The best places to buy cardigan sweaters

Why you'll love it: Everlane’s cardigan collection is chic, minimalistic, but oh so cozy.

It’s been nine years since Everlane was founded, and in that time, the e-commerce brand has managed to make its way into what seems like every millennial’s professional and casual wardrobe. And with pieces like its cardigans, it’s really not very difficult to see why.

Everlane is absolutely unmatched in making the simple look sleek. Even without the help of bold colors or prints or off-the-wall cuts, Everlane still manages to exude a timeless elegance in all of its pieces. That’s thanks in part to its generous use of cashmere, which certainly lends a sense of grace to its sweaters and cardigans.

Take, for example, the Cashmere Square V-Neck Cardigan. I love the oversized fit and the v-neck that is deep enough for intrigue but still office appropriate. Plus, with its square pockets, it’s supremely functional as well. While you could easily take this cardigan with you on a windy beach day, you could also wear it to the workplace without feeling too casual.

Everlane certainly does the boxy, oversized look better than most, but its fitted options are beautiful as well. I’m a huge fan of the Luxe Wool Rib Cardigan. It’s relatively lightweight (though made from merino wool), and has a slim fit that looks fantastic tucked into a pair of jeans or slacks.

Most of Everlane’s options come in a few different colors options, though most are neutral tones.

Pros: Transparent sourcing and pricing model, elegant design, beautiful and comfortable construction

Cons: If you’re looking for something a bit edgier, Everlane may not deliver in the cardigan department

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Why you'll love it: Forever 21 is here to prove that you can buy a cardigan for less than $20.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I have more than a couple Forever 21 pieces hanging in my closet, and surprisingly enough, the ones that have lasted the longest have been my cardigans. When it comes to your basic, everyday cardigan selection, this teen-focused brand is actually a great place to start your search.

From color-blocked to cropped; from long and flowy to warm and chunky, Forever 21 certainly has one of the wider selections of cardigans both online and in-stores. Because this brand caters toward a younger customer base, you'll also be pleased to find that all of these styles are remarkably affordable.

You can find a number of cardigans, like the Slub Knit Longline Cardigan, for less than $20, and there's even a style or two for about $11. I've found that in-stores, I've been able to grab cardigans for as cheap as $9.90 — while they're not revolutionary in their design or craftsmanship, they certainly get the job done when pulled over a camisole and a nice skirt.

The millennial clientele of Forever 21 may also appreciate the looser interpretation of "cardigan." Take, for example, the Ornate Print Kimono, a lovely flowy number that would work well as a bathing suit cover-up or as a boho-chic summer look. The Sheer Floral Longline Cardigan is another unique option, what with its light fabric and its flowery pattern.

But just because Forever 21 has a few more creative options on its list doesn't mean that it's pushed traditional styles to the wayside. The Solid Draped Cardigan is just $12 and is a simple yet chic open cardigan that looks fantastic on top of a pair of dress pants.

Pros: Incredibly inexpensive, wide range of styles, wide range of patterns and colors

Cons: You won't find the highest-quality cardigans here, but with prices like these, you can easily replace them

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Why you'll love it: Not only is Pact's cardigan entirely organic, but it's also some of the softest I've ever worn.

Pact doesn't necessarily have the widest range of cardigans, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. The organic clothes brand prides itself on its sustainable production tactics, and its comfortable and beautiful Lightweight Eco-Blend Wrap Cardigan saves nearly 13 gallons of water when compared to a traditionally-made cardigan.

Indeed, all of Pact's clothing is designed and created with the Earth in mind. While organic materials are often extremely expensive, Pact ensures that having a conscience and being cost-conscious are not mutually exclusive. The brand only sources 100% organic cotton and its factories are all fair trade certified. If that doesn't convince you enough, then simply touching one of Pact's pieces will change your mind.

If I could live in my Pact cardigan, I absolutely would. The cotton blend used is unbelievably soft and cozy, and hugs your body without seeming too tight. While Pact cycles through its cardigan styles, the current option on deck is made with 65 organic cotton and features a relaxed fit and a beautiful shawl collar that can be both dressy and casual.

Thanks to its asymmetrical hem, it keeps things a bit interesting, and I particularly appreciate that the cotton has been pre-washed to prevent any further shrinkage.

I'm certainly not the only one singing Pact's praises — in fact, this cardigan has received great reviews from a number of Pact shoppers, with buyers complimenting the softness, the fit, and the beautiful color options.

Pros: Unbelievably comfortable, organic cotton, fair trade certified factories, affordable prices

Cons: Limited selection and sizes

Buy the Pact Organic Cotton Cardigan for $40

Why you'll love it: For a cardigan that could double as a jacket, check out Topshop’s collection.

If your preferred look is British chic, then look no further than Topshop and its ever-trendy selection of cardigans.

And while it may not be accurate to suggest that the long cardigan look is from across the pond, it does look decidedly fashion-forward. Not only does Topshop have a fantastic selection of more traditional-length cardigans, but it also has some of the most eye-catching long options that I’ve seen.

Take, for example, the Long Open Front Cardi. Thanks to its cabled knit and ribbed trim, this cardigan looks like a cuddle-fest just waiting to happen. But just because it’s a particularly cozy style doesn’t mean it’s not stylish — thanks to its mid-thigh (or almost knee, depending on your height) length, it doesn’t look just like every other knit cardigan you’ve ever owned.

Although you may think that wearing a longer cardigan will make it look like you’re traipsing about in a robe, Topshop’s wide range of bold yet elegant colors ensures that you don’t look like you’re just lounging, though you may feel like you are.

Also worth noting is the Honeycomb Sleeve Oversize Cardigan. Slouchy without looking sloppy, this cardigan features a mix of different stitches for added intrigue, including its honeycomb pattern. It’s incredibly comfortable, too, and the Oatmeal color option adds a sense of sophistication to the end result.

Given that Topshop is a UK-based brand, you’ll want to be sure that you have your US to UK sizing conversion down pat before placing an order. But don’t worry — Topshop has a handy sizing guide to help you avoid your mistakes.

Pros: Beautiful oversized and lengthy cardigan options, bright yet elegant colors, sophisticated knit patterns

Cons: Runs a bit large

Shop cardigans at Topshop