Plus Size on a Budget – Rust Cardigan

A rust cardigan and inexpensive scarf are featured in these two new outfit ideas for my “plus size on a budget series!”   

Add them to some basics you already have in your closet.

Or, check out some of the amazing pieces I found for great prices below.

Plus Size on a Budget - Rust Cardigan for Fall with Distressed Jeans, Blanket Scarf, and Ankle Booties - Alexa Webb

My “Disclaimer”

I want to prevent some anticipated feedback.  So please keep these things in mind:

  • “Budget” is relative.  Some people easily spend $300 on sunglasses, while other people allocate $300 for their annual clothing budget.
  • You may be able to find these items elsewhere for less.  These are just some “budget-friendly” finds I have come across.  And I typically don’t link to clearance items because they sell out and then people are disappointed.  Also, I have no way of linking to thrift stores, but obviously, if you want to check out your local thrift stores, I think that is a great idea!
  • Recycle & reuse.  As with all of my posts, I hope that you can use the pieces you already have in your wardrobe.  Additionally, I assume that you can reuse all of the pieces below in other combinations with things in your closet to create a variety of looks.  Meaning, I think it is unfair to judge the expense of one outfit as though that is the only way to wear the pieces.

Look 1 – Outfit Details

This is such a classic outfit “formula” for me.  A cardigan, a coordinating scarf, a t-shirt, and some jeans. 

So stinkin’ easy and works every time.

The Scarf

I have purchased plenty of these scarves from Amazon.  They’re blanket scarves, so they’re square and large. 

You can watch a video on how to style them here.

And they’re soft and typically made of acrylic.  They have the potential to shed, so you should expect that.  Washing them may help.

I recommend handwashing or washing on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag.  Use a gentle and color-protecting laundry soap like Woolite Dark.

I also recommend spraying them down with Static Guard before wearing them.  This will help to prevent clinging to your clothing and potentially lead to less shedding.

The Earrings

These thick hoop earrings are trending and look very similar to the Madewell ones that are more than twice as expensive.  I read the reviews and it seems like the quality is there.

But, I always recommend storing your jewelry in airtight baggies to protect them from oxidizing and tarnishing.

Also, this will prevent them from having a reaction to other metals and finishes of your other jewelry.

I know it’s not as pretty to look at, but it will greatly increase the longevity of your jewelry and prevent maintenance, such as polishing.

The Sunglasses

These sunnies are some of my favorites.  They are so chic.  And they look just like some much more expensive Celine glasses.

I have a similar pair in black that I wear all the time.

The Bracelets

The bracelets look like much more expensive pieces. 

You see a theme here?

The screw bracelet is very similar in appearance to a designer bracelet.  I also found a similar bracelet with a wider diameter, which is perfect if you have larger wrists!

And the cable bracelet reminds me of David Yurman.

So they’re designer-inspired and very affordable.

Plus Size on a Budget – Rust Cardigan – Look 1

Plus Size on a Budget - Rust Cardigan for Fall with Distressed Jeans, Blanket Scarf, and Ankle Booties - Alexa Webb

Shop the Look

Plus Size on a Budget - Rust Cardigan for Fall with Black T-Shirt Dress, Blanket Scarf, and Ankle Booties - Alexa Webb

Look 2 Outfit Details

This second look is just like the first except I swapped the t-shirt and jeans for a simple t-shirt dress. 

These adorable dresses are available in sizes 0X – 5X.  Yassss!

Plus Size on a Budget – Rust Cardigan – Look 2

Plus Size on a Budget - Rust Cardigan for Fall with Black T-Shirt Dress, Blanket Scarf, and Ankle Booties - Alexa Webb

Shop the Look

Plus Size T-Shirt Dress {sold out} (similar, 3/4 sleeve, longer)

For more outfit inspiration check out my Pinterest boards and my Instagram!  Oh and please “like” my blog on Facebook!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on or purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission.

16 thoughts on “Plus Size on a Budget – Rust Cardigan

  1. I love your styling but I wish you would include some mid-priced options on these posts. I am not ever going to shop at Wal-Mart for what I think are ethical reasons.

    1. Hi Cee,
      Thanks! I created this “on a budget” series because the majority of my posts are mid- to higher-priced items. I wanted to have a section for those who just don’t have the budget. I try to accommodate everyone, overall, as much as I can. ?

  2. Such a cute outfit and so versatile. Now if I could only figure out which pants the model is wearing with the white cardigan on the Walmart site, a slightly dressier alterative to the distressed jeans. I can’t tell if they are leggings or something else.

  3. @Alexa Webb thanks for this post – I luuuuv this look! And I like that to pull it off basically all I need is the scarf! However I get super warm indoors even in the winter – anyone know if someone makes plaid scarves that aren’t a full body wrap size? Just a normal scarf size ??

  4. Can I just tell you how great I felt in this outfit? I live in my sweats, pjs or jeans, no makeup , etc. But thanks to you I felt completely put together in this outfit for fall. I just returned from stepping out, makeup still on point, hair did, lol everything. The scarf is so soft. I never would have gotten one cuz I didn’t know what to do with it. Had the earrings , bracelets and boots. Where I live, autumn is here, temp is in the fifties, and this was perfect for me. I was cozy. If the wind picked up, I had the blanket scarf to cut the chill. I feel better today than I have in literally months. Thank you Alexa!
    Carole Hart
    Portland, OR

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.