I’m a fashion minimalist. This cozy cardigan makes the cut – and is now on sale

I’m a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my closet; I only buy clothing that I truly love and will wear over and over again. The PrettyGarden Cardigan checks the boxes of style, coziness and everyday wearability. Really, it’s like wearing a hug. And now that it is 39% off for Prime Day, I’m about to get this emotional-support cardigan in another color.

a woman holding a mug while wearing a cardigan by desk in office

As a nature enthusiast and gear tester who is outside more often than not, I have accrued plenty of outdoor-specific apparel and know what to look for in quality clothing. But once in a blue moon I will shop for items that aren’t made with performance fabric. This past January was one such occasion – I browsed Amazon for something that would keep me warm in my chilly office, as blankets tend to slip off my shoulders with the slightest movement, and most sweaters feel too hot and confining. The PrettyGarden cardigan immediately caught my eye with its soothing oatmeal hue and slouchy, oversized charm. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, too (always a good sign). Other customers raved about the cardigan’s comfy warmth and versatility.

a woman in a baseball cap and cardigan sipping coffee while working on computer

From the very first wear, I found it to be just what I was looking for. It is the perfect weight and thickness, delightfully soft, and stretchy to accommodate movement – which in my case, is usually just reaching for my coffee mug. I appreciate that it stays where I need it to stay: securely on my shoulders without any adjusting. And true to a cardigan’s convenience, when I get too warm, I can just shrug it off instead of having to peel it over my head. Perhaps because the fabric is polyester instead of wool, this cardigan isn’t a bit itchy, for which I am immensely grateful. The downside is that its care instructions are to hand-wash only. I took a gamble and tossed it in the washing machine on a gentle cold cycle and let it hang dry, and the result was some slight pilling but no shrinkage.

The cardigan is oversized, but not too baggy. The bottom hem hits the top of the thigh, so it is intentionally roomy without looking like a bathrobe. The bell-shaped lantern sleeves are a stylish touch, making it even cuter for out-of-the-house wear. Personally, I like it best for staying cozy at home – the cardigan has a permanent home on the back of my office chair so I can slip it on whenever I’m at my desk.