Sweater weather is finally descending upon California, even if it is in fits and spurts. Our fall weather is definitely schizophrenic, but eventually, we settle firmly into sweater weather, leaving our shorts and flip flops behind. Cropped cardigans are everywhere for fall. This trendy piece just narrowly missed making my top pick for My One Item Update for Fall.
If you peruse Instagram, you will see many young girls wearing cropped cardigans barely buttoned, flashing their midriff, and falling off the shoulder. Ok, that sentence makes me sound a bit old. But let’s get real – a cropped cardigan is a versatile item that women of any age can incorporate into their wardrobe.
A cropped cardigan is the cool younger sister of your traditional Mr. Roger’s cardigan. It is important to style accordingly. Let me show you how.
J.Crew Cropped Cardigan
For the majority of this post, I am wearing The J.Crew Cropped Cardigan in Supersoft Yarn. Currently, this sweater is 50% off, so snatch it up quick if you are interested. I have several sweaters in the Supersoft Yarn. The fabric is cozy, adds warmth, and isn’t too bulky. The reviews on this sweater are all over the place. I haven’t had a problem with pilling. But, I don’t expect that my sweater won’t at some point pill. It is an inexpensive fashion sweater. They eventually pill. Hell, I have expensive cashmere sweaters that pill.
Proper care is critical. Get yourself a handy-dandy sweater shaver to remove any pilling as it pops up. Follow all care instructions and please, please don’t hang any sweaters (that is just a personal pet peeve, not really a pilling prevention technique).
One thing I love about J.Crew is that they often make popular items in several colors. This sweater is available in seven different colors. I started with the olive green, but I have now ordered the black, and in a true ode to Mr. Rogers, I am seriously considering the red. Now on to how to style.
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5 Modern Ways to Style a Cropped Cardigan
Outfit #1: Cropped Cardigan + Denim Shirt + Cargo Pants + Booties
This look has a modern preppy vibe. I added the Everday Chambray Shirt under my cardigan. I purchased this shirt in two sizes for different looks: one fitted and one oversized for wearing with leggings. The shirt is a perfect base layer that looks great should you need to remove your sweater for any reason (hello, hot flash!).
I am forever a fan of skinny cargo pants. They never go out of style. Mine are the J Brand Houligan Cargo Skinnies. They are sold out almost everywhere. The Joie Park Skinny Jeans are similar to mine but with cool silver zipper details. My boots are M.Gemi Corsa Concava, available in black, burgundy, and sand this year. I am a huge fan of M.Gemi. The quality is impeccable, and the comfort is amazing.
Outfit #2: Cropped Cardigan + Cords + Clogs
How’s that for alliteration! The perfect alternative to jeans for cold weather is corduroy pants. This year, I am so into corduroy that I am working on a post of my favorite style and cuts. I have one pair to share with you that is as comfortable as leggings. No joke! The cords I’m wearing are from Carve Designs, but they sell out almost immediately and take weeks to restock. I have been stalking the olive green for weeks now and have had no luck.
Of course, J.Crew to the rescue! I also have the Vintage Straight Corduroy pants. Available in six colors except for olive because, of course, I purchased the regular length as I wanted them to be slightly cropped. If I wanted the Carve Designs corduroy look with a cool fold or a full-length pair, I would order the Tall. Thank you, J.Crew for making most things in Tall! I have years of PTSD from wearing pants that are too short.
I added some clogs but could easily have added my favorite sneakers for an easy casual vibe ready for a weekend at the farmer’s market or lunch with your family.
My purse is Parker Thatch and one of my favorites. My MIL inspired my love of purses. She had quite the collection, from expensive designer bags to handbags purchased from her favorite travel destinations. Over the years, I have grown my own collection too.
I recently ordered a Quilted Koala, which is similar to the Parker Thatch but at a less expensive price point. Quilted Koala has so many customization options; I was almost overwhelmed. I will put a review up on Instagram when I get it. Do you follow me on Instagram yet? I hope you will. I post lots of additional content, including my recent finds and #OOTD.
Outfit #3: Cropped Cardigan + Midi Skirt + Boots
You can easily dress up a cropped cardigan with a satin or silk midi skirt. The cropped cardigan and boots keep the outfit from looking too Librarian and more Hot for Teacher (RIP Edie Van Halen). My skirt is almost sold out, but I like the print of this Leopard Skirt better, and it is 50% off right now.
My long time favorite boot company is Frye. The quality, styles, and consistent comfort have me returning each year for a new pair. I am wearing the Frye Billy Tall Boot. I added them to my collection last Christmas. The Billy has a subtle western vibe that will always be a classic. I read somewhere (likely Who What Wear), “western boots are no longer a trend but a lifestyle.” This city girl, 100% agrees.
Outfit #4: Cropped Cardigan + Jeans + Booties
Of course, you can wear your cropped cardigan with jeans. It will look great with any of your favorite pairs, including skinny jeans or the currently on-trend flares. I’m wearing The Mother Tomcat Straight jeans and rag & bone Walker boots in Olive green, which I am dying over. I love them so much!
Outfit #5: Cropped Cardigan + Trousers + Sandals
This Boxy Cropped Cardigan is from The Gap. It is no longer available in black, but I purchased the heather grey too, which is a pretty, subtle grey. The sweater is lighter weight than the J.Crew one and perfect for layering. You could easily add a blazer or leather jacket over the top. The Cropped V-Neck Sweater is almost identical and just a bit heavier for cooler weather. It is available in a Super Pink that I am drooling over. I just ordered it.
Last year, I picked up the Everlane Textured Cotton Cardigan. I am a huge fan of Everlane and its ethical business model. They also make quality clothes that last and last. The Cotton Cardigan is a chunky knit which works best with skinny jeans or tapered trousers. It is a thick sweater, so I wear it primarily in the winter when a sweater is enough, but a coat isn’t required.
Cardigans have never really been synonymous with high fashion, but this year the cropped cardigan is making a play for status. There are so many fabulous ways to wear a cropped cardigan; I predict they will become a staple in your wardrobe. I am hoping that Mr. Rogers’s brand of kindness will soon become trendy again too.
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