The Plaid Peplum Cardigan

This is the cardigan that does the outfit-planning for you. The upper half is a soft, fine knit in warm oatmeal with a round neckline, button front, and ribbed cuffs. The bottom half is a plaid peplum in olive, cream, and tan with ruffle details, so it feels pretty and a little vintage without being over the top. The peplum flares out at the hip, which gives you shape and room to move.

Wear it buttoned up with high-rise jeans or wide-leg trousers, since the cropped knit and flared hem look best against a clean, simple bottom. It also works for church, a parent-teacher night, or dinner out, and you can wear it alone through early fall.

Fit: Kelly is 5'3", 145 lbs, wearing a Small. The knit portion is fitted through the body and arms, and the peplum flares at the hip.