Fashion people know where they were on October 6, 2019, when Katie Holmes went viral for her cardigan-and-cashmere-bra combination. The outfit—especially the sweater—is still imprinted into my memory to this day. The cardigan in question was, of course, Khaite. While it sold out not long after Holmes wore it, the brand has since maintained the style as a signature and keeps bringing it back in new colors. In the four years since that viral moment, the Scarlet Cardigan has hardly wavered from my wish list. The only issue is that my bank account has yet to catch up with my taste.
Where there's a will, there's a way, and I finally found a cardigan that's just as gorgeous while also being delightfully within my shopping budget. It only took several years, but it's well worth the wait. Meet the V Neck Cardigan from Korean label Almina Concept, a weighty knit with a beautiful hourglass shape and bell sleeves that mimics the vibe of the Khaite one but for the price of what you'd pay in taxes for it instead. The merino wool is the main difference compared to Khaite's cashmere fabrication, but all in all, it's a solid alternative.
After a huge surge in popularity this fall that made the cardigan sell out, the brand has just restocked it in all three colors, and I thought I'd make sure you were the first to know. Ahead, see the Khaite cardigan in question compared to the Almina Concept alt, and further down, shop even more luxurious-looking knits.
Khaite's Scarlet Cardigan on celebs:
WHO: Katie Holmes
WHO: Elsa Hosk
My under-$300 alt:
WEAR: Almina Concept V Neck Cardigan ($289); We the Free Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans ($98); Tamara Mellon flats; Jenny Bird Lyra Earrings ($138)
Shop more luxurious-looking cardigans:
This cable-knit texture is very much giving "wealth."
In terms of color, style, and fit, this & Other Stories cardigan might be the closest to the Almina Concept one.
Not ordering the matching knit miniskirt would honestly be a shame.
It's all about that hourglass shape.
Trust me—this shade of cool gray pairs flawlessly with pretty much anything.
Yep, I'll be copying the model's styling idea and wearing my cardigan over a thin turtleneck.
Those little pockets just get me.
This ribbing, though.
The gold buttons make this knit look extra premium.
Love the boxier crop here.
While it's not a cardigan, I needed you to see this pullover that has the same silhouette as the Khaite knit.
Cult Gaia knows how to get a girl's heart pumping faster.
Yes to these preppy stripes.
Pair this outfit with Uggs and you're good to go.
All the fashion people in my feed are loving Jenni Kayne sweaters right now.
Wear with jeans and call it a day.
The high neck makes it a touch more sophisticated and less casual.
Vintage vibes.
A knitwear bargain.
Paging Gigi Hadid.
I'm a big fan of everything this brand is doing right now.
