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Even the best cardigans are in a strange place right now. There’s the super-basic, useful, keep-your-arms-warm cardigan we all know and love, but there’s also a plethora of trendy options that are fun to wear but might require a little more styling — cropped cardigans, cardigans with pearl embellishments, cardigans that are basically just shirts, or glorified sweaters.
The Cut Shop team took a tour through the online-shopping options to find affordable (but nice-looking!) button-up sweaters in every category. Here are 22 cardigans that are under $300. (Don’t worry, the vast majority are under $150.)
Classic Cardigans
These are the ones you keep in your bag for sudden temperature drops (or, when offices reopen, for overly aggressive corporate AC).
A simple navy crewneck cardigan can be worn alone or layered with whatever’s in your wardrobe.
Doesn’t get much classier than a fine-knit V-neck cardigan with the elegant touch of brown buttons.
This relaxed cardigan, with its chunky ribbed-knit fabric and fall-back shoulders, is sure to be your new favorite, effortlessly cozy sweater option.
What’s more classic than sailor-style stripes? The Marina sweater features black instead of traditional navy.
You may already have a favorite boyfriend sweater in your closet, but you don’t have this one.
On-Trend Cardigans
Self-expression is more popular than ever. Whether it’s a statement colorway or an out-of-the-box print, these will make you stand out from the crowd.
A lime-green option perfect for brightening up your winter outfits.
Replace your overworn sweatshirt with this cardigan. Your athleisure looks will thank you.
The classic cardigan silhouette but with a little sparkle and shine.
If you want a cardigan that’s cozy and colorful, you can always count on Farm Rio for a vibrantly patterned piece that is sure to make a bold statement.
Between the pink colorway and the cropped silhouette, it doesn’t get more trendy than this knit top from the French brand. Luckily, the eye-catching gold and silver hardware elevates it, and the generous discount makes it even more appealing.
For a fun and feminine option, Sleeper’s elegant cropped cardigan with removable feather cuffs is great for those who love added glam. With the almost $300 price tag, try to think that you get two cardigans in one, so that makes it half the price. Right? Kind of.
Cardigans That Double As Shirts
These aren’t about layering — they’re just fun to wear. (And really any cardigan can double as a shirt when you style it correctly.)
A classic cardigan silhouette but with a shorter edge. No second layer needed.
This soft one-button cardigan can be layered over a little tank or just worn bare.
We love a cropped cardigan with classic elements that can be easily styled with anything from high-waisted pants to a denim midi skirt.
If we can wear a denim jacket off the shoulder and style it like a top, then why not a cool cardigan?
With its two-way zipper option, this cardigan can be worn however you please.
If you’re on the hunt for a more elevated cardigan (or something that mimics a vintage Chanel jacket silhouette), try this fall style with polished gold buttons and chic patch pockets.
The sheer trend has taken cardigan form with this sexy see-through style. It won’t necessarily keep you warm, but you’ll certainly look cool and turn heads, no question.
You’ve heard of long dresses over pants, but what about long cardigans?
