Shopping·8 min read

Winter Cardigans That Can Be an Entire Outfit

winter-cardigans
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Quince, Reformation, J.Crew
January 16, 2026

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The magic of a cardigan is in its versatility. If you find one (or two, or five) that you really love, you’ll wear it in all sorts of ways — layered over a tee, draped over your shoulders, or buttoned up as a shirt (our personal favorite) — and feel confident and stay warm every time. No cardi left behind.

Still cold? Check out more content to keep you warm here.

collared-cardi
Quince

A collared cardigan with a Scandi vibe…

Wear it buttoned up with trousers and ballet flats to the office, then layer it over your favorite tee with jeans on the weekend. It’s made with merino wool so it’ll actually keep you warm, and it’s not scratchy. ($79.90, Quince)

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cable-knit-cardi
Levi's

A lightweight cable-knit cardigan…

Did you know Levi’s makes adorable sweaters, too? This one is a crewneck cardigan made of soft cable-knit fabric. It comes in two sunny colors that’ll make your winter wardrobe less blah. ($70, Levi’s)

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reformation-cardigan
Reformation

An editor-favorite cashmere option…

We always go back to Reformation’s cashmere sweaters. One of our editors has this one in multiple colors, citing the perfect fit, comfiness, and warmth as her reasons for investing. We love the argyle version in particular. ($198, Reformation)

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shell-cardigan
J.Crew

A cashmere cardigan that has a matching shell…

Leave it to J.Crew to make us want to bring back the cardigan and matching shell moment that was popular in the ’90s. They’re both made of a wide-rib cashmere that’s made to last, no matter how often you wear it. ($88.50+, J.Crew)

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boxy-cardigan
Naadam

A boxy cardigan great for layering…

Speaking of lasting, one editor has had this cardigan for years, and it still looks brand new. It has an oversized fit with a V-neckline, so it wears well with a tee or turtleneck underneath. It definitely runs large, so size down if you want it more fitted. ($238, Naadam)

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leopard-cardi
Zara

A leopard eyelash cardi…

What wardrobe is complete without a little animal print? This cardigan is soft and fuzzy with a wide-scale leopard print that gives it a retro vibe. You can easily dress it up with leather pants and heels for date night. ($59.90, Zara)

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abercrombie-cardigan
Abercrombie & Fitch

A cardigan that looks more expensive than it is…

With its shiny gold buttons and ribbed fabric, this cardigan has expensive energy without the price tag. It also comes in cable-knit and patterned versions. It’s perfect for elevating your favorite jeans. ($80, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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shacket
Free People

The one that’s really more of a shacket…

This cardigan-jacket hybrid is made of soft terry cloth, which makes it perfect for all seasons. It’s layerable, great for traveling, and comes in so many cute colors. Reviewers say it’s pretty oversized, so you may want to size down. ($168, Free People)

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uniqlo-cardigan
Uniqlo

A merino wool cardigan you’ll pull out every year…

When you find one that really suits you, it’ll become a wardrobe staple. This one is made of ultra-fine merino wool that feels so good on your skin and keeps you warm. Plus, it’s pill-resistant and holds up in the washing machine. ($49.90, Uniqlo)

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cocoon-cardigan
Jenni Kayne

The famous Jenni Kayne one…

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan — the ultimate investment sweater. This is the cropped version, which we find to be a little more polished than the original. The new Seaside blue is moodboard-worthy. ($445, Jenni Kayne)

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chunky-cardigan
Gap

An affordable chunky one…

Do not sleep on Gap cardigans. This one is chunky but not bulky, feels as soft as cashmere, and pairs well with jeans and dresses. The tortoise buttons are a nice touch. ($39, Gap)

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sheep-cardi
Anthropologie

A fun cardigan you can wear in and out of the house…

This dreamy cream cardi has adorable embroidered sheep all over it and a hood to make it even more cozy. You’ll throw it on with your pajamas at home, over an athleisure outfit to grab coffee, and even with jeans to brunch. ($188, Anthropologie)

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full-zip-cardi
Nordstrom

And a trendy option…

Full-zip sweaters are having a moment. This one is just right for wearing as a top, and the fabric has a hint of cashmere to make it cozy. It’s a sleek option that you’ll also be able to wear with shorts once spring decides to grace us with its presence. ($168, Nordstrom)

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