The Perfect Belted Cardigan for Fall (and it has pockets!)

Whether you are in Miami or Minneapolis, you're likely needing a cardigan or two for fall. It may be a necessary layer to be comfortable, or it's just sitting on the back of your desk chair for the ridiculously cold A/C in the office. For many, it's the piece you can put on and take off as the weather keeps changing as we head into True Fall. And this belted cardigan from Chico's is a pretty perfect one for all of these situations.

I mentioned this cardigan in last week's Friday Shop and just had to get it photographed to show you the detail. As I mentioned in my initial review, it is a slim, not a too small fit. This is not a blanket with sleeves, and I think it's why I have come to love it so much. After 2020 where everything felt like a blanket with sleeves, it's nice to switch to something that is tailored but just as comfy and easy care (yes this cardigan is machine washable!).

Cardigan: Chico's (gift of brand; size 2) | Jeans: Talbots (gift of brand last year; similar) | Tank: Duluth (large) | Shoes: Dr. Marten's | Bag: Maxwell Scott (gift of brand from several years ago) | Sunglasses: ROKA | Earrings: Baublebar | Date necklace: Etsy

With the shawl collar and belt, this soft sweater jacket is elevated enough to be worn to the office or a nice dinner. And what's fantastic is that the sweater looks equally nice left open (the belt is held in place with threads, not actual belt loops). And hello pockets! For reference, I am wearing it in size 2.

I've worn this belted cardigan with lightweight ankle pants and jeans, with denim shorts and a band tee, with wide-leg cotton trousers and Birkenstocks. But with fall right around the corner, I decided to style it with denim and boots.

These jeans are from Talbots and no longer available; they are a high-waisted flare and you have seen them before in this blog post. Flare jeans (as well as bootcut and bitty boots) are still on trend this fall and winter so expect to see these jeans quite often. If you desire similar, I found some other high-waisted flares for you to peruse:

Shop Flare Jeans for Fall:

The boots are the same Doc Martens I wore on the blog last Monday. They incorporate the lug sole trend and are what these flare jeans were missing last year. I kept trying these jeans with all my boots and they all seemed wrong; the only shoes I felt looked right were Birkenstocks and that wasn't doable past September. I realize the missing detail was a solid lug sole!

The bag is Maxwell Scott, another item from my wardrobe you've seen multiple times over the years. I originally got it from the brand in 2015. It is just such a classic style, high quality leather, a piece I know I will continue to use for years to come. The best thing is this is the kind of leather that gains character with the occasional scratch and ding. I am not precious enough with my bags to invest in a fancy designer bag that needs to be babied. This is the kind of investment piece that is more my speed!

MAXWELL SCOTT IS OFFERING WARDROBE OXYGEN READERS AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT! SAVE 10% AT CHECKOUT ON YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE AT MAXWELL SCOTT WITH PROMO CODE ALISON10.

The tank is from Duluth and isn't terribly remarkable except for the fact that it has been worn and washed and dried dozens of times and still looks nice enough for me to wear out in public. You can't say that about many white tank tops! I am wearing a size large. This belted cardigan would also look great over a navy and white Breton, a turtleneck, a graphic tee, a silk blouse, or a crisp white shirt. With such a tailored fit it could also work over many dresses!

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