanted colour. I wanted beautiful prints. I wanted dresses that felt relaxed and easy to wear but still had something special about them.
I wanted dresses that worked for real life.
The kind of dresses you can wear to a festival one weekend, pack in your suitcase the next and then wear to a garden party a few weeks later.
I wanted dresses with pockets.
I wanted dresses that felt comfortable all day long.
And I wanted dresses that were made properly.
When I couldn't find them, I decided to create them.
If I had to describe Maisie in one sentence, I'd say she's my dream boho maxi dress.
Made in Britain in small batches, Maisie combines beautiful floral fabrics with a relaxed silhouette, practical pockets and an effortless shape that works for so many different occasions.
She's the dress I'd wear to a summer wedding.
The dress I'd pack first for a holiday.
The dress I'd take to a festival.
The dress I'd wear to the races or a garden party.
She's colourful, comfortable and designed to be worn again and again.
Ruby takes that same bohemian spirit and gives it a slightly more playful twist.
With her oversized collar, relaxed babydoll shape and easy-to-wear mini length, she's made for pub gardens, picnics, festivals, BBQs and spontaneous summer adventures.
She's the kind of dress you throw on without thinking and somehow always feel good in.
Just like Maisie, she's made in Britain in small batches and designed to bring a little more joy back into getting dressed.
Shop Our Boho Summer Dresses
If you're searching for colourful boho dresses that combine comfort, personality and effortless style, discover the Cara & The Sky dress collection.
✓ Floral boho maxi dress
✓ British made
✓ Relaxed fit
✓ Pockets
✓ Perfect for weddings, holidays and festivals
✓ Boho-inspired mini dress
✓ Oversized collar
✓ Relaxed babydoll shape
✓ British made
✓ Perfect for pub gardens, picnics and sunny weekends
Both styles are produced in small batches using carefully sourced fabrics and designed to be worn and loved for years.
Because the best boho summer dresses aren't the ones that follow every trend.
They're the ones that make you feel like yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boho summer dress?
A boho summer dress typically features a relaxed silhouette, feminine details, flowing fabrics and an effortless feel. Floral prints, maxi lengths and comfortable fits are common characteristics.
Are boho dresses still in style?
Yes. Boho dresses remain popular because they're timeless, versatile and comfortable. Whilst trends evolve, the relaxed and feminine feel of bohemian dressing never really disappears.
What shoes do you wear with a boho dress?
Boho dresses work beautifully with sandals, Birkenstocks, ankle boots, trainers and wedges depending on the occasion.
Are Cara & The Sky dresses boho?
Yes. Both the Maisie Maxi Dress and Ruby Mini Dress take inspiration from bohemian dressing, combining relaxed silhouettes, colourful fabrics and easy-to-wear shapes designed for real life.
Checkerboard Cardigan UK: The Timeless Trend Everyone Is Searching For
If you’ve found yourself searching for a checkerboard cardigan or checkered sweater, you’re not alone.
Searches for checkerboard knits are soaring right now and it makes sense. This is not a trend that comes and goes. Checkerboard has been a fashion staple for decades and it is not slowing down anytime soon.
And if you’re looking for the perfect checkerboard cardigan or sweater, look no further.
Meet the Candice Checkerboard Cardigan
The Candice Cardigan is our take on the forever-loved checkerboard print.
A chunky, cosy knit with a very relaxed, slouchy fit that feels effortless to throw on but still makes an impact. It is bold, wearable and designed to bring a little bit of joy into your everyday.
Designed by Cara and made in the UK in small batches, this is a piece you can feel good about wearing. It is also vegan friendly, meaning no wool, making it perfect if you are looking for a soft, non wool alternative to traditional knitwear.
Whether you are searching for a checkerboard cardigan or a cosy checkerboard sweater, this is the piece your wardrobe has been waiting for.
Shop the Checkerboard Cardigan Everyone Wants
❤️ Red & White Checkerboard Cardigan
A true statement piece. Bright, confident and designed to stand out.
If you are looking for a red checkerboard cardigan that turns heads but still feels easy to wear, this is it. Pair with denim and a simple tee or layer over dresses for a more styled look.
🖤 Black & White Checkerboard Cardigan
The ultimate classic.
A black and white checkerboard cardigan is one of the most searched for styles and for good reason. It goes with everything and will never date. Perfect if you want a more neutral take on the trend.
💙💗 Blue & Pink Checkerboard Cardigan
Playful, colourful and very Cara & The Sky.
If you are searching for a colourful checkerboard sweater or something a little different, this is your perfect match. Soft tones with a bold twist, designed to lift your mood instantly.
Why Checkerboard Cardigans Are Always in Style
Checkerboard is one of the most searched knitwear styles because it works.
It adds interest without being difficult to style. It feels bold without being overwhelming. And it gives even the simplest outfit a bit more personality.
From checkered cardigans in the US to checkerboard cardigans UK, this is a print that crosses seasons, trends and styles.
And when it is crafted into a soft, vegan friendly knit, it becomes even more wearable.
How to Style a Checkerboard Cardigan or Sweater
One of the reasons people keep searching for checkerboard knits is because they are so easy to wear.
Style your checkerboard cardigan with:
Jeans and a white t shirt for everyday
Layered over dresses for a transitional look
With tailored trousers to add a playful edge
It does the work for you. No overthinking required.
British Made Checkerboard Knitwear
At Cara & The Sky, every piece is designed in the UK and made locally in small batches.
This means better quality, lower waste and a more thoughtful approach to fashion. When you choose a checkerboard cardigan from us, you are supporting British manufacturing and investing in a piece that is made to last.
A Little Note
Some of our checkerboard colourways have already sold out and due to our small batch production, once they are gone, they are gone.
Shop Checkerboard Cardigans & Sweaters
If you are searching for a:
checkerboard cardigan UK
checkered cardigan
checkerboard sweater
colourful knit cardigan
vegan friendly knitwear UK
The Candice Cardigan is the one.
Designed to stand out. Made to be worn on repeat. And created to bring a little bit of joy into your wardrobe.
Come find your checkerboard 💖
Cara & The Sky Reviews: Real Customer Reviews, Fit, Quality & Is It Worth It?
If you’re searching for Cara & The Sky reviews, you’re probably asking one key question
is it actually worth it?
As a small, British-made knitwear brand, we know trust matters. So instead of just telling you how good our pieces are, we’re sharing real customer reviews pulled directly from our site, with names, dates and sources.
You can browse every review here:
👉 Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
⭐ What Customers Say About Cara & The Sky
One of the biggest themes across Cara & The Sky reviews is how the knitwear makes people feel.
“Joy in a jumper! Absolutely gorgeous… so bright, absolutely full of endorphins on a grey day.”
– Sarah M., 12 January 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Love it, love it… absolutely fabulous colour combo and sooo soft.”
– Emma L., 3 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
These aren’t just jumpers you throw on. They’re the ones that genuinely lift your mood.
🧶 Quality & Softness: Are Cara & The Sky Jumpers Good?
This is one of the most searched questions and it shows clearly in Cara & The Sky reviews.
“Incredibly soft and SO comfortable to wear.”
– Rachel T., 18 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“The garment is soft and warm and I have had many compliments.”
– Louise H., 27 January 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Beautiful sweater, good quality and exactly as described.”
– Hannah W., 9 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
All knitwear is designed by Cara and made in the UK in small batches, which means more care, better quality, and pieces designed to last.
👗 Fit & Sizing: How Do Cara & The Sky Jumpers Fit?
Fit is a big part of the buying decision, so here’s what real customers say.
Our signature is a very relaxed, slouchy fit.
“Soft, sits perfectly and is spot on for size.”
– Claire D., 14 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Perfectly slouchy with the most gorgeous balloon sleeves.”
– Nicola P., 22 January 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“I sized down as I didn’t want it too slouchy and it fits perfectly.”
– Becky R., 5 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
If you love an easy, throw-on shape, stay true to size. If you want a neater fit, many customers size down.
🌈 Colour & Compliments
Colour is at the heart of the brand and it’s something customers constantly mention in Cara & The Sky reviews.
“Such beautiful quality jumper and amazing colours.”
– Jess K., 11 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Had so many compliments wearing this.”
– Amy S., 28 January 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“The colours are even better in real life.”
– Laura B., 16 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
These are the pieces people ask you about in the street.
💬 Customer Service Reviews
“Fabulous company. Speedy shipping and great customer service.”
– Sophie W., 20 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Amazing customer service… so helpful with sizing.”
– Katie J., 6 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Quick, friendly and really personal communication.”
– Megan C., 25 January 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
🔁 Do Customers Buy Again?
“I absolutely love this brand… will be back to buy more.”
– Olivia R., 2 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“This is my fourth purchase and every piece has been amazing.”
– Danielle F., 18 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
“Bought one and then came straight back for another.”
– Chloe M., 9 February 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
⭐ Product-Specific Reviews
Rhiannon Jumper Reviews
“The pink and green is just everything… I get compliments every time I wear it.”
– Emily S., 7 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
Brigit Cardigan Reviews
“The balloon sleeves are gorgeous and it feels so premium.”
– Hannah J., 1 March 2026
Source: Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
📍 Where These Reviews Come From
All reviews featured above are taken directly from:
👉 Cara & The Sky Product Reviews
We only display reviews from genuine customers.
❓ FAQ: Cara & The Sky Reviews
Is Cara & The Sky worth it?
Based on customer reviews, shoppers consistently highlight the quality, colour and feel-good factor. Many become repeat customers.
Are Cara & The Sky jumpers soft?
Yes. Softness and comfort are two of the most frequently mentioned points in reviews.
Do Cara & The Sky run big?
They are designed to be very relaxed and slouchy. Size down if you prefer a neater fit.
Is Cara & The Sky good quality?
Reviews consistently mention high quality, softness and durability, supported by UK small-batch production.
Final Verdict
Across hundreds of Cara & The Sky reviews, customers love the colour, the comfort, and how the pieces make them feel.
If you’re looking for something that stands out and feels good to wear, this is it - Shop the collection here!
What Is My Colour Season? Find Your Colours and the Knits That Actually Suit You
If you’ve ever put on a knit and thought this just works, that’s not random.
That’s colour analysis.
And once you understand your season, you stop guessing and start buying pieces you’ll actually wear on repeat.
🌸 SPRING (Warm + Light + Clear)
You suit warm, fresh, uplifting colour. Nothing heavy, nothing too dark.
Bright Spring
Warm + bright + high energy
Think: bright pink, green, coral
This is SO you if you love bold colour.
👉 Your knits:
- Rhiannon pink & green stripe jumper → your perfect match (this is literally built for Bright Spring energy)
- Candice pink & green checked cardigan → same bold contrast, slightly softer feel
These colours won’t overpower you, they’ll make you glow.
Warm Spring (True Spring)
Fully warm, slightly softer
Think: peach, warm pink, golden tones
👉 Your knits:
- Darwin jumper in pink → warm, uplifting, easy everyday colour
- Tracy pink stripe cardigan → playful but still warm-toned
If something feels “sunny” and lifts your face, that’s your zone.
Light Spring
Light + warm + soft
Think: soft pink, sky blue, light tones
👉 Your knits:
- Charlotte pink geometric jumper → pastel, playful, very wearable
- Any lighter colour-block knits that feel soft rather than bold
If heavy colours drag you down, this is you.
🌿 SUMMER (Cool + Soft + Muted)
You suit cool, blended, softer tones.
Cool Summer (True Summer)
Think: powder blue, rose pink, lavender
👉 Your knits:
- Darwin blue jumper → clean, cool, easy everyday piece
- Bernice lilac cardigan → soft, flattering, feminine
These tones should feel calming, not loud.
Soft Summer
Muted + cool
Think: dusty tones, low contrast
👉 Your knits:
- Muted stripe jumpers (grey, soft pink blends) such as the Jennie Cable Jumper
- Subtle colour cardigans with less contrast
Avoid anything too neon or high contrast, it’ll wear you.
Light Summer
Light + cool
👉 Your knits:
- Charlotte pastel tones again (you overlap with Light Spring slightly)
- Lighter blue/pink knits
If you love pastels but need them slightly cooler, this is your space.
🍂 AUTUMN (Warm + Deep + Rich)
You suit warm, earthy, cosy colour.
Warm Autumn (True Autumn)
Think: rust, orange, mustard
👉 Your knits:
- Janie orange stripe cardigan → absolute hero piece
- Brigit orange cardigan → warm, textured, flattering
If orange makes you glow, you’re here.
Soft Autumn
Muted + warm
👉 Your knits:
- Camel / peach toned Ricci Cardigan
- Softer warm stripes, nothing too bold
Think cosy, not punchy.
Deep Autumn
Deep + warm
👉 Your knits:
- Richer tones like deeper reds, darker oranges - try our Marlow and Martha Co-ord
- Heavier textured knits
If lighter colours wash you out, go deeper.
❄️ WINTER (Cool + Bright + High Contrast)
You suit bold, cool, striking colour.
Cool Winter (True Winter)
Think: bright pink, blue, cool tones
👉 Your knits:
- Darwin pink (cool bright pink)
- Bright blue knits such as the Judith Jumper
Clean, bold colour is your thing.
Bright Winter
High contrast + vivid
👉 Your knits:
- Rhiannon (again) → this is also a perfect Bright Winter piece
- Candice bold check cardigans
If you can handle strong contrast, lean into it.
Deep Winter
Dark + cool
👉 Your knits:
- Candice black & white checked cardigan → high contrast, strong, chic
- Deeper tones with contrast
If black looks amazing on you, you’re likely here.
The Bit That Makes This Easy
You don’t need to remember all 12.
You just need that moment where you read a section and think:
“That’s me… and I want that knit.”
Because that’s your colour.
Ready to Shop Your Season?
Go straight to:
👉 https://www.caraandthesky.com
Start with the colour you connected with most while reading.
That’s the one you’ll wear on repeat.
Best Gifts for Women Who Love Colour (That She’ll Actually Wear)
Let’s be honest.
Buying for someone who loves colour should be easy… but it’s usually where people get it wrong.
Because if she’s someone who really loves colour, she doesn’t want something toned down or a “safe” version of her style. She wants something that feels like her.
So if you’re here wondering what to actually buy, this is a guide to the best gifts for women who love colour using pieces you can shop right now from Cara & The Sky.
What makes a good colourful gift?
Women who love colour don’t just want more clothes. They want pieces that feel joyful the second they put them on, are easy to wear without overthinking, and actually get worn again and again.
Which is exactly why certain gifts work… and others don’t.
1. A Statement Knit (The Gift That Always Lands)
If you’re unsure what to buy, start here.
A very relaxed, slouchy knit is one of the easiest gifts to get right because it does all the work for her.
On Cara & The Sky, these are the pieces people come back for. The kind of jumper you throw on and instantly feel better in, bold colour combinations that stand out in the best way, and easy shapes that work across sizes.
Think striped jumpers, chunky stitch knits, and balloon sleeve cardigans.
They’re cosy, practical, and still feel like a proper treat. And importantly, they don’t need styling. They are the outfit.
2. Cardigans (Easy, Layerable, Always Worn)
If you want something just as impactful but slightly easier to style, a cardigan is such a good option.
They work because they layer effortlessly over basics, can be worn open or closed, and feel relaxed but still pulled together.
A colourful cardigan is one of those pieces she’ll throw on without thinking, whether it’s over jeans, dresses, or loungewear.
3. Jewellery from Curated by Cara (Junk Jewels)
If sizing feels risky, jewellery is your best friend.
The pieces from Curated by Cara featuring Junk Jewels are perfect for colour lovers because they add instant personality to any outfit, layer easily with what she already owns, and feel playful without being over the top.
Think stacking rings, colourful enamel, and bold shapes.
It’s the kind of gift she’ll wear every day, not just save for best.
4. Feel-Good Extras (Lords Fragrance House)
Not every gift has to be worn.
The Lords Fragrance House pieces on site are perfect for adding that feel-good energy into her home, creating little daily rituals, and gifting something that feels thoughtful but easy.
This works especially well alongside a knit or jewellery as a bundle.
5. Smaller Colourful Pieces (Easy Wins)
If you want something simpler or lower commitment, smaller colourful pieces are always a safe option.
Accessories and entry price pieces still tap into her love of colour, just in a more subtle, everyday way.
What to avoid when buying for someone who loves colour
This is important.
Avoid muted pieces that feel watered down, playing it too safe, or buying something you like instead of something she would wear.
Because if she loves colour, she wants to feel it.
So what should you actually choose?
If you want the safest bet, go for a statement knit or a cardigan.
If you want something smaller, jewellery from Junk Jewels or a feel-good candle from Lords are perfect options.
All of these work because they’re easy to wear or use, full of personality, and actually get used, which is the whole point of a gift.
Final thought
The best gifts for women who love colour aren’t the most complicated ones.
They’re the ones she reaches for again and again without even thinking.
The ones that make getting dressed feel easier, brighter, and more like her.
And that’s exactly what Cara & The Sky is all about.
Spring Jewellery Trends UK 2026: Affordable Colourful Pieces That Instantly Elevate Your Outfit
Spring always brings that shift… lighter mornings, brighter outfits, and that feeling of wanting to actually enjoy getting dressed again.
But if your outfits are still feeling a bit samey, the fix isn’t a whole new wardrobe.
It’s jewellery.
The right pieces can completely transform what you already own. Adding colour, personality, and that effortless put together feel without trying too hard.
So if you’ve been searching for the best spring jewellery in the UK, or looking for easy ways to refresh your outfits, this is where to start.
Colourful Jewellery Is the Biggest Spring Trend Right Now
If there’s one trend dominating this spring, it’s colour.
From pastel gemstones to playful statement pieces, colourful jewellery instantly lifts even the simplest outfit. It adds personality without overthinking and works perfectly with everyday outfits.
If you already love colour in your wardrobe, this is the easiest way to build on it.
Cara tip: pick out one colour from your outfit and match your jewellery to it. It pulls everything together in a really effortless way.
Shop colourful pieces here:
Everyday Gold Jewellery That Goes With Everything
Alongside colour, everyday gold jewellery is always a go to.
These are your foundation pieces. The ones you throw on without thinking and wear on repeat.
Think simple hoops, delicate chains, and stacking rings that work with everything in your wardrobe.
They balance brighter outfits and make everything feel a bit more polished without being overdone.
Gold jewellery paired with a colourful knit and jeans is one of those combinations that just always works.
Shop everyday gold staples here:
Statement Jewellery for Simple Outfits
If your outfit feels a bit flat, this is the quickest fix.
Statement jewellery instantly adds interest and makes it look like you’ve put effort into your outfit, even when you haven’t.
A bold pair of earrings or a standout necklace can completely change the feel of a simple look.
It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate what you already own.
Shop statement pieces here:
Jewellery You’ll Actually Wear Every Day
This is the most important part.
There’s no point buying into trends if you’re not actually going to wear the pieces.
That’s exactly why Curated by Cara exists.
It’s a handpicked edit of jewellery that fits into your real wardrobe. Pieces that feel fun but are still wearable and easy to style day to day.
You’ll find colourful styles that lift your mood, gold staples you won’t take off, and statement pieces that make simple outfits feel styled.
Where to Buy Affordable Spring Jewellery in the UK
If you’re looking for affordable, colourful, everyday jewellery in the UK, this is your starting point.
Curated by Cara brings together pieces that are designed to work with your wardrobe and actually be worn, not sit in a jewellery box.
Shop the full edit here:
FAQs
What jewellery is trending in spring 2026?
Colourful jewellery, everyday gold staples, and statement earrings are the key trends for spring 2026.
How do you style colourful jewellery?
Pick out colours from your outfit and match your jewellery to them. This creates a really cohesive, styled look without overthinking it.
Where can I buy affordable jewellery in the UK?
You can shop a curated selection of affordable, wearable jewellery at:
Spring Scents for Your Home: The Best Candles & Fresh Fragrance Ideas for 2026 🌸✨
There’s something about spring that makes you want to reset everything.
The lighter evenings, the first bit of warmth, finally opening the windows again… and suddenly your home just needs to feel as fresh as the season.
And while we all talk about spring wardrobes, spring scents for your home can completely shift your mood and space in seconds.
If your home is still holding onto those heavier winter scents, this is your sign to switch things up.
Why Spring Home Fragrance Makes Such a Difference
Scent is one of the quickest ways to change how your home feels.
The right spring home fragrance instantly brings that light, clean, uplifting energy we all crave this time of year.
Spring scents are usually:
• fresh and airy
• floral or citrus-led
• soft, clean and uplifting
• never too heavy
Think open windows, sunshine and slow mornings… bottled.
The Best Spring Scents for Your Home
If you’re wondering where to start, these are the best candles for spring and fragrance notes to look for:
🌼 Floral Scents
Rose, jasmine and peony bring that soft, classic spring feel without being overpowering.
🍋 Citrus Scents
Lemon, bergamot and orange blossom feel clean, energising and perfect for everyday use.
🌿 Fresh & Green Notes
Think herbs, cut grass and soft woods. Fresh, natural and calming.
🍃 Light Musks & Clean Scents
Perfect if you prefer something subtle but still want your home to smell amazing.
How to Make Your Home Smell Fresh This Spring
If your space is feeling a bit flat after winter, try this:
Open your windows and let the air flow through
Do a quick reset or tidy
Light a candle in the morning while getting ready
Use a diffuser in the evening to wind down
Small changes, but they completely shift the energy of your space.
Our Go-To Spring Candles Right Now 🌸
If you’re looking for an easy way to bring this into your home, we’ve curated a small edit from Lords Fragrance House that we genuinely love.
These are the kind of luxury candles in the UK that feel:
soft but noticeable
elevated but still easy to use every day
perfect for layering scent throughout your home
From candles to diffusers and little self care extras, they’re designed to make your everyday feel a bit more special.
Create Your Own Spring Reset Ritual
Spring isn’t about doing more. It’s about feeling better in the everyday.
A fresh outfit, a bit of sunshine, and a home that smells incredible in the background.
That’s the magic.
Shop Spring Scents for Your Home
Ready to refresh your space for spring?
Explore our curated fragrance edit here → Shop Lords Fragrance House
FAQs About Spring Scents
What are the best scents for spring?
Floral, citrus and fresh green scents are the most popular for spring as they feel light, clean and uplifting.
How can I make my home smell fresh all the time?
Layering scent with candles and diffusers, plus regular airflow, keeps your home smelling consistently fresh.
Are candles or diffusers better for spring?
Both work beautifully. Candles are great for creating a cosy moment, while diffusers provide a constant background scent.
The Best Spring Jumpers for 2026
Colourful Spring Knitwear That Feels As Good As It Looks
When spring finally starts to show up, getting dressed feels fun again.
The sun pops out, the days feel lighter, and suddenly you want colour back in your wardrobe. But spring weather in the UK can still be unpredictable. One minute it feels warm, the next you’re reaching for another layer.
That is where spring knitwear becomes essential.
The best spring jumpers are light enough for milder days but cosy enough for cooler mornings. They should feel easy to throw on, comfortable to wear all day, and bring a little joy to your outfit.
At Cara & The Sky, knitwear is designed to do exactly that. Think colourful knits, small batch production, and very relaxed silhouettes that drape beautifully and feel effortless to wear.
If you are looking for the best spring jumpers to brighten your wardrobe, here are the pieces everyone is loving this season.
Darwin Jumper
The Perfect Solid Colour Spring Knit
The Darwin jumper is one of those pieces that becomes an instant wardrobe favourite.
With its clean design and very relaxed silhouette, it is the kind of knit you can throw on with anything and instantly feel comfortable and put together.
The knit drapes beautifully with that signature Cara & The Sky slouchy feel that makes it easy to wear all day.
Darwin Pink
The Darwin in pink is a bold yet wearable spring staple.
The solid pink colour brings energy and warmth into your wardrobe without feeling over the top. It is bright enough to lift an outfit while still pairing effortlessly with everyday pieces like denim or wide leg trousers.
Why Darwin works so well for spring
• Lightweight knit perfect for transitional weather
• Bright colour that lifts everyday outfits
• Very relaxed fit designed for comfort and effortless style
Charlotte Jumper
The Pink Battenberg Spring Statement
If you love playful colour, the Charlotte jumper is a dream spring knit.
Inspired by the soft pink tones of Battenberg cake, this jumper combines beautiful pastel colour blocking with a very relaxed fit that feels comfortable and flattering.
The mix of pink tones gives the knit a fun but still wearable feel, making it perfect for adding personality to your spring wardrobe.
Charlotte is the kind of jumper that becomes the talking point of an outfit.
Why people love the Charlotte jumper
• Pink Battenberg inspired colour design
• Colourful knitwear that feels joyful and fresh
• Very relaxed silhouette that drapes beautifully
Rhiannon Jumper
Colourful Dopamine Dressing for Spring
The Rhiannon jumper is all about joyful dressing.
With its bold pink and green colour combination, it is a knit designed to stand out. It instantly brings personality and energy to an outfit while still feeling incredibly wearable thanks to the very relaxed fit.
Despite being a statement piece, Rhiannon is surprisingly easy to style with denim, skirts or layered over dresses.
It has also become a favourite for matching mum and mini moments, adding an extra layer of fun to spring dressing.
Why the Rhiannon jumper stands out
• Bold colourful knitwear that lifts an outfit instantly
• Lightweight enough for spring layering
• Very relaxed silhouette designed for comfort
The Red Knit Co Ord
The Effortless Spring Knitwear Outfit
If you love an outfit that looks styled without the effort, the Red Knit Co Ord is the perfect choice.
Matching knit sets are one of the easiest ways to look instantly put together, and this vibrant red set does exactly that.
The jumper features the signature very relaxed Cara & The Sky silhouette, paired with coordinating knit trousers that feel cosy but still elevated.
You can wear the full set together for a bold statement look or style the pieces separately with your existing wardrobe.
Why knitwear co ords work so well in spring
• Easy outfit that requires minimal styling
• Comfortable knitwear you can wear all day
• Bright colour that lifts your spring wardrobe
Why Spring Knitwear Is A Wardrobe Essential
Spring is that in between season where layers become your best friend.
The best spring jumpers and knitwear should feel breathable, comfortable and easy to style while still adding personality to your outfit.
At Cara & The Sky, every knit is designed with a very relaxed, slightly slouchy fit that feels effortless to wear. Each piece is produced in small batches and designed in the UK, celebrating colourful knitwear that stands out from the crowd.
Because getting dressed should feel joyful
Discover The Spring Knitwear Collection
If you are searching for spring jumpers, colourful knitwear or relaxed fit knitwear, explore the latest collection from Cara & The Sky.
From the solid pink Darwin jumper to the pink Battenberg Charlotte and the bold Rhiannon knit, these pieces are designed to bring colour, comfort and personality into your everyday wardrobe.