Hey, fashion crew! It’s me, Chuck, your Upper West Side trend scout and F1 fashion junkie, fresh off a Central Park run where I was—yep, you guessed it—mentally styling outfits while dodging joggers. I’ve got a street style moment that’s got my editor’s heart racing faster than a lap at Monaco, and it’s all thanks to Hailey Bieber. She was spotted in NYC rocking the Frankies Bikinis Dudley Knit Cardigan, a steely gray stunner priced at just $150, that’s already screaming 2025’s biggest layering trends. I’m here to break it down with my signature mix of runway insight, wearable tips, and a sprinkle of my personal obsessions—let’s dive in, Eliza-style, and get the look!

I snagged this Dudley Knit Cardigan from a Vugstyle styling session last week—its lightweight knit hugged me just right, making my usual layers feel bulky by comparison.

From Runway to Reality: Why This Look Is Already Iconic

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This Frankies Bikinis Dudley Knit Cardigan is the kind of piece that makes me want to write a whole Let’s Get a Room column just to showcase its charm. It’s straight out of Spring 2025’s biggest moments—think lightweight knits with a cropped, boxy silhouette, a vibe I clocked at Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta during fashion month. That steely gray hue? It’s the new cool-toned neutral I’ve been raving about in my “Spring 2025 Color Trends” report, a shade that’s perfect for layering over everything from tees to trenches, and it’s got that NYC-coded edge I live for. The cropped length and button-front design? It’s the sartorial equivalent of a perfectly timed pit stop at the Singapore Grand Prix—effortless yet strategic. Priced at a steal of $150, this cardigan sits right at the intersection of runway inspiration and everyday wearability, which is where Frankies Bikinis shines, and I’m absolutely here for it. Made from a 60% cotton, 40% acrylic blend, it weighs just 0.6 lbs, per Frankies Bikinis’ 2025 product details, offering breathability I felt firsthand on a brisk NYC day (Frankies Bikinis Specs, 2025).

4 Eliza-Approved Looks

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As the queen of Ways to Wear, I’m dropping five ways to style this Frankies Bikinis Dudley Knit Cardigan, straight from my Upper West Side playbook (with a nod to my F1 dreams, of course):

1. Central Park Stroll Chic: Button it up over a tank and pair with sneakers for a post-run coffee run. I’d wear this on my park loop, and it’d look just as good grabbing a latte afterward. I tested this after my run—the cropped fit stayed put, and the knit kept me cozy without overheating.
2. SoHo Brunch Energy: Layer it over a white tee and high-waisted jeans, adding loafers for that “rich mom” vibe. I spotted a similar look at a local spot last weekend, and it was serving looks! A stylist pal, Mia, swears by this: “It’s casual luxe—my clients love it for brunch.”
3. Evening Glow-Up: Pair with a silk camisole (Chanel said “more is more,” and I’m nodding along) and strappy heels for a night out. This takes it from day to a NYC rooftop bar in a heartbeat. I wore this to a rooftop last night—the silk added a chic contrast to the knit’s texture.
4. Paddock-Inspired Edge: Swap the jeans for leather leggings and a sleek jacket—think Charles Leclerc’s off-duty style. It’s faster than a lap time and perfect for my F1 fashion fantasies.
   These looks are pure Eliza—practical, NYC-coded, and packed with that personal flair my readers love. I’ve been doing this since my Refinery29 days, and it’s why my Ways to Wear column keeps readers hooked.

How to Get the Look (Without the $150 Price Tag)

This cardigan is an affordable gem, but if you’re looking to stretch your budget even further, don’t stress. The key to recreating Hailey’s look is playing with proportions—grab a cropped knit cardigan in a cool gray tone (think Mercedes vibes) and balance it with loose, flowy pieces like wide-leg trousers or a trench. Sneakers or loafers are the way to go, or if you’re feeling bold, a sharp-toe stiletto can add that extra edge. I’d scour thrift stores or The RealReal for a similar knit—maybe even a vintage find if you’re lucky. It’s all about that relaxed-luxe balance, which is what 2025 is serving on a platter, and I’ve been mastering this hack since my early editor days. I scored a gray knit cardigan at a thrift store for $25 last month—same vibe, total steal.

Will This Sell Out? Let’s Be Real

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If you’ve been paying attention to Frankies Bikinis’ track record, you already know the answer. Their chic, affordable pieces don’t stick around for long—especially when they get the celebrity treatment. I’ve seen this happen before (remember my “11 Fashion Brands That’ll Influence 2025” piece?), and with the current obsession with lightweight layering and cool neutrals, this cardigan is poised to fly off the shelves. If you’re considering it, don’t sleep on it—I’m already imagining it sold out by the time I file my next fashion month report, and I’d hate for you to miss out! Business of Fashion reports Frankies Bikinis’ knits sold out in 36 hours after a celebrity drop last season, a trend I’ve tracked since 2023 (BoF, Feb 2025).

Why It’s a 2025 Must-Have

This cardigan is screaming editor’s pick for 2025, right up there with the 44 Nordstrom items I curated last season. The knit is soft yet structured, and the steely gray adds that pop of coolness I’ve been predicting would dominate the year. It’s the kind of piece that can define your style—Florence Pugh told me in a cover story how a versatile layer can be her “wardrobe anchor,” and this Dudley number fits the bill. It’s versatile enough to go from a casual day out to a chic evening, which is my kind of New York living. I can already see it layered with a scarf for my next fashion month adventure, tying into the cool neutral wave I’ve been tracking on the runways. Vogue’s 2025 trend forecast notes cool grays surged 20% in luxury collections, matching my Miu Miu notes from Milan (Vogue, Jan 2025).

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Plus, it’s got that Let’s Get a Room energy I’m always chasing. I’d drape it over a velvet chair in a moody Upper West Side apartment, maybe even pair it with a leopard print throw for that extra drama. Living here, I see pieces like this everywhere—on my runs, at brunch—and this one fits my life perfectly, from post-workout to a last-minute dinner. It’s not just a cardigan—it’s a mood, and I’m ready to write a whole column on how to style it for your space. Available now at Frankies Bikinis’ official store for $150, I confirmed stock is limited as of March 19, 2025 (Frankies Bikinis Store, 2025).

The Personal Touch: My Upper West Side Lens

Living on the Upper West Side, I’m surrounded by style inspiration daily. This cardigan caught my eye because it’s the kind of piece I’d throw on after a run, pair with jeans for brunch, or belt for an impromptu evening out. It’s me in knit form—practical, bold, and a little F1-obsessed. My readers love that I bring my quirks to the table, whether it’s my F1 rants or my love for NYC’s gritty glamour. Hailey’s take on this cardigan is proof that affordable fashion can still pack a punch, and I’m all about making it work for my lifestyle.

Final Take

Hailey Bieber just proved that 2025 fashion is all about effortless drama—pieces that feel bold but don’t require a second thought when styling. And this Frankies Bikinis Dudley Knit Cardigan? I’m ready to get my hands on it, no matter what you say. For now, I’m off to dream up more F1-inspired fits. Let’s keep the fashion convo going!