The boyfriend cardigan has to be one of my new favorite wardrobe staples, but shopping for the perfect one can be tricky. Regardless of whether you dress it up or dress it down, it is still the perfect layering piece for BOTH work and weekend wear.
Here are some of the styles I’ve road-tested:
1) American Apparel has many different cardigan styles — but one of my favorites has to be the Unisex Solid Rib Oversized Pocket Cardigan. It’s long, slouchy, and perfectly oversized — oversized pockets, oversized buttons, and oversized ribbing. Almost feels more “grandpa” cardigan than “boyfriend” cardigan. I chose the Heather Gray color, but I also love the Asphalt shade seen below with the contrasting white buttons. At the $40 price-point, it’s a little on the high side, but I literally wear it several times a week, so it has already paid for itself.
2) Old Navy probably has one of the biggest selections of cardigans, but the problem is finding one that has that perfect look to it — a little rumpled, a little long, but still chic. Their version of the Rib Knit Cardigan is pretty good, but runs slightly smaller — I had to bump up one size to an XL to achieve the right feel. These cardigans (among others) are on sale right now — this one’s a steal at under $10.
3) The Heather Slub Cardigan from Forever 21 has that great faded navy color that looks like it’s been washed a few hundred times already, giving it that great vintagey feel. A steal at $15. Honorable mention goes to the Contrast Trim Cardigan (especially the gray and navy one) which looks like an old school varsity sweater for $24.
J. Crew has the Portland cardigan on sale for 29.99 minus 20% (or more in stores). Fine, non-itchy merino wool, great colors.
Thanks for the tip!