“Boxy” and “cropped” are two of my least favorite words in the English language…when it comes to clothing. One of my favorite words? “Moxie.” (A boy told me I had ‘gregarious moxie’ in high school and it hasn’t left me.)
Typically this Reformation Luisa Crop Cashmere Blend Sweater wouldn’t be on my radar. But, even I am not immune to Shana’s charms. When I saw her wearing the Reformation sweater in cream, I knew I had to try it (#influenced). Plus, pale lavender is my Winter Color Love Language, and Reformation is a sustainable brand (this sweater is made from 70% recycled cashmere).
Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Purse | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
6 Outfit Ideas With Reformation’s Cropped Boxy Sweater (That Don’t Show Any Skin)
How does one style a boxy cropped sweater when one’s abdomen looks like a war-zone? I’ve grown 3 humans to term, my stomach deserves coverage! Two self-imposed rules have helped me solve the cropped sweater riddle: Pair it with high-waisted ANYTHING or use it as a layering piece. Here are 6 looks I came up with by primarily shopping my closet to style up this cropped, recycled cashmere sweater.
1| Date Night: With High-Rise Vegan Leather Pants
Sweater | Pants (diff. color) | Similar Heels
I’ve never found leather pants that didn’t make me feel (and sound) like I was wearing two hefty bags. These Curve Love Vegan Pants (diff. color) from Abercrombie are the GOAT, plus the “curve” fit means an extra 1-2 inches in the hips — a necessity for me when wearing vegan leather pants. For other styles from A&F, click here. The lilac color of the Reformation sweater provides a beautiful contrast and the crop length allows the pants to shine.
Fit Notes: The sweater runs TTS (I’m wearing a large). The pants are TTS (I’m wearing a 30).
2| ’70s Cool: High-Rise Flare Jeans + Heeled Boots
Sweater | Jeans (diff. wash) | Boots | Clutch | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
Every time I put on these FRAME Le Flares (diff. wash) I’m impressed. They have the perfect amount of stretch and just enough of a flare to provide that throwback look while still feeling modern. The high waist is perfect for the cashmere blend sweater. It feels very ‘stroll in the park’ while blasting “The Chain.” It’s a vibe.
Fit Notes: The sweater runs TTS (large). The jeans run large (size down 1, I’m wearing a 29). The boots are TTS (8).
3| Athleisure: Wide-Leg Sweatpants + Sneakers
Sweater | Sweatpants | Sneakers | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
The “stupid pants” are still going strong! My Nike wide-leg sweatpants are screaming for a mini tuck from a cropped sweater like this one. Something about that lilac just cheers up my winter blues and makes me feel a little dressier, even whilst wearing sweats.
Fit Notes: The sweater is TTS (large). The sweatpants run big (I’m wearing a medium). The sneakers are TTS (8).
4| Cher Horowitz Vibes: Plaid Mini Skirt + Black Boots
Sweater | Skirt (similar) | Booties (similar) | Clutch | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
I rediscover this vintage Burberry skirt I received from an ex-girlfriend of my father’s who purchased several (one’s shopping addiction is another (wo)man’s treasure) and it’s a delight every time. My own personal Sisterhood of the Traveling [Skirt]. This skirt has managed to grow and change with a body that’s been through a ton of transitions over the past 10 years. Maybe it’s magic, but it’s probably the velcro. Paired with my Reformation sweater, it’s a more colorful look for a skirt that I’ve historically worn with a black or gray top. A welcome change.
Fit Notes: The sweater runs TTS (large).
5| Momming Around: Mom Jeans + Adidas Sneakers
Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Purse | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
Y’all know my Abercrombie Curve Love Mom Jeans rival my MOTHER Tomcats (comparison & review here). Ripped, broken-in, perfection. I love the lighter denim wash with the lilac sweater. On a dark winter afternoon these colors remind me of the promise of spring (Just call me Meredith Frost).
Fit Notes: The sweater runs TTS (large). The jeans run TTS for a looser fit (30). The sneakers are TTS (8).
6| Cool Weekend Vibes: Cargo Pants + Buckled Boots
Sweater | Boots | Lipstick (Secret Salma)
I’ve been practically living in these ripped cords from Anthropologie. Slouchy, ripped cords are hard to come by, which is strange considering all the ripped jeans…anyway I digress. These corduroy pants from Saks Fifth Ave are very similar in terms of color, fit and length. Or maybe try Laura’s fav, the PAIGE Mayslie joggers; they have a very similar vibe, as do (surprisingly) Gap’s high-rise cord joggers. Those have a bunch of good reviews, despite (or maybe because of) the elastic waist. Anyway, I feel kind of bad ass wearing cords with my Blondo Waterproof Boots.
Fit Notes: The sweater runs TTS (large). The boots run TTS (8).
I know I’m not alone in wishing this cropped trend dies a swift death, but this sweater is softening me up to it. With the right bottoms or used as a layering piece (I’ve heard that it looks great over fitted dresses, too) this Reformation sweater is a head-turner. The perfect complement to the person with a certain “gregarious moxie.”
x, Meredith
“If you don’t love me now, you will never love me again, I can still hear you saying “Never break the chain”. Speaking my love language with Fleetwood Mac as always! Gave me some great ideas with some other sweaters I already have.
Fleetwood Mac is basically my background track in the movie that is my life in my head LOL. Glad this gave you ideas of how to work with what you already have!
What does stupid pants mean exactly?
It’s a throwback to the Nordstrom Anni Sale in 2020 where these wide leg, high-waisted Nike sweatpants became a sleeper hit. I tried them and they are so stupid looking on the model and in theory, but they just work and for so many people that they took on the name “the stupid pants.”