For us, we think the key to nailing fall fashion [1] is all in the layering. Sure, it's important to have a few staple sweaters [2] and coats [3] incorporated into your closet, but the real trick is figuring out how to style all of those pieces together. Enter in the cardigan — aka one of fashion's most timeless and trusted wardrobe essentials [4] that you could argue is a basic worth having on hand in any season (though it's especially great for fall and winter).
Cardigans have long had a reputation for being more of an understated, even boring layer, but our latest online shopping spree proves that they're actually anything but. We've fallen back in love with the classic cardigan style not only because of all the modern silhouettes you can shop, but also because there are so many creative ways to wear them [5]. So long as you've got a white tank top [6], a great pair of jeans [7], and a cute cardigan, you have an outfit that can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go.
Our shopping experts narrowed down our picks for the best cardigans for women that we think are worth adding to your winter wardrobe ASAP. Whether you want an editor-loved cashmere piece [8], something vibrant and colorful, or a cropped cardigan that's cut in all the right ways, the options are endless. Keep reading to shop our selects!
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Best Amazon Cardigan
Amazon Essentials Lightweight Vee Cardigan Sweater [10] ($27-$35)
Make a bold statement in any room with the help of this lightweight cardigan from Amazon. The open-front piece is hailed for being one of Amazon's bestselling cardigans — and there are more than 12,000 near-perfect reviews to support its popularity. If the cherry red isn't your shade of choice, the style is also available to shop in 15 other colors, including camel, burgundy, and navy, among others.
Best Cashmere Cardigan
Nadaam Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan [11] ($135)
Cashmere and luxury are practically synonymous with one another. Perhaps that's why we love the look and feel of this plush style from Nadaam so much. The lightweight layer is crafted from a 100 percent, responsibly sourced mongollian cashmere material, so you can feel good about what you're wearing. It's also available to shop in a variety of colors like beige, black, and gray.
Best Ribbed Cardigan
H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan [12] ($21, originally $35)
Contrary to popular belief, it actually is possible to find a quality, long-lasting cardigan that's equal parts chic and affordable — and this button-down cardigan from H&M is full proof of it. From the V-neck fit and polished button design to its classic black coloring, there's so much to love about the style.
Best Button-Down Cardigan
Wild Fable Button-Front Cardigan [13] ($28)
When it comes to finding the right cardigan, we're big believers that the more versatile the style is, the better — which is probably why we love the look of this relaxed cardigan from Target so much. Thanks to its practical, button-down design, users can easily leave the cardigan open for a more relaxed look, or simply button it up to create a piece of layered perfection.
Most Stylish Cardigan
Zara Pearl Cable Knit Cardiga [14] ($70)
With winter nearing, now's the perfect time to freshen up our wardrobes with a few more staple, seasonal styles — ideally wrapped in a plush cable knit design, of course. This pearl-adorned cardigan is currently at the top of our shopping wishlist and it's also one of Zara's many new arrivals that just debuted this month.
Best Oversize Cardigan
Mango Oversized Cardigan With Buttons [15] ($60)
Frankly, it feels nearly impossible to claim one single cardigan as being "the best," but this oversized cardigan comes pretty close. We love the style's relaxed design, which makes it ideal for layering with basic tanks and T-shirts. Plus, it's available to shop in other fall-friendly colors like light heather gray.
Best Travel Cardigan
Leset Zoe Knitted Cardigan [16] ($750)
Comfort is key when it comes to travel, and few fashion pieces feel more comfortable than this knitted cardigan from Leset. The chunky style is a bit thicker than the classic cardigan, but it's sure to keep you feeling cozy whether you're embarking on a long flight, train ride, or even road trip.
Best Work Cardigan
Banana Republic Open Cardigan [17] ($72, originally $120)
Whether you work in a proper office or are still based from home, your space likely has a tendency to get pretty chilly during the daytime — especially throughout the winter months. Keep this open cardigan on hand or thrown over your office chair [18] so that you can easily slip into the work style [19] whenever you need an extra layer of warmth.
Best Zippered Cardigan
ASOS Design Knit Cropped Cardigan With Double Zip [20] ($35)
Is it a cropped cardigan? Is it a sporty jacket? Honestly, this style feels like more of a hybrid style than anything else, and we're not the least bit mad about it. You can easily dress the piece up with a pair of polished pants [21] and mules [22], or dress it down with cargo pants [23] and some casual sneakers [24]. The styling opportunities are endless!
Best Wrap Cardigan
Lululemon Cotton-Cashmere Blend Sweater Wrap [25] ($89, originally $168)
Don't mind us, we're just dreaming about snuggling up in this wrap cardigan from now and through eternity; can you blame us? Crafted from a cotton and cashmere-blend material, this style is soft to the touch, yet still thick enough to keep you feeling warm all winter long.
Best Bolero Cardigan
Commense Solid Open-Front Shrug Sweater [26] ($42)
Whether you live somewhere with a warmer climate or simply want a more lightweight cardigan that you can wear year-round, this bolero sweater is sure to prove to be a worthwhile investment. We adore the style's fresh green coloring, especially when paired with a dark-wash jean [27] or trouser pant [28].
Best Long Cardigan
Madewell Cable-Knit Long Cardigan [29] ($168)
Cardigans might have a reputation for being a more elevated basic, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other relaxed and cozy iterations to shop also. This cable-knit style feels especially primed to lounge around in at home. We love that it boasts a longer silhouette, which provides even more coverage on the body.
Best Patterned Cardigan
J.Crew Emilie Patch-Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket [30] ($138)
Elevate any outfit with a more polished flair, courtesy of this striped cardigan from J.Crew. The patterned piece is such a staple layering essential, allowing users to easily dress the accent piece up or down, depending on the occasion or desired aesthetic. It also doubles as one of the best work cardigans, thanks to its understated design and golden button detailing.