One of the saddest things about summer ending is saying so long to sundresses and strappy sandals. Luckily, fall fashion is so chic that we don’t suffer from summer fashion nostalgia for too long. As soon as the air gets chilly, it’s time to whip out your cutest cardigan. These 20 cardis are the ultimate cure to cold weather drearies. Just try missing the beach when you’re wearing a sweater this cute. Pair these looks with jewel-colored denim, a flouncy skirt, or over your favorite dress. The only accessory you need to a steaming hot cup of apple cider.
$25 and under
Printed Perfection
Think prints are just a summer trend? Think again, collegiettes™! You can still wear patterns when the weather gets chillier. Just trade in bright colors for warm neutrals, like the greens in this cardi.
Merona® Women’s Essential Cardigan Sweater – Assorted Prints, $22.99, Target
Varsity Grays
Remember when fall meant the cutest boy in school giving you his letterman jacket? No? Okay, well, me neither, but that doesn’t mean I can’t channel my inner Grease with this vintage-inspired cardi. Varsity
Varsity Stripes Cardigan, $24.80, Forever 21
[pagebreak]
Starry Eyed Surprise
Fall is the perfect time to go stargazing, but, of course, not every collegiette™ can see the stars from her campus. Try the next best thing with this Forever 21 cardi. Wear it with colored red denim (a major trend for fall) and a white tee for a going out look that’s way more unique than the typical all black ensemble.
Starry Boyfriend Cardigan, $24.80, Forever 21
Cozy On Up
Do you have a cabin upstate? If so, where this number there. Don’t own a cabin? Pretend you do and still wear it. Feel free to pretend other things too, like that Andrew Garfield asked you out on the perfect fall date to go apple picking. Actually, on second thought, just wear the sweater. Pair it with light wash denim and riding boots for a laidback vibe.
Confess Sweater, Three Quarter Kimono Sleeve Aztec Cardigan Top, $24.99, Macy’s
Beautiful Buttons
I’d expect to find a posh cardigan like this at J.Crew for four times the price! At less than $25, this classic sweater is a steal. The prep look is very in this fall, so be on trend by wearing this with a ballerina skirt, opaque black tights, and Tory Burch flats. For a full-on prepster vibe (and an extra flirty look), nix the tights and try gray knee-high socks, another huge trend for fall. Just try not to look like an extra in Britney Spears’s Baby One More Time… video with your skirt length. You’re more likely to turn heads with a put-together look, rather than borrowing your 13-year-old sister’s favorite mini.
Belle Du Jour Sweater, Long Sleeve Double Breasted Cardigan, $24.99, Macy’s
[pagebreak]
$50 and under
Zippity Doo Da
I love how this has an athletic, hoodie feel, but still is structured enough to wear on a date or to your internship. The zipper makes it easy to dress down on nippy fall days when you just want to wear your fave jeans and worn in tee, but the cream color makes it perfect to wear with patterned tights and a LBD for a night out.
Women’s Zip-Front Cardigans, $34.95, Old Navy
Furfection
I know I said I wasn’t looking to date this semester, but I think I want to enter a serious (totally Facebook official) relationship with this Delia’s sweater. The best cardi should keep you warm and be stylish, and this sweater achieves both those goals. The fur color does double duty to keep your neck warm, which is especially perfect for forgetful collegiettes™ who forget their scarves everywhere. Not that I would ever do that, especially not four times last semester alone.
Nordic Fur Trim, $39.50, Delia’s
In the Jungle
Scared the cheetah print is tacky? The cardigan shape keeps it chic. For daytime, wear it over a vintage graphic t-shirt for a look that is fashion-forward, but still laid back. Layer it over your most flattering black top and jeans combo for a night look. You don’t want to pair cheetah (even in a cardigan) with your favorite super-little black dress — that’s how the look will wind up trashy.
Cheetah-Print Cardigan, $44.50, Delia’s
[pagebreak]
Cool Classic
I can’t decide what I love more — the super adorable name of this cardigan, or its updated take on the striped classic. Either way, it’s a must-have. It’s the perfect item to throw on when I’m rushing to class and still want to look polished.
Buttercream Layer Cake Cardigan, $44, Fred Flare
Candy Striper
For a classic look, pair this striped sweater over a white button-down. For a funkier vibe, pair it over a vintage graphic tee with tights and a full skirt. Even though this is a basic sweater, the stripes are unique and versatile enough to make a standout look for whatever your personal style is.
Rugby Stripe Cardigan, $44.50, Delia’s
Pretty in Petal Pink
This pale pink color is so romantic! Play up the colorblocking trend of fall by wearing it over a deep purple dress. Gray tights make the look appropriate for cooler temperatures.
Frenchi Ruffed Ruffle Cardigan, $48, Nordstrom
[pagebreak]
$75 and Under:
Zig Zag
This printed sweater looks Missoni-inspired, but you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars (or wake up at 4 a.m. to go to Target) to get the Missoni look. Let the loud print stand out by itself by pairing it with black skinnies and black boots.
Frenchi Zig Zag Stripe Cardigan, $54, Nordstrom
Lacy Love
Okay, maybe this lace knit number from Abercrombie won’t exactly keep you warm, but it’s far too cute to pass up. It’s perfect for times when you want to look polished, but still stylish, like when your parents come into town and take you to a nice restaurant. Your shoulders will still be covered (you’re welcome, dad), but the lace is super flirty. Wear it with a fall dress and solid opaque tights. Pile on a knit scarf for some added warmth.
Meg cardigan, $68, Abercrombie & Fitch
Fur Frenzy
The ultimate in chic cardigans. Layer it over a LBD, apply deep red lipstick, and call people “darling” all night. The last one is (kind of) a joke.
Faux Fur Cardigan, $69.50, Ann Taylor LOFT
[pagebreak]
Go for the Green
The bold green color of this cardigan is a fresh spin on this fall staple. Cozy up with this sweater (and a cute boy). Fall is simply more fun in a stylish sweater.
Green Colored Aran Cardigan With Cute Collar, $73.18, ASOS
Mod About You
Don’t fear the bold print! Pair it with black skinnies and a black lace top for a sexy, yet still understated, evening look.
Dogtooth Cardigan, $73.33, ASOS
Stripe Star
To keep this look from not being too “Where’s Waldo,” pair it with ultra girly accents, like a full skirt, bold gold studs, black tights, and black Mary-Jane ballet flats. The print is casual, so you can still get away to wearing it with class, even if the rest of your ensemble is a bit dressier.
Rigby Cardigan, $75, Madewell
[pagebreak]
$100 and under
Lacey Lady
Fall is still warm enough that you can show a bit of skin. Wear this flirty cardi on a fall date with your favorite fall dress, knit tights, and leather booties. The lace insert is just the right amount of sexy.
Free People Sweater — .jpg
Cropped Lace Insert Pullover, $78, Free People
Take on Tribal
Tribal prints are big this fall, but the classic shape keeps it from being too trendy or loud.
Tribal Sweater — .jpg
Tipi Nip Cardi, $78, Nasty Gal
Laced Up
I’m obsessed with this sweater. The lace makes it posh (date party, anyone?) but the zipper will give off a laid back vibe, ensuring that you are the coolest girl in the room.
Lace Front Zip Cardigan, $89.50, Banana Republic