I don’t usually get excited over cardigans. However!! J.Crew juuuust dropped a long, belted cardigan (in 100% cashmere, no less) that is *exactly* the cardigan I’ve been looking for.
Not only is it made from a cashmere that has been certified by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF ensures the welfare of the cashmere goats, protects natural resources, improves the working conditions in Inner Mongolia), but it’s made from a soft, luxurious cashmere that I haven’t seen from J.Crew in years.
The details are good, too. The arms are long enough (I’m picky about that kind of thing), the shoulders are a bit dropped, and the whole cardigan drapes really, really well. The vibe is very effortlessly luxe. This old thing?
How To Style J.Crew’s Luxe, Belted Cashmere Cardigan: 8 Outfit Ideas
This cardigan is the kind of piece I’ll wear for years. I know this because despite the shade I’ve thrown at cardigans over the years…I’ve always had at least one long, belted cardigan in firm rotation. They’re some of the most versatile pieces in existence, and I’ve styled them with jeans (skinnies, flares and mom jeans), shorts, trousers, leggings, maxi dresses, mini dresses, midi dresses…all of ’em. So. Here are a few ways I’m planning to wear this one.
1. With A Silk Cami & Jeans (Holiday Party Outfit?)
cardigan (xs/s) | silk cami (s) – on sale | levis (27) | vintage bag (similar) | old Kate Spade glitter pumps (similar)
I’m always looking for a pretty, comfy layer to warm up my usual go-tos (silk camis, ripped jeans). I’ll finish the look off with shiny accessories (and I need to add a really dark, smokey eye) and call it done.
2. With Skinnies & A Wool Coat (Urban Exploring?)
cardigan (xs/s) | coat (s) – 40% off! | tank (s) | jeans (27) | boots | bag – 20% off
With comfy, walkable boots and a slouchy-luxe vibe, this monochromatic look is seriously chic (and warm!). Three-quarter wool coats are the answer for anyone who tends to gravitate to longer sweaters; cropped jackets can sometimes look silly with sweaters hanging out underneath.
Of course, even with the jacket off, the look still works.
cardigan (xs/s) | coat (s) – 40% off! | tank (s) | jeans (27) | boots | bag – 20% off
3. With Flares & Graphic Tees (For School Functions)
cardigan (xs/s) | old tee (similar) | jeans (26) | boots
This outfit is my usual move for school functions: trouser jeans, nice shoes, and a belted cardigan. Comfy, and juuuust polished enough.
4. With Trousers (For The Office)
cardigan (xs/s) | silk shirt (s) | old trousers (similar)
This cardigan layers beautifully over a button-down, and this combo would work great for Zoom calls, too. In general, I love the idea of swapping out a suit jacket for a cardigan, and this one looks relaxed and luxe, not sloppy.
5. Over A Ribbed, Midi Dress (Another Office Outfit?)
cardigan (xs/s) | dress (s) – 25% off | boots – 40% off | bag – 40% off
I’m using the term “office” loosely. This one looks a bit…creative? Artsy? The point here is that these long, belted cardigans layer beautifully over dresses in general, and especially those midi dresses that are easily ruined by cardigans.
6. Over A Puffed-Sleeve Mini Dress (My Weekend Outfit)
cardigan (xs/s) | dress (s) – 40% off | vans | old bag (similar)
This one sounds very specific…but hear me out: These long, belted cardigans will look great with almost all mini dresses. But the extra dropped shoulder detail means that *this* particular cardigan will also work over a small, puffed sleeve.
7. With Bike Shorts & Converse (For Running Errands)
cardigan (xs/s) | tank (m) | shorts (s) | converse sneaks | old bag (similar)
I spend…lots of time in workout gear. Some days it’s just optimistic (maybe if I’m wearing the gear the workout will get done), and other days the thought of showering, putting on makeup, drying my hair…is too much. So anything that helps make my workout gear acceptable for running around? A total win.
8. Over PJs (Like a Robe)
cardigan (xs/s) | pjs top, bottom | slippers | glasses
I hate big robes. I often feel like I’ve been immobilized (picture a kid, stuffed into a snowsuit, a la A Christmas Story) — so I never wear them, even on chilly mornings. Instead, I really love these long, cashmere cardigans. I’m short (5’3″), so they cover my bum, and I don’t mind wearing it around the house because I find cashmere really easy to care for.
If interested, here’s a little guide on how I care for my cashmere (Spoiler: machine wash).
Shop Long, Belted Cardigans
This J.Crew cardigan isn’t cheap ($258 last I looked), but is well-priced considering both the quality of the cashmere and the details. Especially when compared to other, similar cardigans (like, uh, this one — yikes). That said, this piece is such a wardrobe problem-solver, I wanted to round-up a few others like it, in case the J.Crew one doesn’t work for you. I also tried to find some affordable options…but dang. It’s tough.
xo,
S
