Editor’s note: Click through for a full set of menswear shopping picks.
In recent weeks, things have really picked up in terms of fall style preparations in my neck of the woods — if you’re into menswear, that probably means it’s been much the same for you. A late September weekend in New York City really brought with it the first slight hints of fall, and slight seasonal changes should remind us of all of gear we need for the chillier months ahead. In the case of today’s latest Online Shopping Picks post, that means we’re talking about a valuable sweater style to keep on-hand — and wear plenty — during fall and winter. What’s that style, you ask? It’s the ever-versatile modern man’s sweater — the cardigan. Whether cut in soft cotton-cashmere or premium merino, or with a more substantial shawl collar, a stylish cardigan is a nice hybrid style that fits in seamlessly with more tailored or more casual looks. Want to go more dressed up? Throw on a slim cotton-cashmere cardigan in place of your blazer with a wool tie and crisp dress shirt. Want to stay casual? Take that same cardigan and pair it with a long-sleeve henley and a durable, essential pair of sturdy selvedge denim for your off-duty hours. The picks below come in at price points low and high, and feature style that’s minimal and tailored — as well as casual and rugged. If you haven’t bought a cardigan for fall and winter, consider this the perfect starting point.
#1. JackThreads Fair Isle Cardigan — $79

A neutral base livened up with a visually interesting Fair Isle pattern.
Quick, what brand makes all manner of essential goods for every season? At nice, low prices? It’s JackThreads — and this cardigan is a big-time winner in that regard. The brand keeps taking steps forward as far as its products go — pieces like this Fair Isle cardigan nod toward trends without being too over-the-top. The fabric quality and fit should be reliable and modern, and the tan base should help it play nicely off navy chinos or grey flannel trousers — yes, it’s almost flannel season!
#2. J. Crew Cotton-Cashmere Cardigan Sweater — $74.50

Nothing too fancy about this sweater — but with fabric this nice, it doesn’t need to overdo it.
Like JackThreads, J. Crew consistently comes up with fresh takes on wardrobe staples no matter the season. Although some of those creations can lean quite expensive, this cotton-cashmere cardigan is the definition of an everyday sweater at a low price. If you keep a weather eye out for sales and deals, you could snag it even cheaper. As it stands now though, a slim burgundy cardigan from a reputable brand is something every guy can put to good use. Team up this cardigan with a blue Oxford, slim tan chinos and high-top sneakers for a bit of sporty, retro style.
#3. Grayers Shore Club Cotton Cardigan in Navy Heather — $93.75

A cotton cardigan can still work in the fall — just pair with a slim henley and cold-weather accessories.
Have you had your fill yet of navy sweaters? Hope not. Grayers’ fabric quality is top-notch (which explains the Grayers x SeaVees sneaker collab), and that’s the case with this easygoing navy heather cardigan. With details like a chest pocket and dual hip pockets, plus that heathered fabric, it’s going to wear easily over a slub pocket T-shirt with olive chinos and a pair of durable moc toe boots — like the ones seen in this #OOTD. It’s the perfect cardigan for weekend coffee runs — and you’ll be the sharpest guy in the place.
#4. Todd Snyder Shawl Cardigan — $157.50 (Available via East Dane)

If you’re not a Todd Snyder fan, get on board — this cardigan is but one example of his excellent work.
It’s tough not to be a huge fan of what Mr. Snyder has done for casual, rugged menswear — right? The designer’s collaborations — from the Timex x Todd Snyder partnership to his work on P.F. Flyers sneakers — merge menswear’s past with modern fits, a dash of Americana and all-around terrific style. So, it should come as no surprise that his knitwear knocks it out of the park. A midweight jersey fabric is complemented by a faded indigo wash — that combo means it’ll stand out stylishly even up against dark blue denim. And while you could style it with an essential chambray shirt and tan chinos, it’s going to be at its best with a vintage team T-shirt during your next football game.
#5. Rag & Bone Standard Issue Avery Shawl Cardigan — $275 (Available via East Dane)

A strong silhouette, neutral color and luxury fabric make this cardigan worth the investment.
Did you think we’d make it out of this post without at least one eye-popping splurge? Not a chance. Some of us aren’t necessarily into brands that skew more heavily toward minimal high fashion — Rag & Bone is one such brand, yet they always temper that approach with military styling, classic colors and beautiful fabrics. This navy knit shawl cardigan has a lot going on visually — the shawl collar, front hip patch pockets and textured fabric — but it’s done so in a pleasing way (with a strong silhouette to boot). When teamed with a red plaid shirt, you’re getting a look that’s heritage-inspired and fall-appropriate without going too far overboard.
With any of the above cardigans, you’re checking some key fall #menswear criteria — 1) Warmth and solid layering potential. 2) Visual interest — in the form of a shawl collar or a slim dress cardigan. 3) Plenty of styling versatility — crucial when you want to switch things up from a stylish fall or winter blazer. And while some of the above price points stray upward a bit, it’s worth it to make an investment now — especially when you can wear a nice cardigan all through winter (even the Grayers cotton cardigan can be layered under a winter topcoat when snow hits). If you suspect you might get funny looks or comparisons to everyone’s favorite neighbor, rest assured that the cardigan is a modern style move — take the plunge, y’all! If you have suggestions for other stylish men’s cardigans, check out The Style Guide on Facebook.
[…] a stylish cardigan is a fall menswear must-have, it’s just as essential to have a closet stocked with […]
[…] Check back here tomorrow for a weekend-centric #OOTD, and a terrific men’s style shopping suggestion on […]
[…] The Z Zegna Field Jacket is certainly pricey at its normal rate. But given that sale discount, you can snag it now for a much more agreeable price, particularly given the fact that it’s ideal for stylish seasonal transitions. It’s the kind of rare, easily wearable piece from a brand that veers into high-fashion territory. But this field jacket is a simple silhouette with functionality and prime layering potential — especially with fall essentials like a slim henley or a perfect fall cardigan. […]
[…] blazer and dark blue denim at the office, and they’re absolutely perfect to wear with a slim cardigan and a classic Taylor Stitch chambray shirt for a sharp weekend coffee run. The difficult thing is […]
[…] throwing on a few extra layers just because you can. Particularly when one of those layers is a stylish cardigan, perfect for late October weather. Keep in mind that a shawl cardigan would work for fall weather […]
[…] matter how you wear it — atop a tee, under a slim cardigan or on its own with the sleeves rolled up — a tough denim shirt is your answer to rugged fall […]
[…] might have tough high-top sneakers and slim selvedge denim covered this season– maybe even a stylish fall cardigan — but what else are you going to layer it with? The answer’s pretty simple, and […]
[…] sneaker with a wool upper. Yes, you’ll want to wear this with a classic chambray shirt, your favorite cardigan and dark denim soon — very […]
[…] much as possible (particularly given that price tag). Team it with a flannel shirt, wear it over a stylish cardigan and rock it time and again with a merino T-shirt and dark denim the next you dash out to grab […]
[…] It’s that one, too. It’s a fun piece that isn’t for everyone — a slim cardigan would also do the trick — but it’s a way to channel throwback vibes that seem to be […]
[…] I layered up accordingly, starting with my trusty JackThreads denim shirt. Of course, a stylish shawl cardigan proved a crucial layering piece given the chill, and I prepared accordingly with the durable, […]
[…] your layering skills and versatility with staples you’ve already got. You know, like your favorite cold-weather cardigan or a trusty pair of classic dark blue denim. That’s the starting point for our latest #OOTD […]
[…] and great looks in mind. Indeed, in the same way that a chambray shirt can work handsomely with a rugged shawl-collar cardigan in winter or a waxed trucker jacket in the fall, so too can it work in the spring — namely, […]