Copy the Expensive-Looking Cardigan Trend With Sale Picks From Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Gap
Style a polished fall outfit with these luxe sweaters for as low as $27.
As I stepped outside to grab my daily cup of coffee this morning, I was greeted by a brisk autumn breeze. Although I was delighted by this invigorating wind gust (I love nothing more than dressing for chilly temperatures), I was also slightly alarmed. My fall capsule wardrobe is lacking in the sweater department, especially in cozy cardigans.
In a frenzied scramble to stack my closet with knitted layers, I’ve turned to my go-to set of reliable retailers. Fortunately for me, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Gap have an array of snug cardigans that keep me nice and warm. And as if they could sense my desperation, these three retailers have also announced significant markdowns. From now until Sunday, October 13, Nordstrom is offering an extra 25 percent off on-sale fashion items, and Gap is taking up to 50 percent off sweaters, outerwear, and pants. Meanwhile, at J.Crew, you can claim 40 percent off all purchases through Monday, October 14, during the annual Fall Event.
So, if you aim to round out your selection of fall outfits with the fresh cardigan trend, keep scrolling. Ahead, you’ll discover a range of pieces you’ll want to wear all season long, from simple options that will expand your assortment of essentials to bolder alternatives that will make more of a statement. All that’s left for you to do is hit that purchase button.
Shop On-Sale Cardigans From Nordstrom
All it took was one glance at Topshop’s black cardigan to land in my shopping cart. I’m particularly drawn to the Peter Pan-like collars and ribbed design, but most importantly, I appreciate that it’s only $35.
Lightweight cardigans are perfect for those warm fall days when you don’t need a hefty layer. This version from Open Edit is offered in a charming sage green shade that will pair nicely with toned-down neutrals.
Show some skin with Madewell’s cable knit crop cardigan if temperatures permit. Style it with high-waisted jeans, a blazer, and kitten-heeled boots, and you’ve got a streamlined fall outfit formula that you’ll want to wear on repeat.
There’s no arguing that a Fair Isle sweater is an absolute must-have for any cold-weather wardrobe. Veronica Beard’s option is crafted with an ultra comfy fabric that’s made from 100 percent cotton. And for that very reason, you’re guaranteed to practically live in it.
Grab Nordstrom's easygoing zip-up cardigan if you’re not in the mood to fiddle with button closures. Throw it over your shoulders and pair it with a casual white T-shirt and roomy sweatpants for errand runs and coffee shop visits.
Step up your athleisure outfit game with Nike’s knit cardigan. It’s cut from a stretchy ribbed jersey fabric, so it will easily slip over a sports bra or baby tee. Complete your sporty look with a sleek pair of yoga pants.
This open-stitch cardigan from & Other Stories will prove to be a closet mainstay that’ll stick around for the long haul. During the cooler months, pair it with a sturdy barn jacket and wide-leg jeans, and when the weather warms up, style this piece with linen shorts.
Skims is renowned for its super-soft undergarments, but did you know that the brand’s cardigans are just as comfortable? This zip-up is stitched with modal fabric, a bio-based material that’s silky smooth and breathable. Add this to your cardigan lineup, and thank us later.
Nordstrom’s open-front cardigan offers ample coverage with a knee-grazing hemline. You’ll appreciate this layer when temperatures begin to dip into bone-chilling numbers.
My assortment of cardigans is pretty straightforward, so I’m looking for a playful design that will spice things up a bit. This layer from Vince Camuto, adorned with a peekaboo pointelle exterior, fits the bill. I'll wear it over a black turtleneck for a high-contrast effect.
Shop On-Sale Cardigans From J.Crew
Glacial blue is one of the most sought-after fall 2024 color trends, along with burgundy red and Brat green shades. Play into the look with J.Crew’s V-neck cardigan sweater, which flaunts a ribbed texture and a dainty button closure.
J.Crew’s Giselle sweater is a fascinating blend of a cardigan and a blazer. It’s soft yet slightly structured for a sophisticated feel. It’s essential for your collection of fall work outfits.
There’s a reason this best-seller has earned almost five stars. Aside from offering an irresistibly snug feel, it’s extremely versatile. Dress it up with tailored trousers and a trench coat, or give it a casual boost with baggy jeans and a puffer jacket.
Are you searching for a cardigan that whispers subtle tunes of quiet luxury? Try this elegant layer embellished with intricate crochet detailing and gold buttons. Stick to the stealth wealth theme by pairing this piece with a satin slip skirt and ladylike slingback heels.
Although this nautical-inspired cardigan is inherently summery, there are ways to give it a cold-weather twist. Wear it with a crew neck T-shirt and a double-breasted peacoat. Then, finish things off by throwing some heavy denim bottoms into the mix, along with a pair of ankle boots.
Any J.Crew devotee will tell you that the label knows how to make a top-tier sweater jacket. There are plenty of styles to choose from, but I recommend this one, which conveys a strong autumn message with shades of caramel and black.
J.Crew’s cream-and-black cardigan has landed a top spot on my wishlist because of its refined tonal trim and tasteful gold crest buttons. I can easily see myself wearing this layer to the office or an upscale weekend outing.
As a fashion editor, I have a few non-negotiable rules in my style playbook (one of which is that I need a steady rotation of neutral sweaters). This camel-colored cardigan is coming home with me, and I’m also planning on snagging the same style in navy and black.
I have an obsession with cable-knit cardigans, and I can’t be stopped. I love the sense of dimension that the iconic twisted pattern offers, and due to the fact that it’s so timeless, it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
If you’re looking for a not-so-ordinary cardigan, opt for this item from J.Crew. It features exaggerated collars, ribbed cuffs, and a flattering cropped shape. Intrigued? Act quickly because it will definitely sell out.
Shop On-Sale Cardigans From Gap
After seeing the price point on this pointelle cardigan, I’m convinced that I need to buy both colorways (beige and black). Who can say no to a 60 percent off markdown? Surely not me.
If you can’t tell by this roundup of cardigans, I have a thing for stripes. I wouldn't consider myself much of a pattern gal, but there’s something about neat parallel lines that’s just oh-so classic.
Gap’s camel hair cardigan features slim patch pockets and a deep V-neck silhouette. There are endless styling routes, but I recommend layering this piece over a high-neck white tank top. Pair it with a pleated skirt and glossy loafers to put a preppy spin on your look.
This cardigan embodies the phrase, "It’s all in the details.” Take a close look; you’ll notice a textured exterior and delicate welt pockets. Plus, it’s incredibly well-made. “It’s a classic fall staple,” says one pleased Gap customer. “Quality is important to me, and this cardigan checks all the boxes.".
Have you heard of Gap’s CashSoft collection? It includes an assortment of garments designed with the brand’s midweight cotton blend that feels like cashmere. Try it out for yourself with this cardigan, drenched in a striking hue of blue.
As I write this, I’m wearing a black cardigan that I bought years ago while I was in high school. Although this sweater has lasted forever, it’s starting to rip at the seams. Given that I’m long overdue for a new one, I’ve got my eyes on this option from Gap.
We often talk about travel capsule wardrobes in the context of summer, but let’s shift gears and chat about fall and winter vacations for a second. Whether you have an upcoming cabin getaway or you’re planning to hit the slopes soon, you’ll need a laid-back cardigan that you can wear in between activities.
For those of you who want an airy cardigan that won’t cause you to overheat, look no further because Gap’s striped CashSoft cardigan is your match. “I wanted a lightweight cardigan, and this is it,” says one shopper. The fabric is over 50 percent cotton, which makes it feel so comfortable.”
As someone who prefers an oversized fit, I was instantly captivated by the roomy shape of this olive green sweater. However, if you tend to favor slim silhouettes, Gap recommends going down one or two sizes.
Call me crazy, but I’m already starting to plan my Thanksgiving outfits. Since I’m sticking to a “chill-but-chic” style memo this year, I’ll wear this chocolate brown cardigan with relaxed jeans, a black T-shirt, and my favorite pair of fall boots.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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