When the seasons change and you feel the need to round out your winter wardrobe, a cardigan is the perfect item to fill in the practical and stylish holes in your closet. It is the ultimate layering item, which makes it a go-to piece for a modest look. The cardigan’s pedigree makes it timeless, and these updated styles make it fun. Wrap up for winter!

Kate Spade Wool Cherilyn Cardigan in Cream
Choosing a light colored cardigan will help you layer over a mulitiude of busier bouses. At a bit of a higher price point, this simple piece will blend seamlessly into your exsisting wardrobe. Make a look modest by layering this cardigan over a sleeveless top for better coverage.

 

 

Raquel Allegra Cable Knit Cardigan on TOTOKAELO
Rusty tones reflect the natural world outdoors, and while the sun is setting earlier that doesn’t mean warm tones can’t still be present in your winter wardrobe. A chunky knit with a fold over collar gives a bit of formality to an otherwise casual jeans and t-shirt look. Use this piece to layer over tanks, or even a casual dress. Grap a coordinating clutch and out you go!

 

 

 

Dinah Cardigan Sweater by Heartloom
It’s amazing when comfort and coverage combine. Wide knit details contrast metal studs on this cardigan, without being over the top tacky. Oversized pockets help keep things cozy, and make it easy to run out the door with just the essentials. A little ease never hurts once the holiday season commences!

 

 

Windowpane Wool Shawl Cardigan
Sometimes all a look needs is a vest, something in between a jacket and a heavy sweater. In the colder months it’s easy to find one that doesn’t look too formal. With a long sleeve top this preppy meets western tie-waisted sweater brings elegance to plaid, ease to silk, and style to your wardrobe. Plus, it’s a great layering piece for snowy nights.

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Babylon Stripe Cardigan
A bright south western inspired pattern, with a chic wrap style and bountiful bow to accentuate the waist, this cardigan brings instant style, nothing else but a great pair of dark jeans necessary! A fold over neck and cuffed wrist length sleeves keep the cozy larger fit from becoming frumpy, and the bold fall colors pack a punch to beat those winter blues.

 

Candelabra Cape by Line
The popularity of the cape becomes a bit more functional in this piece with the addition of a fur trimmed hood. A bit of fringe and contrasting knit patterns add enough to make this piece the center of an outfit, while the neutral color makes it a cinch to throw on with jeans or khakis. Save this “cardi” for the warmer winter days, it’s a bit difficult to layer when there are no arm holes.

 

 

Lunch Break Cardigan by Madewell
A wonderfully easy variation on the over-sized day cardigan, this ultra soft heather gray staple is perfect to toss over work ensembles, to make modest a sleeveless top or dress, or to play with proportion with the maxi skirt. Keep at least one layered piece patterned or embellished so your look doesn’t get lost in neutrals.