Check out this first cardigan from St. John.  It’s a bit pricey at $395, but it is just so gorgeous that I had to show it.  Made of a blend of wool and rayon, this cardigan is the perfect red color.  It’s sleeves are a little cropped and it’s shorter in length so it’s perfect to wear over cropped pants, skirts, and even a long t-shirt.  I just love how simple and fantastic it looks.

Red designer cardigan from St. John

This next one is by Marc Jacobs. It’s a light weight ribbed silk cardigan with a two tone contrast. I love how the inside is a bit brighter while the lining is a darker red. It’s a really fun cardigan to wear casually with jeans or white pants. Plus, this long cardigan is a great length and very flattering for those that want to hide blemishes around the stomach or waist. You can get this one for $198 at Nordstroms.

Red cardigan from Marc Jacobs

This next one is from DKNY. It’s a layered look made of silk. I think the look is so flattering. It’s still tight, but at the same time, the texture makes it look really unique. I would buy this red silk cardigan for dressier occasions or when I want to dress up something plain. You can get it for $175 at Nordstroms.

Red silk cardigan from DKNY

This next cardigan from Urban Outfitters is a steal at $30. It’s short-sleeve and wraps in front. Too bad it doesn’t come with the cute brown belt (I would just buy the belt with it). I love how the front layers drape. It makes a girl look sexy and alluring!

Red wrap cardigan from Urban Outfitters

If you really don’t want to spend any money, but still want something cute and trendy, head over to Target. Below, I found 2 different red cardigans there. The first one is on sale for half price and goes for $12.24. It’s just a simple cardigan from Merona. If you want something simple for cheap, this is it. The second one is from Merona as well and on sale for $14. It’s a wool wrap cardigan. For those who get cold in the office, this one is great, even during the summer. I also love how it wraps in front so it hides any blemishes.

Red Cardigan from Target

Merino Wool Wrap Red Cardigan from Target

This next one is from Dillards. It’s a little red shrug cardigan that you can wear over any t-shirt, tank top or dress. Perfect for those chillier Spring or Summer nights. I love the deep red color and how it drapes over the shoulder. For $59, it’s a pretty good deal.

Red Shrug Cardigan from Dillards

The final one I found is from Talbots. It’s a cabled v-neck short-sleeve red cardigan. It’s so cute for the Spring or Summertime. I love how it falls a little longer, but has the cute short sleeves. The cable material gives it a great design and makes a girl look really feminine.

Red short sleeve cardigan from Talbots

So, there you have the red cardigans that I’ve found recently. Don’t you just love them?

Calvin Klein Pinched V-Neck Cardigan
The first one that I saw was this Calvin Klein cardigan.  The thing I love is the neckline.  It is scrunched up along the edges making the sweater look really feminine.  This long cardigan is a blend of cotton, wool and cashmere so it will keep you warm, but also take you into the Spring when it starts to warm up.  You can find it at Nordstrom’s for $79.

Calvin Klein V-neck Yellow Cardigan

J. Crew Long Cardigan
Long cardigans are still in and they are here to stay.  If you’re looking for a long cardigan for Spring that isn’t as warm, check out the J. Crew long cardigans.  This one in yellow is so pretty.  When you put these on, they feel so light and soft.  It’s a great cardigan to wear around on the weekends when you just want to throw something on.  Buy this for $69.50.

J. Crew Long Cardigan

Neiman Marcus Milly Cardigan
This next sweater is a designer cardigan from Neiman Marcus.  It’s yellow with a navy trim.  Down the middle are these beautiful diamond shapes that decorate the front.  It makes this cardigan look so chic for work.  If you want something different from a solid color, try this one.  You can wear this in place of a blazer or any other work jacket since it looks very sophisticated.  The only downside is the price.  It’s a bit more expensive at $265 but well worth the investment for someone looking for a special piece to add to their wardrobe.

Neiman Marcus Milly Cardigan

Anthropologie Cable Cardigan
This final one is so cute.  It’s more of a mustard cardigan.  It’s cable knit, open in front with no buttons.  It looks great over any dress or just a white shirt with jeans. You instantly look more dressed up because of the great drape in the front.  I would pair it with a chunky necklace to balance out the thickness of the cardigan.  You can get it for only $88, what a deal!

Anthropologie Cardigan

There are so many great styles of cardigans to choose from.  A yellow cardigan is so fun and different so consider one when you are shopping.  Happy shopping!

Length:  First, think about the length.  A ladies long cardigan can fall anywhere from your hips to the top of your knees.  If you are a tall woman, you can get away with something that is a lot longer.  If you are a smaller or petite woman, I wouldn’t go too long unless  you are really skinny.  The length may look overwhelming.  If you’ve seen Mary-Kate or Ashley Olson, you’ve seen how the long cardigan can completely cover a person where only the face is peeking out and you can’t see their bodies.  Ladies – this look doesn’t flatter anyone.  Make sure that the long cardigan falls at a good place, otherwise it will look obvious that you are trying to cover up those hips or thighs.

Material:  This is important because the long cardigan sweater has to drape over your body.  Again, if you are pretty skinny, you can go ahead and buy a thinner material.  Thin cashmere, light wool, or just cotton will work in this case.  However, if you are a bit larger, then you should look for a materials that is firmer and falls better over the body.  Something flimsy will drape all over your body and reveal everything.  Something more solid will allow you to look fashionable and cover up a few of those flaws you are trying to hide.

Banana Republic Long Cardigan

Fit:  This is an important point.  Make sure the cardigan falls, but does not hug your body.  Unless you are a stick, hugging your body will reveal everything.  Buying something too big will make you look larger than you really are.  So, the key is to buy something that will button up easily, but still be a little bit fitted around your thighs and butt.  By doing that, you will find the most flattering cut.

Style:  There are many stylish cardigans these days.  However, for the long one, you want to go with something more conservative.  That’s because you will usually pair it with something flashier underneath.  Going for something with too many ruffles, what I call “bells and whistles” is probably a mistake.  Since the cashmere cardigan already covers up half of your body, you don’t want to add something extra to make it look like your entire body is covered with ruffles or sequins or whatever else.  Choose a solid neutral color and buy a long cardigan in that color.

1.     Style – What style cardigan are you looking for?  Do you want a long cardigan or a short cardigan?  If you want a trendy one, how trendy do you want to go?  Remember that if the item is too trendy, then you won’t be able to wear it next year and you may not want to spend too much money on it.  However, if the item is not that trendy and you are looking for something stylish, then you may not wear it and all of that money you spent on the cardigan will go to waste.

2.    Money – How much are you willing to spend?  There are countless choices and the prices range from $50 to more than $1000.  Cashmere is more expensive and a good cashmere cardigan will last you a while so consider your budget.  Normally, for around $200, you will find a great stylish cardigan that you can wear this year and into next year.

3.    Closet – Look through your closet and see what clothes you will match the cardigan with.  This will help you determine if you want one that is colorful or if you just want to buy a black cashmere cardigan that can go with everything.  Also, depending on your style, you will want to buy a cardigan that matches that style.  Don’t buy a short one if everything in your closet is longer and you don’t have many skirts or dresses.  Buy a long cardigan if you’ve got plenty of t-shirts, skinny jeans, and boots to match.

4.    Figure – Look at your figure and make sure you know what type of cardigan will look best on you.  For some people, the long cardigan looks great since it allows them to hide their larger thighs and waist.  For others, a short cardigan may look better since there are a lot of boxier short cardigans that allow them to balance out the skinny jeans and leggings they like to wear underneath.  Whatever your body type, make sure you understand what will look best on you.

After thinking through these things, check out some of the great new cardigans that I’ve found below.

Martin & Osa Long & Lean Cardigan
This is a great cardigan for those looking for something to wear every day.  It matches many items and is really flattering.

Martin + Osa Cardigan

Marc Jacobs Mildred Cashmere Cardigan
This beautiful white cardigan has fine details that make it stand out.  Plus, Marc Jacobs clothes always fall and flatter the body.

Marc Jacobs Cashmere Cardigan

Victoria Secret Silk & Cashmere Chiffon-Trim Long Cardigan
I love this cardigan!  It’s not pure cashmere, but it is so cute and looks great over jeans or any pants.

Victoria Secret Cardigan

Marled cashmere cardigan – J. Crew
Check out this first one. The cardigan is a little chunkier and it is fantastic over a thin t-shirt or tank. It hits at the hips and comes in a warm grey color. Plus, don’t forget where J. Crew gets its cashmere – the same place as a “world-famous mill in Piedmont” (to quote them) or otherwise known as Loro Piana – the designer and maker of fantastic and outrageously expensive cashmere (expect to spend at least $1000). This cardigan will only cost you $298.

Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Cardigan
I love this next cardigan. Simple, basic and something you can pair with everything, whether it’s black leggings or a short skirt. It comes in 3 colors – red, heather grey, and black, and is the perfect cardigan for those looking for something basic to wear all winter. Get it for $225.

Splendid Shadow Stripe Cashmere Cardigan
This next item is so cute. It is a thinly striped cardigan that you can layer. You can even do that new look that women are trying out – layering one heavier cardigan over a lighter one. This cardigan is so thin, but yet so warm. The stripes give it a trendier look than the traditional one color cardigan. The v-neck in front also makes it very flattering when buttoned or worn open. Buy it at Splendid.com for $267.

Vince Cashmere Draped Shrug
I love all things by Vince. The material he uses is just so nice and his clothes always look good on. This next piece is a modern take on the traditional cardigan. They call it a draped shrug because it does just that. Drapes over the shoulders and hangs delicately in front. Check out the three-quarter cap sleeves that show off your arms, but still keep you warm in the winter. Buy this one at Bergdorf for $285.

Theory Hollis Cashmere Cardigan
This next piece from Theory is a long cardigan. I love long cardigans in the winter. Ever feel like your legs get cold and you don’t know what to do? Well, I always choose a long cardigan when I know I’m going to be out late. This way, my legs will be protected since my boots never come that far up. This Theory long black cardigan is gorgeous. It falls slimly over your body and is thin so it doesn’t make you look chunky. Shopbop.com is carrying this for $365.

Kate Spade ‘Courtney’ Cashmere Cardigan
For those of you looking for something more conservative, but still want to have a little fun, try this cream and black cardigan from Kate Spade. The pockets are topped with little white bows and the black and white look works great with skirts and shirts in different colors. Buy this from Nordstrom for $295.

White + Warren Superfine Ruffled Cashmere Cardigan
A cardigan doesn’t always have to be so conservative. Check out this really feminine cardigan that adds so much to a plain white t-shirt and jeans. After putting this on, I felt transformed into someone much girlier. The knit is so fine and thin and the ruffles drape really prettily around your body. I tried it with a pencil skirt and tank and it looks great too. It costs $295 and is well worth the investment.

Aqua Wrapped Cashmere Cardigan
If you’ve never seen this brand, go check it out at Bloomingdales. Aqua makes some of the best and most affordable cashmere clothing. Plus, their styles are always trendy and updated so you can never go wrong with one of their items. This wrap has an oversized shawl collar which drapes prettily around the neck. Then, you just wrap it in front for a fantastic look over your leggings, jeans and any shirt. It comes in black or heather brown and you can buy it for $178 at Bloomingdales. What a steal!

Michael Kors Cashmere Shrug
Finally, I couldn’t resist throwing in this Michael Kors Cashmere Shrug that I saw at Bergdorf Goodman. I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for something to throw on over my dresses. I love my fall dresses, but sleeveless is just too cold in the winter. Why not throw on a cashmere cardigan or cashmere shrug? This shrug is so cute, hits above the waist, and will keep you warm in your dresses all winter long. Get it for $595 or shop around for others.

Short cardigan

Nordstrom green cashmere cardigan

Made famous in the 60’s with women wearing them over poodle skirts and tight jeans, the short cardigan is one of the longest lasting clothing items in history since it has outlasted countless trends.  It matches almost everything you wear, whether it is a short skirt or trousers.  You can dress it up or dress it down.  The key to a short cardigan is to make sure it falls at the right place on your body.  Ideally, you want it to fall right at the top of your waist.  These days, since many pants and jeans are more low waisted, you should make sure that the short cardigan is still long enough to hit at the top of those low waisted pants.  You definitely do not want it falling higher than the waist.  Nor, do you want it to hit below the waist, hiding your waist line.   No matter if you are short or tall, skinny or slightly chubbier, the short cardigan will work for you.  Choose a short cardigan in a bright color like red or green to compliment your wardrobe.  Or, buy one in a conservative color like black or grey to blend in.

Long cardigan

Vince cashmere cardigan

The longer trend has resurfaced in the past few years and is here to stay.  From Gap to Neiman Marcus, you see the long cashmere cardigan being sold all over the place.  The key to the long cardigan is to style it with the right clothes.  Wear these over tight jeans or just tights.  Wear them over a short dress, but make sure they fall straight and are not too short compared to the dress.  The key to a long cardigan is where it hits on your body and how it falls.  If you are buying a tighter style, you want that cardigan to fall a little tighter down to the middle of your thighs.  Basically, the entire fit will be more narrow and body hugging.  On the reverse, if it is a more looser style, then it will be fitted on top, but fall out and swing around your body.  

Trendy vs. conservative

Sutton Studio cardigan, Bloomingdale's

The final decision for a cashmere cardigan is whether you want a more trendy or conservative one.  A conservative one is very long lasting and you can wear it again and again in every season.  The look is very classic with nice buttons and a regular shape.  It won’t hug your body as much, but it will still flatter everyone.  A trendy cardigan changes with the fashions.  The latest fashions have more cardigans that drape, have less buttons, and are more voluminous.  You won’t wear the trendier cardigan for as long as you will the conservative one but it will definitely be more fun to wear.  With the trendier cashmere cardigan, you will feel like it is a great part of your outfit.  That season, you will probably wear it again and again.  However, be careful, it may not last you more than one or two seasons before the shape or the style disappears.