If you strive to dress in clothes that are elegant and timeless, yet simple and casual, you want to dress like a rich mom. Yes, social media’s latest fascination is with the “rich mom” look, which is really just a way of describing understated basics that are high-quality, fit well and lack flashy logos. Need an example? Think of celebs (who are actual rich moms) like Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow or Jessica Alba. The thing is, you don’t have to be wealthy (or even be a mother) to dress with “I’ve got it all together thanks to the help of my five nannies” elegance. Here’s proof. This quality oversized cardigan is just $60, but it’s a dead-ringer for the popular Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan, which will run you $475.
Quince
This timeless layering piece oozes privilege and gives off casual, classy vibes. The cotton option (it also comes in cozy cashmere) is warm enough to be your go-to winter-to-spring transitional piece, yet breathable enough to be a summer essential.
If you’re not familiar with Jenni Kayne, it’s a core “rich mom” and “quiet luxury” brand. It’s known for its effortless yet elevated, California-inspired aesthetic (think Montecito rather than Hollywood Boulevard), and its sweaters are some of its top sellers. Its Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is a popular pick but, at nearly $500, it’s not exactly budget-friendly.
That’s why we’re pretty pumped to find that Quince makes a similar cotton style for just $60 (almost 1/8 of the cost). The Quince 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan comes in eight neutral colors and is a great all-season layering piece. It has a longer tunic-like length, so you can wear it with a T-shirt and leggings in the spring, over a tank top with shorts in the summer, over a turtleneck in the fall and winter — you can wear it with just about anything. (If you prefer a shorter hem, Quince has a sportier, boxy cropped version.)
Plenty of shoppers say they’ve bought multiples of this sweater in the reviews, too! (Quince)
“I like the quality and heft of this sweater. It goes well over lots of outfits and is a good length and feel,” said one Quince shopper in the reviews.
Advertisement
Advertisement
“One of my favorite purchases from Quince. I can’t get over how comparable this cotton cardigan is to the Jenni Kayne version!” mentioned another. “I can’t bring myself to shop anywhere else. You get luxury at an affordable price!”
For those of us who won’t settle for anything but cashmere, Quince does make a cashmere version of this timeless layer, too. The brand is known for its high-end fabrics at accessible prices, and the Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater has the same exact drape of the Jenni Kayne version. While it’s a bit pricier than the cotton option, at $150 it’s still a steal. Just like the cotton option, this comes in eight, laid-back colors. While this material requires a bit more maintenance since it needs to be hand-washed, it’s a lasting investment when properly cared for.
“Great value and quality,” said one pleased customer. “I love it. The color is scrumptious. For what it’s worth, I have the Jenni Kayne version for several hundred dollars more. I can’t tell the difference in quality. The sizing is different, but for my money, this one is terrific!” About that sizing, this sweater is oversized, so many customers recommend sizing down.
Quince
Want to stick with cashmere? Like the Jenni Kayne version, Quince’s take on this easy, elegant layer gives an effortless drape and cozy warmth — but at a price that’s $325 less.
“I sat on this purchase for a while but finally got it and have not stopped wearing it since,” wrote a satisfied shopper. “May need to buy another color or folks will start getting suspicious that it’s all I own. It’s the perfect combo of, cozy, lightweight and flattering.”
Whether you go with cotton or cashmere, this oversized cardigan style is a staple in any “rich mom’s” closet. And when you consider the cost per wear — and how often you’ll likely wear it — we think it’s a solid investment.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
