Meryl Streep’s Cardigan Is a Cozier Version of Reese Witherspoon’s — and It’s So Nancy Meyers-Coded

Alyssa Grabinski

September 19, 2024 at 8:30 AM·3 min read

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Get similar styles, plus pieces inspired by the rest of her look

<p>NORTH-SUNSET / BACKGRID</p> — NORTH-SUNSET / BACKGRID

Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece.

Unlike the 2009 film It’s Complicated starring Meryl Streep, fall fashion is everything but — it’s especially easy after seeing her recent outfit.

On September 16, the 75-year-old actress was seen out in Los Angeles in a look that was basically the opposite of the boss suit she wore to the Emmys the night before. My first thought: Is she gearing up for another Nancy Meyers movie? Because her chunky cardigan, white jeans, and button-up shirt were textbook “coastal grandmother.”

The trend has recently skyrocketed in popularity, and we’ve seen it trickle into all parts of celebrity outfits: As a matter of fact, Reese Witherspoon just wore a cardigan at the end of August, while white bottoms have brightened the outfits of Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Katie Holmes this year. And celebs have been banking on button-ups and big bags.

Meryl Streep’s Outfit Blueprint

Shirts: Gap Organic Cotton Classic Shirt, $42 with code (orig. $60); gap.com
Big Dart Oversized Button-Up Shirt, $20–$26 (orig. $26–$28); amazon.com
Cardigans: Prettygarden Chunky Knit Cardigan, $32 (orig. $40); amazon.com
Everlane The Cloud Oversized Textured Cardigan, $68 (orig. $228); everlane.com
Rdi Suede Elbow Patch Cardigan, $30; nordstromrack.com
Pants: Gloria Vanderbilt Classic Tapered Amanda Jeans, $23 (orig. $40–$48); amazon.com
Spanx SpanxShape EveryWear Flare Jeans, $148; spanx.com
Pilcro The Icon Corduroy Flare Jeans, $148; anthropologie.com
Bags: Dreubea Soft Faux Leather Tote, $17 (orig. $20); amazon.com
Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote, $178; madewell.com

Big Dart Oversized Button-Up Shirt

Think you won’t wear something pink? Well, think again. I’ve been wearing my bubblegum colored button-up more than my more basic options lately. Amazon has a similar version to both mine and Meryl’s, which has a “wonderful silky feel,” according to one customer. It’s also more affordable than the one I got, so I might even grab another.

Spanx SpanxShape EveryWear Flare Jeans

White jeans always seemed impossible to wear since you have to choose the right undergarments, but shoppers say the fabric of these Spanx pants is “not see-through.” The flare jeans are zipper- and button-free and have design features to lift your backside and make your midsection look smooth and shapely. Also, Witherspoon just wore a pair of flares.

Prettygarden Chunky Knit Cardigan

Last fall, I finally caved and bought a cardigan, a style I hadn’t worn since middle school. I thought I might not get a lot of wear out of it, but it’s actually become a pillar in my wardrobe. Since fall is coming, I want one that’s similar but also a tiny bit thicker for max cozy vibes.

This one has buttons, so I can wear it multiple ways and the “thickness is perfect and not itchy like other cardigans,” said one shopper.

Dreubea Soft Faux Leather Tote

Because of everything else going on with her outfit, I almost missed Streep’s tote bag. This $17 carryall is simple-looking and highly rated, while this bucket tote is more of a splurge, but happens to be the exact style Katie Holmes has carried.

Keep scrolling to shop more button-ups, cardigans, white pants, and tote bags inspired by Meryl Streep now.