Cheryl Shops

You all really loved my post on Khaite belt dupes earlier this year, so I'm back with another Khaite dupe. It's a really good (and affordable!) one for the Khaite Scarlet cardigan. Katie Holmes first made this style popular in a now-famous paparazzi shot in which the plush-looking cardigan slipped off her shoulders as she was hailing a taxi, exposing a matching cashmere bra. If you can believe it, that photo was taken five years ago, but the sweater has been so popular that Khaite has brought it back every year since. I feel like I've also been looking for a good dupe since then as well. Good news: I've found one. Even better news: it's under $75. Now are you ready for your mind to really be blown? My cardigan is from Gap!

Zac Posen joined Gap as creative director earlier this year, and while many people wrote it off as a stunt hire, whatever he's doing there is really working. I've found myself shopping Gap more than any of the other Gap Inc. brands lately (although Old Navy has been showing up well too; perhaps he needs to direct his attention toward Banana Republic next). The vibe is basics-with-a-twist done really well—the silhouettes feel very current but not too trendy, the materials are good quality, and the prices are really affordable (this being Gap, you can usually get whatever you're buying on some type of promotion). It feels like the Gap I knew and loved growing up in the '80s and '90s, and it's good to have it back. Speaking of things making a comeback, can we also bring back the Gap Grass fragrance?

As for my cardigan, it's not a 1:1 dupe, but more of a heavily inspired style. It has the same general shape—V-neckline, front patch pockets, exaggerated bell sleeves—with a few small differences. For one, it has one extra button (although they cleverly style it on the model with the bottom button undone). The bigger difference is that Gap's is 100% cotton versus the Khaite version, which is 100% cashmere—which partially accounts for the huge price difference of $69.95 vs. $1.980. (But also keep in mind that $2,000 for a cashmere sweater is fairly ridiculous in the grand scheme of things.) You will not fool anyone into thinking that your Gap sweater is actually Khaite, but that's totally fine with me. Gap's version also comes in way more colors, which is good news if you're not a fan of Khaite's shades of greige. In terms of sizing, I am wearing a medium, which was a good call because I wanted a little extra slouch. The knit is fairly thick but soft and not too heavy—I find the weight perfect for this time of year, and cotton is generally a more versatile fabric, versus cashmere, which can be a bit more limiting in terms of seasonality. I've basically been living in this sweater since I bought it; I will most likely get it in black too—once it goes on sale again, of course. Gap is still Gap after all!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Gap Pocket Cardigan Sweater | Gap striped tee | Mango Culotte jeans | Loewe Puzzle Bag | Clarks Wallabees