Whether you wear it for fashion or function, whether you style it open, buttoned up, or draped neatly over the shoulders, the cardigan is an essential part of any wardrobe — and, as far as I’m concerned, one is never enough. And while you might live in a part of the country that’s experiencing a heat wave, there’s one place that’s practically guaranteed to be uncomfortably freezing right now: your overly air conditioned office. You might therefore be in search of an affordable-but-stylish layer that you can stash by your desk chair to ward off the arctic chill of your cubicle – and luckily, we’re found the perfect one for just $15.
Lately, I’ve been seeing a very specific cardigan style that my sweater collection is lacking and I can no longer ignore. It has clean lines, a lightly structured shape reminiscent of a Chanel tweed jacket, and simple, feminine details (gold buttons, a sedate-yet-decorative trim) that impart an elegant and polished vibe. I’m calling it the Ladies Who Lunch Cardigan (the LWLC), and I must have it.
Given the silhouette’s current ubiquity, I wasn’t surprised when Walmart’s version, from the retailer’s designer-helmed Free Assembly brand, popped up. But what did shock me was how spot-on it is: A barely boxy cut and faint feminine curve; decorative, double-stitch trims and a delicate scalloped edge on the placket and crew neck collar; two dainty breast pockets; and five gold buttons for a perfect finishing touch. Compared to pricier doppelgangers like J.Crew’s Emilie cardigan, Alex Mill’s Paris sweater, and especially this wool-blend version by Toteme, it’s an absolute steal at its regular price of $26 — and at just $15 on sale, Walmart is practically giving it away.
But there’s a lot more than the ultra affordable price that qualifies this cardigan a must-buy: The midweight cotton blend and universally flattering cut make it a versatile topper perfect for all seasons and body types. It’s also an all-occasion piece — dress it up with a soft slip dress or a preppy skirt, or channel Jackie O on holiday by pairing it with straight leg jeans or some crisp linen shorts. With five easy-to-style solid colors, there’s truly something for everyone.
Aesthetics aside, this “gorgeous” low-cost cardigan is also surprisingly well-made. Over 400 happy shoppers have given it a shining 5-star review, saying they were “pleasantly surprised with not only the quality but how versatile it is” and that it “looks like it should cost WAY more.” Some even went so far as to call it out as a dead-ringer for a few of the lookalike brands we noted above.
But back to my original point: I am definitely not a lady who lunches, nor do I aspire to be (at least not yet). Nonetheless, I always enjoy seeing even the slightest air of refinement when I look in the mirror — and this cardigan is a surefire way to make sure it shows up in even my most casual outfits. It’ll do the same thing for you, too.