Get that old-money lady jacket style ... without, well, the old money.(Amazon)
If you spend any time on social media, there's a good chance you've come across the J.Crew Emilie Lady Jacket. It's a bestseller that women of all shapes, sizes and ages rave about because it's the ultimate transitional piece to take you from summer to fall — and because it looks good on everyone. There are tons of ways to wear it, whether with jeans or over a dress, and the cut adds instant class to any ensemble. The problem? It's beaucoup bucks — even on sale, the J.Crew option is $75. But we've found a stellar stand-in: This similar "stealth wealth" style that's marked down to just $15 on Amazon for Labor Day.
Another pro of this Amazon sweater: You can choose from 19 colors, including this classic black and white stripe. A bit pricier, yes, but oh so chic.
No matter how versatile the J.Crew cardi may be, $75 is a pretty good chunk of change. This Amazon lookalike, while regularly priced at $60, typically hovers at about $45. It's currently half off the list price, but an additional coupon brings the price to nearly 75% off on select colors and sizes.
I own the J.Crew Lady Jacket and agree with the rave reviews: It's a timeless closet staple. Whether worn open with jeans and a tank or buttoned up with trousers, it's elegant, polished and all-around chic. Whenever I wear it, someone inevitably recognizes it as "the" J.Crew jacket or asks me where I got it.
The Lillusory striped cardigan has a very similar look, though. So if you want that preppy-cool aesthetic without dropping $75, it's more than worth a try. It's also available in more colors, so you'll have more options for matching other items in your wardrobe. And with fall right around the corner, this lightweight layer will be just right.
Shoppers give the Lillusory sweater 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many praising the fit, comfort and overall value.
"The price is fantastic and it came fast," one shopper wrote. "It's great looking. I wore it on a flight to New Orleans for a long travel day and on the travel day home. I washed it in a mesh laundering bag on gentle cycle in Woolite and hung it to dry. I've worn it a couple more times and it still looks great."
"Fashion doesn't have to be expensive," a second reviewer said. "My husband said I looked like a college girl! Who wouldn't love compliments like this? Just enough thickness to give it shape, and a budget-friendly fashion piece. Great on its own or as a cardigan over tanks, turtlenecks or tees."
Another happy customer commented, "If you love the J.Crew Lady Cardigan but hate their price, et voilà! This cardigan is for you! It's made of synthetic yarns, but is soft and the gold buttons give it a jazzy look! Very nice, so I bought it in other colors too."
More discerning eyes may be able to tell the difference between this and the real thing, some say. "I've seen 'lady jackets' that cost three times the price," said a shopper. "This would look expensive, but the gold plastic buttons are not impressive. Easy enough to replace the buttons if you're motivated."
"This sweater is gorgeous. It's so soft and is holding up well after several wears," a final fan wrote. "I have not put this in the dryer because I do think it would affect the fabric texture. The only negative is the buttons aren't sewn on very well, but none have fallen off yet as I've tried to be gentle."
Looking to round out your fall look with yet another J.Crew lookalike? Shoppers say this knit jacket bests J.Crew cardigans — it also happens to be half off for Labor Day.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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