A cardigan is a wardrobe staple that you shouldn't be without. Since there are so many different styles available, you can find one that's the perfect layer for any season. You can rock a cardigan with a pair of jeans or wear one over a dress. Cardigans are very versatile. Here are five of the best cardigans you can purchase. They're each a great way to transform your outfits and add a bit of variety to your clothes. Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan Sweater Lightweight Long Sleeves Take your outfit up a notch with this cute cardigan, without adding a lot of weight. Best Overall Find on Amazon Are you worried that adding a cardigan layer will weigh you down too much? This lightweight cardigan is a great solution. It’s made from a blend of materials, cotton, modal, and polyester. This blend isn’t heavy, so you can even wear it over a sleeveless dress. The material is easy to care for, and this cardigan is machine washable. It has a classic cut, with a V-neckline and an open front. The cuffs and hems have subtle ribbing for a polished look. With nine color options, you’re sure to find one that coordinates with your favorites clothes. This cardigan is available in sizes X-Small through XX-Large. Pros Lightweight Classic cut with a V-neckline Ribbing on the cuffs and hem Cons Has a basic cut, not a tailored one 12 Ami Basic Solid Short Sleeve Open Front Cardigan Asymmetrical HemThis short-sleeve cardigan looks great with a subtle asymmetrical hemline. Best Short SleeveFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a short-sleeve cardigan, this one has a lot going for it. It’s inexpensive, and fits true to size. The open front is a classic style, and the asymmetrical hem gives it a bit of flair. You can select from three dozen different colors. These cardigans are made from 95% rayon and 5% spandex, so they’re very lightweight. Another benefit of this fabric is that rayon is soft. You can wash this cardigan on a gentle cycle, and then need to hang it up to dry. You can get this cardigan in a variety of sizes, from Small through 3X-Large. Pros Cute cut with an asymmetrical hem Soft fabric Three dozen different colors to choose from Cons Need to hang up to dry Astylish Women Open Front Long Sleeve Chunky Knit Cardigan Knitted BeautyStay cozy in the cool weather with this cute cardigan sweater. Best Chunky KnitFind on Amazon There’s something special about a knitted cardigan, and this one is a great option. It features a relaxed fit with a casual vibe. The long, wide sleeves will help keep you warm when it’s chilly outside. The cardigan features an open front design and has a ribbed hem. You can pick from twelve different color options, each made from 100% acrylic. It’s really soft and comfortable. This wardrobe piece looks great with a pair of skinny jeans or leggings. It’s available in sizes Small through XX-Large. Pros Chunky knit design Warm and cozy Long wide sleeves Cons Make sure to check the measurements – it is a little shorter in the body than some other cardigans Women’s Floral Print Puff Sleeve Kimono Cardigan Cute Puff SleevesThis soft and airy cardigan is perfect for warm weather. Best Patterns Find on Amazon Do you prefer patterned outer layers? This cardigan has so many different pattern options available, including stars and stripes and floral prints. The price is great, so if you can’t choose just one pattern, you won’t break the bank picking up a couple. These cardigans are the perfect addition to your casual wardrobe. Made from sheer chiffon, it’s very lightweight. It is soft and airy and very comfortable. You can wear this as a cover-up at the beach, or over a pair of shorts when you’re out and about. There are several sizes available, from Small through 3XL. Pros Cute patterns Great price Lightweight and airy Cons Care of this cardigan takes time, the material is best washed by hand and hung up to dry NENONA Women’s V-Neck Button Down Knitwear Cardigan Button Down CardiganThe trendy snap buttons give this cardigan a bit of flair. Best with ButtonsFind on Amazon If you prefer being able to button your cardigan, here’s a fashionable option. It’s really versatile addition to your wardrobe since you can dress it up or down. The snap buttons are quick to use, and are a sharp bronze color. You’ll get a lot of use out of this piece. It’s made from 65% cotton and 35% polyester, a blend that’s lightweight and slightly stretchy. It works well for transition weather when you don’t need a heavy coat but still want an extra layer. The sleeves are a great size for people with longer arms. To help your cardigan last a long time, you’ll want to wash it by hand in cold water and let it air dry. There are 18 different color options, and you can select from sizes Small through XX-Large. Pros Easy to use snap buttons Good for transition weather Several color options Cons The sleeves are really long, so if you have shorter arms you may need to roll them up Frequently Asked Questions How do you wear a cardigan? Cardigan are versatile staples in your wardrobe. They can be worn several different ways. You can wear a cardigan over a t-shirt and a pair of jeans to upgrade your casual look. They also look great over a dress. Some people even wear a button down cardigan as a top over a pair of leggings. To help keep you from looking frumpy, you’ll want to wear your cardigan over form fitting clothes. What size cardigan should I purchase? You have options when it comes to sizing your cardigan. You need to decide what sort of style you’re going for. Some people prefer to size down to provide a tighter fit. This can help keep you from looking larger than you are. Other people purchase a size up for a looser fit. If you’re planning on layering your cardigan over thicker layers, you’ll probably want to do this. Your other option is to buy a cardigan in the size that you typically wear. This is a good option for wearing over a light layer, as it’ll look good without adding a lot of extra bulk. You’ll have to decide what works best for your wardrobe goals, and size your cardigans from there. What type of fabric should I look for in a cardigan? Cardigans come in so many different fabrics, from a sheer chiffon to a thick acrylic knit. To help you pick the best one for your wardrobe, think about when and where you’ll be wearing this piece. Some fabrics are very thin and lightweight. These won’t add much warmth in the winter. Others are heavy and won’t be a great choice for hot days. You want to pick the one that’s appropriate for the season and your location. Also think about how the fabric will look. Some fabrics are loose and flow over your body, while others are meant to be tighter. So your fabric choice really depends on the look you are going for.