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Cropped Cardigan Outfit | 22 Days of Fall Fashion

Greetings, and hello Monday! I hope you’re enjoying your long weekend. Cyndi and I are back today with 22 Days of Fall Fashion, and I’m styling a cropped cardigan outfit for fall.

Jo-Lynne Shane wearing camo cardigan outfit for fall with washed black straight crop jeans and black suede mules

I’m loving the trend of wearing a cropped cardigan buttoned-up as more of a top than a layering piece, and it works particularly well when it’s a v-neck cardigan. I always find a scoop or v-neck more flattering than a crew because it elongates the neck and generally makes you look taller and thinner. #yesplease

This cardigan is the Sanctuary brand, and I found it at Evereve, but it’s also at Zappo’s, and there are limited sizes at Nordstrom and Sanctuary Clothing. It’s a little on the spendy side, but it’s a really nice quality.

cropped cardigan outfit for fall

They also have this same sweater in a pullover style, if you prefer. I actually ordered that too, and it has a nice neckline — more of a ballet neck than a crew neck, and it’s the same soft comfy knit as this cardigan.

As you can see, I did wear a basic tank top under this cardigan. It was too low-cut without it, and I don’t mind the layered effect. It adds interest and ties in the black shoes and bag.

This sweater has a relaxed fit and generous length in the arms, and I’m wearing the small. I could maybe size down for a closer fit, but I’m afraid an XS would be too short.

cropped cardigan outfit for fall with washed black jeans

A cropped sweater requires a higher rise jean, and to keep the look modern, I paired it with these GAP high rise cigarette jeans in a washed black vintage stretch denim.

Cigarette jeans are a slim, straight style, and the hem often falls to the ankle; but these have a 26″ inseam for more of a cropped length, which I like. They also have the GAP secret smoothing front pockets for a sleek, smooth look.

I’m not quite sold on this washed black denim — it has some acid wash vibes going on. I prefer my washed black jeans to look more faded and worn-in than acid washed, but I do like the fit and the length of these.

These jeans are 40% off today, and they run TTS; I’m wearing the 28, for reference.

cropped cardigan outfit for fall with washed black straight crop jeans and black suede mules

I carried my new Coach courier bag, which I picked up at the #NSale a few weeks ago, so I paid a lot less than it’s going for right now. I tried to find a similar for less option, but I’m not finding anything quite like it. I do really like this AllSaints shoulder bag, though, and it has the crossbody option.

My choice of footwear is probably pretty predictable by now. What I can I say? I love a loafer mule with straight crop jeans. When it gets colder, I will do an ankle boot, but for transition season, I think the exposed ankle with shorter jeans is chic and slimming.

These R Minkoff mules were my first pair of loafer mules, and the ones that sold me on the style several years ago. For one thing, the quality is amazing, and they are leather lined on the inside and sooo comfortable on the foot. I also love the minimal styling and the shape through the toe box. I’ve had them for years, and I can’t give them up.

R Minkoff Mika Mules

A similar style that’s available now is the Steve Madden Flavor mule. I have these in the snake print, and they’re comfortable and very walkable and a good value for the price point.

I also like the looks of the Madewell Frances mule for a leather option, but I haven’t tried it and can’t attest to the comfort and walkability.

To accessorize this look, I wore my J monogram pendant and a pair of delicate double drop earrings. I love these earrings for more casual looks, and when I want something other than a stud that is on the smaller side. They’re on sale at Macy’s for $17.50.

cropped camo cardigan with washed black jeans

I think this cropped cardigan outfit is a nice change of pace from the skinny jeans and long cardigans that have ruled the fashion scene for the past few seasons.

With a cropped v-neck cardigan, you get the ease of a pullover with the interest of a cardigan, plus you can also wear it unbuttoned for a totally different look. The shorter sweater works well with the crop straight silhouette on the bottom and helps keep your vertical balance in check.

Shop the Post:

camo cardigan at  Evereve or Zappo’s // black tank // washed black jeans // similar black suede mules // Lucky Brand earrings // initial pendant // Coach courier bag (option)

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the fall look she’s styling today!

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a modern way to wear a cropped cardigan for fall

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photos: Alison Cornell

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23 Responses

  1. I don’t know if it’s your filter or the lighting, but like the prior pair of off black jeans so much blue is present in  some of these pics that the look isn’t quite right for me. I love the proportions on you though. And the cardigan is adorable!

  2. This looks like a great, relaxed fall look for shopping or meeting up with a friend for coffee.  I think I would have to wear a tank top with a cropped sweater, too.  I don’t like my stomach to show!

  3. Sorry to hear your daughter does not get to experience going to high school, always such an exciting time for the students! I have a granddaughter also starting high school, she will go only Monday and Tuesday, remainder of week online, and not with some of her friends who have the Thursday, Friday schedule! Heard one of the teachers has already tested positive, and school hasn’t  even started. Hopefully, the vaccine will not be too far away!

    1. Yes, that was the original plan for us too. I’m hoping we can move to that in October. Crossing my fingers! I think they’re waiting to make sure there’s no Covid spike due to Labor Day gatherings.

  4. I love this cardigan and the way it looks with the cropped straight-leg jeans. It’s a contemporary silhouette without being too far outside my box. The cardigan is sitting in my Zappos cart as we speak. (For anyone who is active duty, retired or a military dependent, Zappos offers a discount on everything!) Like with animal print, I’m hesitant to buy too many items in camo because it’s definitely a trend. However, it seems to be a trend that isn’t waning. My other hesitation and this probably sounds a little odd, is that I live in a military base town and everyone wears camo to work! I wouldn’t want to seem disrespectful of the job those folks do. Also, our area is chock full of hunters– something I’m also not. LOL. All that said, the print seems more abstract than camo and I don’t own a single button-up cardigan. Did you try it with blue jeans, Jo-Lynne? I’m wondering how it would look with blue rather than black.
    Happy Labor Day to all!

    1. I used to feel the same way about wearing camo – particularly about it being disrespectful to those who wear it as military personnel. My neighbor was in the army, and he used to laugh at me when I wore my camo pants a few years ago, but he didn’t seem to think it was disrespectful, so I figured it’s okay. LOL! Now it’s pretty commonplace.

  5. I can’t believe the model for the cardigan wore it with camo joggers🤷‍♀️Is that a new style to mix camo prints? I much prefer your outfit. Looking good! 

  6. I love the shorter cardigan, with a tank top, and jeans. I think you styled one in a mustard color awhile! back, and I loved it. Love a scoop neck top (I think it is flattering on everyone!)
    Enjoy this beautiful day! I am headed out to the garden to start “undoing” it, pulling out the tomato and other plants that are gone by. Boo hoo! Sun is shining, a nice breeze, just perfect!

  7. I’m loving camo this year too! Now that there are versions other than army green (not a good color on me). Are you putting away summery tops now and transitioning to fall colors? How about sandals, keep wearing fall looking sandals until it’s too cold?

  8. Love your outfit today, especially the cardigan. It has taken me years to want to wear camo. This cardigan pushed me over the line. I was on active duty in the Air Force for many years and lived in camo while stationed in South Korea and Germany.  Stateside we only wore it during exercises, so wore my blue uniform then.  It took me years to start wearing blue again. Isn’t it funny how the mind works.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved my time in the Air Force. Honored and humbled to have served.  Some of the best years of my life. Met my fighter pilot husband 35 years ago this month, at my first assignment in New Mexico, right after I was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Anyhow, for some reason camo and blue stayed out of my closet.  Added blue back in a few years ago, now it’s time for camo. Thanks Jo-Lynne. Enjoy Labor Day!

  9. When I first saw the cardigan in your email, I thought it was the Rails Veronica cardigan, which I’d really wanted from the NSale. It sold out before I had a chance to nab it, so I’ll wait to see if it goes on sale again. I like the Sanctuary, but prefer the colors of the Rails. However, I don’t think I’d get my cost per wear out of it at the current price. I really like the outfit, but I’m in agreement about the wash of the jeans being a little more of an acid wash. (And btw, I’m also seeing that blue tinge that a previous poster mentioned.)

  10. I really like this different look on you!  I think that the tank looks great underneath the cropped cardigan.  I have pulled out a pair of mules to wear tomorrow, and after reading this post, I’m really glad.  This is our second day with low humidity and lower high temps, but the humidity and rain are returning.  Most of our neighbors left town for the long weekend, so they have to y’all missed out on the fallish weather on the home front.  Enjoy your day and backyard bbq tonight!

  11. Super cute and a nice change of pace from the typical long cardigan we all wear in the fall. I know I am going to need to invest in some new black or grey jeans this season. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your Labor Day holiday! 

  12. Hi Jo-Lynne!
    I have a question. My 15 year old daughter and I were in Marshall’s yesterday and I found a really cute pair of camo pants I was about to purchase but my daughter said they are way too young for me. I’m 48. She usually knows her stuff when it comes to fashion, and I do trust her judgment, but I really liked them and think they’d be a nice change for fall. I also don’t want to look like I’m trying to channel a 20- something Insta personality. 😁 Thanks for your input!
    I love the outfit you styled today. Maybe that’s a better way to do camo. 

    1. A lot of ladies in their 40s and 50s wear camo pants. If you like them, go for it! 🙂 I have 14 y/o and a 17 y/o girls, and they can give some good insight at times, but other times I decide not to heed their advice. Was it the camo print or the style they didn’t like?

  13. Hi jo Lynne I bought the coach bag during the sale. However I haven’t used it I’m on the fence about it. Does it scratch? How does it wear?

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