In what has to be the fastest year that I can recall, we’ve reached October and are quickly nearing the middle of the month. Our temperature here in Virginia has bobbed up and down straddling the 70 degree mark for the last week or so, which signaled to me that it is once again time to unpack the fall wardrobe. I say this with a bit of lament because, as I mentioned, this year has sped by and a neck-breaking pace, and that goes doubly for my favorite season, which was especially pleasant this year; summer. With a dip in temperatures comes both the desire and need for cozy outer layers. Those occasional warm afternoons that precede the downright chilly evenings require functional pieces that make the transition to the less enjoyable part of the year tolerable. I have already begun my yearly sweater hunt, and have scored a few good items that I know you’ll love, too.
The budget-friendly knit.
Completely by accident, I’ve discovered the petite-girl hack for buying the perfect length cardigan. Shopping for “cropped” cardigans will result in the perfect hip-touching length to wear with high-rise bottoms, dresses and skirts for that vintage vibe we all love. Short torso ladies, this one is also for you! Look for a length of 18-26 inches measured from the back of the neck to the hem.
This navy knit cardigan is my latest acquisition. It comes in a range of lovely neutral colors, and is constructed of cotton and cashmere; it is so soft and warm! At the current sale price of $50 (be sure to stack your military/veteran, teacher/first responder discount) it is a budget-friendly bargain. Preppy tortoise shell buttons give this shaker knit a classic cozy vibe while the cropped length fits in just as well with the vintage crowd as the trendy crowd. I like that the bodice is more fitted compared to the roomy – but not balloon – sleeves that accommodate base layers without being constricting.
I ordered an XS but could definitely take a small. I recommend sizing up, but as I’ll be sharing this with my big girl, I will make the XS work!
Shop the Outfits
Hip-Length Cardigans
As I mentioned in the introduction, there are so many adorable cardigans out there right now. Here are a few of my favorites from shops whose quality never fails to impress. As a rule, keep a couple of nice, decorative cardigans to jazz up plain outfits, these are your “investment” knits and should be high quality and not at all trendy; a few cozy pieces to lounge in, and one to throw into your handbag in case of emergency.
xo, Mia
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