Plaid and argyle sweaters are everywhere on Pinterest right now. Chunky knit cardigans and classic tartan prints are showing up in street style feeds, and people searching for them often look for “striped cardigan outfit” and “knit cardigan outfit” too. A cardigan is also one of the easiest pieces to wear: you can button it, leave it open, layer it over a turtleneck or throw it on over a tee. Here are five cozy cardigan picks and three outfits to wear them in.
I only describe what each listing says. For sizing, colors and fabric details, please check the product page and its size chart. If you want a heavier layer, see our cozy winter coats and sweaters under $50, and for coat pairings see our long wool coat outfits.
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Quick comparison
| Cardigan | Style | What the listing says | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRACE KARIN argyle cardigan | Preppy argyle | Slim fit, V-neck, button down, argyle plaid knit, ribbed hem and cuffs | See listing |
| LILLUSORY striped cardigan | Classic stripes | Crewneck, striped or solid, gold-tone buttons, front pockets | See listing |
| Amazon Essentials V-neck cardigan | Budget basic | Regular fit, lightweight cotton blend fine knit, ribbed neck, cuffs and hem | See listing |
| SKIKYAN plaid shacket | Plaid layer | Flannel plaid, oversized, button down, side and chest pockets | See listing |
| LILLUSORY oversized cardigan | Chunky and cozy | Oversized, soft knit, dropped shoulders, deep side pockets | See listing |
GRACE KARIN argyle cardigan
The listing describes a slim-fit, V-neck, button-down cardigan in an argyle plaid knit, with a ribbed hem and cuffs. It’s sold in regular and plus sizes, and the listing says to machine or hand wash in cold water separately. It suggests wearing it with a collared shirt and pleated skirt for a preppy look, or with a tee and straight-leg jeans. Argyle in brown and cream is the classic fall version of this trend.
See the argyle cardigan on Amazon
LILLUSORY striped cardigan
A button-front cardigan with a clean crewneck, long sleeves, gold-tone buttons and front pockets. The listing says it comes in striped or solid colors and is made of a viscose, polyester and nylon blend. It’s lightweight, so it works as a layer over a tank or tee in fall and mild winter days. The listing says to hand wash it in cold water.
See the striped cardigan on Amazon
Amazon Essentials V-neck cardigan
A budget basic that the listing describes as a regular-fit, lightweight cardigan in a cotton blend fine knit, with ribbing at the neck, cuffs and hem. A plain cardigan is useful under a coat or over a pattern, so it balances a wardrobe that already has bold pieces. It’s one of the lowest-priced picks here.
See the V-neck cardigan on Amazon
SKIKYAN plaid shacket
A flannel plaid shirt jacket, or “shacket”, with an oversized fit, button front, two side pockets and two chest pockets. It sits between a cardigan and a jacket, so it suits a day that’s too cool for a sweater alone. The listing says you can pair it with tank tops, jeans, sneakers or heels. Check the size chart, because an oversized style changes with your size.
See the plaid shacket on Amazon
LILLUSORY oversized cardigan
The chunky pick: an oversized knit cardigan with dropped shoulders, cuffed sleeves, deep side pockets and a wide ribbed hem. The listing describes a soft knit that isn’t bulky, and recommends hand washing. It’s the same cardigan from our coats and sweaters post, and it’s the easiest to throw on over anything.
See the oversized cardigan on Amazon
3 cardigan outfits to try
Outfit 1: Preppy argyle
Wear the argyle cardigan over a fitted turtleneck, with straight-leg jeans and Chelsea boots. Keep the colors close: cream, brown and a touch of navy. The turtleneck fills in the V-neck and adds warmth.
- Cardigan: the GRACE KARIN argyle cardigan above.
- Turtleneck: Amazon Essentials turtleneck. See the turtleneck on Amazon
- Jeans: Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans. See the jeans on Amazon
- Boots: DREAM PAIRS Chelsea ankle boots. See the Chelsea boots on Amazon
Outfit 2: Casual striped
A striped cardigan over a plain white tee, with the same jeans and a small crossbody bag. It’s an easy weekend outfit for coffee or errands. Leave the cardigan open, and roll the sleeves for a relaxed look.
- Cardigan: the LILLUSORY striped cardigan above.
- Jeans: the Gloria Vanderbilt jeans from Outfit 1.
- Bag: Telena crossbody bag. See the crossbody bag on Amazon
Outfit 3: Plaid layers
Put the plaid shacket over a turtleneck for a cozy three-layer look. It works as a light jacket on cool days. Add boots, and wear a long coat on top when the weather turns colder, as in our long coat outfits for short women.
- Layer: the SKIKYAN plaid shacket above.
- Base: the turtleneck from Outfit 1.
- Boots: the Chelsea boots from Outfit 1.
Tips for wearing a cardigan
- Mix one pattern with plain pieces. An argyle or plaid cardigan looks best with solid colors underneath.
- Stay in one color family. Brown, cream and navy go together easily.
- Check the fit. A slim cardigan looks neat over a thin top, while an oversized one needs a fitted base layer.
- Wash with care. Several listings recommend hand washing or washing in cold water.
More cozy ideas
If you’re building a fall and winter wardrobe, these guides may help:
- 5 cozy winter essentials under $20
- A casual winter outfit with sneakers
- Winter shoes: a guide to warmth and style
FAQ
What is an argyle cardigan?
Argyle is a pattern of diamond shapes, often in two or three colors. An argyle cardigan is a button-front sweater in that pattern, usually in brown, navy, cream or grey.
What do you wear under a cardigan?
A thin turtleneck, a tee, a tank top or a collared shirt all work. Choose a plain top if the cardigan has a pattern.
Are these cardigans under $40?
The default listing for each was under $40 on October 19, 2026. Some sizes and colors cost more (for example, the plaid shacket had options up to $49.99). Amazon prices change often, so check the listing before you buy.
Can I wear a cardigan under a coat?
Yes. A lightweight cardigan is a good layer under a coat. Keep the layers thin so the coat still fits well.