I get a lot of questions about cardigans, and honestly, I just don’t wear them very much these days. I used to love a good boyfriend cardigan or a nice straight open cardigan, but nowadays, I tend to avoid them. They just feel unstructured and almost frumpy to me.
The exception is a shorter cardigan buttoned-up like a pullover, but when it comes to cardigans as 3rd piece, I haven’t been feeling them lately. Until . . . enter the collared cardigan sweater jacket.
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There’s something about this sweater style that I really like. It feels fresh and new, but in a classic way, and it’s easy to dress up or down. You can also find them in different lengths, so there’s something out there for everybody.
This Caslon Collar Organic Cotton Blend Cardigan Sweater is a really nice affordable option in a versatile 23″ length. I also like this LOFT version with the 22″ length, in rust and olive.
The fabric on this sweater is a soft cotton blend, and I love the contrasting tortoiseshell buttons and subtle ribbed texture. I styled it over the AllSaints Stevie T-Shirt in the grey marl. I also have this t-shirt in white, but I like how the grey isn’t quite as stark against the navy sweater. A v-neck tee could work too, but crewnecks feel more current to me, so I went with that.
To keep the look casual, I wore my Pistola Monroe Cigarette Jeans in this versatile light-medium denim wash. These jeans are a great price right now, but you may want to size up. I have my usual 29, and they’re quite snug in the waist. Although, I’m finding myself needing to size up to a 30 in some styles right now, so they may be pretty true to size. If in doubt, order 2 sizes to compare because I don’t expect them to last long at this price.
These Vince Oasis Sneakers are one of my current favorites. I love the low profile style, inspired by the popular Adidas Samba. These are the Milk/Midnight Blue color way, so they tie in nicely to the navy sweater.
Also, you may notice I’m still doing the no-show sock thing. I just can’t get into the crew socks, but if you wanted to make this a more trendy look, you could certainly wear them with this. I actually might try these crop socks and see how I feel in them.
I carried my new Hobo Small Render convertible tote/crossbody bag in the natural color. I like how it creates a warm contrast to the cool tones in this outfit, and it also picks up on the gum sole of the sneakers. I added a coordinating brown belt, as well.
I also styled this look with suede mules in a autumnal warm camel shade, for a slightly more elevated vibe.
Caslon Collar Organic Cotton Blend Sweater (S) // Stevie tee (M) // Pistola Monroe High Waist Cigarette jeans (29) // Splendid Liza Mules (8) // Hobo Small Render Crossbody // Jenny Bird Ola bangle // Tom Ford sunnies
I love how these shoes coordinate with the bag, and they’re actually very comfortable to walk in. I always get asked if mules stay on my feet, and these definitely do. In fact, I also have them in the grey.
I accessorized with my Jenny Bird wavy bangle and gold hoop earrings, and I wore these brown Tom Ford sunglasses (budget option) for a softer look than my usual black plastic frames.
In case you’re wondering where we are, we took these pictures at Valley Forge National Park, which is one of my favorite spots to shoot in the fall. It will be even prettier there in the next few weeks.
