The Best Cardigans to Call On for Sweater Weather

This may be a long cardigan, but it’s still flattering and gives polish thanks to its little details—like the stitching, side slits, and cute cuffs. This buttonless sweater is an easy fit and throw-on; just pair it with jeans. Not all cardigans need buttons. I love Abercrombie’s take. — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor

Acne Studios never goes out of style and always has amazing knit numbers. Often, they can be found on sale, so don’t fret. They also give the classic feel and the trendy, calm girl/boy energy. They tend to be thicker, though, so this would be a great option for layering on top of something.  — Zoe Gofman, Celebrity Stylist 

I love this sweater, It is perfect for layering and has a couple of great color options that still have a neutral tone. I love that the sleeves are a bit looser, too. I also am not always a big fan of pockets on the sweater, but in this case, I think it adds great detailing.”  — Zoe Gofman, Celebrity Stylist 

“I would buy this cardigan in every color if I had the chance. I style it on its own, fully buttoned up as a top, layered over a T-shirt, as one would expect, and sometimes draped or wrapped around my shoulders like a scarf.” — Nikki Ogunnaike, Editor in Chief 

“I love the versatility of the Barry cardigan from Sezane. It looks great dressed up or just paired with jeans. The v-neck is super flattering, and the fabric is so soft. I already have it in several colors, but the red will be in my cart next. It feels very on-trend for this season but is still timeless and classic, so I know I’ll wear it for years. It’s also important to me that Sezane is dedicated to creating high-quality, gorgeous pieces through ethical and sustainable manufacturing, so I’m a huge fan of this brand overall!” — Kate Schofield, Manager, eCommerce Analytics

“This cardigan from Reformation is an investment, but if you are looking for cost-per-wear, this is the perfect piece for fall. Dress down with some jeans or wear with a mini skirt and knee-high boots to mix it up” — Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst

"Sacai cardigans are an investment, but it's like purchasing two beautifully crafted tops in one that can be worn across all seasons. The front is all business, but turn around, and a feminine pleated motif adds a unique Sacai signature detail to the back." — Sara Holzman, Style Director 

“I have this cardigan in a discontinued blue-and-white striped iteration, but I will buy it in this cream version, too. I’m 5’2, and it hits right at my hip. It has a thicker band along the hem and sleeves that keeps its shape when I roll them up or tuck them into my jeans, and it’s made from a thicker knit that hangs beautifully and doesn’t cling to my body throughout the day. Plus—and this is a small detail—the buttons are in the perfect location down the front, so I can wear it open at the top without showing too much skin for the office. I keep this in my closet year-round because it’s thick enough to keep me warm in the winter but light enough that I can wear in the late summer or spring as a layer over the top of my favorite summer dress.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor. 

"This Breton-striped cable cardigan is a fun twist on a classic: The thick stripes are blurry and uneven instead of sharp and defined. The end result is a graphic, visually interesting pattern, and the oversized feel and balloon shape (plus the contrasting buttons) make the whole thing cozy and incredibly layerable. I love Sezane sweaters but am sensitive to wool. This is a cotton blend, which makes it softer and not irritating to my skin, so I can wear it on " — Katherine J. Igoe, Contributing Editor

"When you want an oversized, relaxed basic, Everlane is the go-to. The thick knit makes it a little more structured than your average cotton cardi—meaning it can double as casual outerwear when I need to throw something on and go. Size down if you want to be fitted, but I took my regular size because I like my cardigans loose and layerable. This works in summer, winter, and everything in between (and because of its multifunctionality, I have this in a cropped version, too)." — Katherine J. Igoe, Contributing Editor

"I've been hunting for a basic black cardigan for many moons. My sweater collection is full of rainbow-colored and playful styles, but I still needed a neutral, no-fuss, no-frills cardigan that I could wear without a second thought. And at long last, I finally found one: NAADAM's cropped cashmere cardigan. The sweater is made of 100-percent Mongolian cashmere but is incredibly affordable at only $150. It offers the deliciously soft, high-end feel you'd get from a luxury piece but at a fraction of the cost." — Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor

“Don't make the mistake of sleeping on Gap's knitwear. I know the brand may not be the first you think of for quality sweaters, but they are seriously good and easy on the wallet. Gap just released their CashSoft collection, which is made to have that cozy cashmere feeling without the price tag and need for dry cleaning. Their CashSoft cardigan just shot up to the top of my wishlist thanks to its chic silhouette and comfy feel. Add the matching skirt, and you've got the fall outfit of my dreams.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editor 

"Known for their chic suiting, every of Argent's pieces is elevated, of great quality, and perfect for the office, including their knitwear. I had the great pleasure of checking out their Soho location and got to feel this cardigan firsthand, and boy, was I impressed. It's made of a soft viscose-wool blend that feels warm enough for transitional fall weather yet is lightweight. Sometimes, a cardigan can be too chunky to be polished enough for the office, so I love how this cardigan is more streamlined. I love the idea of tucking it into a light blue pair of trousers for a monochromatic look." —  Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editor 

This is the cardigan that launched the Lady Jacket revolution. Available in colors like red, tan, and royal blue (plus a few stripey iterations), it's made from 100 percent cotton and has a slightly boxy fit. It's one piece you can wear for endless occasions and keep in your closet every season. "I am absolutely in love with this timeless striped sweater jacket. It is well made, looks beautiful on , anda piece I'll wear for many years," wrote one five-star reviewer. 

This relaxed cardigan is a lazy Sunday morning dream, available in three colors in both petite and classic size ranges (sizes XXS through XL, for reference). It has a super dropped shoulder and a longline fit that can be styled over leggings for every day and with leather leggings or pants at night. I recommend wearing it in the burgundy colorway over an all-black ensemble with knee-high boots for an easy winter outfit. 

When shopping for a classic cardigan, avoid anything that’s too trend-driven. While ultra-cropped and extra-baggy versions have been popular in past seasons, most 2023’s iterations feature clean lines that will keep you warm for seasons to come. On the runways, a few clear trends emerged. At Christian Dior and Fendi, cardigans were whispered thin and sometimes adorned with feminine-feeling buttons. At Benetton, they were colorful, preppy-feeling, and often stripey. At brands like Chanel and Miu Miu, they appeared in muted tones like blush and brown and layered over coordinating tops like the more relaxed version of a chic Upper East Side grandma—this was subverted at the latter by the inclusion of sheer skirts and briefs and tights rather than trousers. 

“I can personally attest to the quality of Jenni Kayne’s cashmere—it’s the perfect blend of California cool and New York City edge. This drop-shoulder gray cardigan is the perfect investment piece because you can wear it a million different ways. I personally have a crewneck sweater from the brand and I have to stop myself from putting it on every morning. The cashmere is so soft, not itchy, and lightweight enough for you to layer with ease.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

“I own this in black and I’m going to buy it in red for the holiday season because it’s perfect for party dressing. The feathery cuffs are detachable so you can wear it without them to the office and then add them in again for the nighttime. The silhouette is oh-so-slightly cropped and the fit is on the boxier side, meaning that it will maintain its shape as you wear and wash it. I’ve had my black version for a few seasons now and wear it constantly.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

Even if you’re someone who relies on neutrals, it’s worth it to have at least one colorful pick in your wardrobe in the winter. This United Colors of Benetton pick is made from a wool blend and comes in other colors like navy, ash gray, and white. The weighted knit can be dressed up or down thanks to the casual V-Neck silhouette and longer-line fit. 

Dusters are one of my favorite (easy) ways to get cozy this winter. While cropped options tend to work best if you’re on the petite side, these work if you’re on the taller side of things because they won’t drag on the floor as you move through your day. This one from Anthropologie’s brand comes in three colors and just as many size ranges—petite, standard, and plus. Top-rated for its soft fabrication and lightweight feel, keep this in your closet for transitional weather days. 

Gigi Hadid’s knit brand Guest in Residence is good. This piece, which comes exclusively from SSENSE in this brown shade, is both cropped and relaxed. Styled here over the coordinating shrunken sweater (sweater sets are in!), it’s a cool-girl play on your typical sweater. This pick is made from 100 percent cashmere and is outfitted with a slew of dainty Tortoiseshell buttons. 

Not only is this cashmere cardigan well-priced and incredibly soft, the full needle-rib placket just adds a chic 'design' to this trusted wardrobe staple.