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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop On-Sale Cardigans From Gap
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.".
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.”
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 K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
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