When it comes to a cardigan, I'm going to buy it. My collection is up to a whopping 15—an unfathomable number given how tiny my closet is in my shoebox-style NYC apartment. Cardigans are my bread and butter at this point. Not only are they ultra cozy for fashionable homebodies, but they're also effortlessly chic if styled right—often as simply as possible. I can't tell you how many times I've worn an outfit that consists of a white T-shirt, jeans, and a statement cardigan, only to receive an endless stream of compliments from friends and family.
Now that spring is upon us, cardigan season is in full effect. For days when a coat is simply too heavy, I'll opt for a cardigan instead. From wool-blend sweaters to fuzzy printed knits, there's a style for every personality and budget. I'll celebrate that.
Ahead are 36 cardigans I've bookmarked to add to my collection while keeping my wallet happy. Honestly, I'm shocked at how chic some of these look for being well under $100. Happy shopping.
H&M
Rib-Knit Cardigan
Big day for matcha latte fans.
Mango
Oversized Cardigan With Buttons
An effortless everyday pick for less than $30.
Zara
Striped Knit Cardigan
This is a favorite among our editors.
Madewell
Miller Cardigan Sweater
Obsessed.
Mango
Contrast Trims Cardigan
Eloise at the Plaza says hello.
H&M
Oversized Rib-Knit Cardigan
Can you say no to stripes? I can't.
Free People
Emmaline Cardi
There are only a few of these left, so don't walk—run to buy it.
Le Ore
Rimini Cardigan
So chic.
J.Crew
New Ribbed Jackie Cardigan Sweater
Spring sunshine in a cardigan.
Madewell
Scoopneck Cardigan Sweater
The neckline on this pick feels so elevated.
BP
Rib Crop Cardigan
The perfect cardigan to tap into your inner cool girl.
Cece
Crystal Button Cardigan
This is my favorite dressier cardigan out of the ones I own. I always style it with a pair of black slacks and statement earrings for an elevated monochrome look.
Zara
Knit Polo Cardigan
Haven't you heard? Prep is in.
H&M
Fine-Knit Cardigan
I'm loving French blue at the moment.
Madewell
Pointelle-Collar Cardigan Sweater
Really into the Peter Pan collar on this cardigan.
Open Edit
Mock Neck Rib Cardigan
No buttons, no problem.
Madewell
Open-Stitch Cardigan Sweater in Stripe
The matching undershirt in this set goes so well with the striped knit.
Mango
Ribbed Long Cardigan
This price is unreal.
Zara
Pearl Button Knit Cardigan
Contrast stitching is one of my favorite trends to emerge from the pretty-things movement last fall.
Mango
Contrast Trims Cardigan
Adorable.
Mango
Buttoned Ribbed Cardigan
Wear it on its own or over a lace camisole.
Urban Outfitters
UO Ribbed Henley Cardigan
Does this chunky knit come in more colors? Asking for a friend.
Free People
Found My Friend Cardi
Slouchy cardigans go with anything.
H&M
Fine-Knit Cardigan
You literally can't beat the price of this ultra-versitile H&M cardigan.
Treasure & Bond
Thermal Knit Cotton Cardigan
The thermal tech in this cardigan makes it extra cozy on colder spring days.
French Connection
Millia Cardigan
French Connection is known for its ultra-luxe knits.
J.Crew
New Ribbed Jackie Cardigan Sweater
J.Crew always has the most timeless knitwear.
Mango
Striped Cotton Cardigan
BRB, I'm adding this to my cart ASAP.
J.Crew
New Ribbed Jackie Cardigan Sweater
If black isn't your color, perhaps this pearl one will convince you.
Z Supply
Ryleigh Cardigan
This chunky knit is too good.
Mango
Striped Cardigan With Buttons
Love this sporty-chic cardigan styled with a maxi skirt.
Free People
Lila Cardigan
Any laid-back L.A. girl would wear this pick.
Madewell
Textural-Knit Cardigan Sweater
Quite literally wearing this French-blue cardigan as I type this.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)