Unlock These 28 Cardigans That Not Only Elevate Your Style but Secretly Boost Your Confidence and Warmth—Here’s Why You Need Them Now

You might recognize Lucky Brand from the Target men’s section you perused ahead of the first day of school. You can count on Lucky for affordable clothing that doesn’t skimp on style, and this cardigan proves no exception. The cozy plaid pattern makes it the exact kind of simple statement piece you’ll reach for in the mornings throughout the colder months.

When it comes to dressing for fall and winter, there’s no fabric we reach for more than cashmere, and there’s no brand we trust more than Todd Snyder. This 100 percent cashmere cardigan is simple yet luxurious. The understated style is easy to pair with anything from jeans to khakis to joggers, and the soft, warm fabric is still thin enough to layer with.

Sometimes the season just calls for a shawl-collar cardigan. When you feel that call, Brunello Cucinelli’s thick, warm, luxurious style is the obvious answer. It has deep pockets, a relaxed, weighted fit, and all the timeless elegance that the brand is known for.

It’s no secret that Uniqlo offers some of the best high-quality basics out there, and it does so at unbeatable prices. Clocking in at only 60 bucks, for example, is this lambswool cardigan that you’ll probably wear so often, it’ll basically pay for itself. The slightly oversized design makes it easy to layer up, and the smooth, soft wool keeps the warmth in without overheating you.

If you want a cardigan that feels definitively preppy instead of slouchy, Thom Browne is the way to go. This cotton V-neck style is still cozy, don’t get me wrong, but it has a fitted, high-end look that your slouchy cardigans just can’t match. For dressing up and lookin’ smart, you know what to do.

While the v-neck style will always remain tried and true, sometimes you want a bit more coverage from your cardigan. Maybe you live somewhere especially chilly. Or perhaps you need a break from that small collection of scarves you rely on every winter to keep the exposed skin of your neck warm, or maybe you just generally feel bad about your neck, a la Nora Ephron. Regardless, Ralph Lauren’s mockneck cardigan presents the ideal solution. Button it all the way up to the neck or leave a few undone if you’re wanting that classic v-necked style (though PRL does offer a v-neck cardigan as well).

Some cardigans just scream “I went to boarding school in New England,” and this button-up from PRL is one of them. That’s not a bad thing, though—it means you look effortlessly put-together and damn classy. (Cable knit tends to have that effect.) So even if you aren’t a full-time academic, you can look like one in this soft, timeless style.

Mango’s sophisticated, minimalist vibe is heavy in this knit cardigan, complete with ribbed trim. It has a button-up V-neck closure that looks chic over a plain white tee or a striped Oxford, so don’t be afraid to experiment with how you style this piece.