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You can almost never go wrong with a cardigan. A wardrobe staple for nearly every season, it’s one of the most versatile pieces you can own.
J.Crew is popular for cardigans like the top-rated Emilie, but they are undeniably expensive. If you like the look of the Emilie, you’re in luck. We found a similar sweater on Amazon — for a fraction of the price.
This Anrabess tweed knit cardigan is available in most colors for only $40, and as low as $20 for some, like this red and white striped pattern that comes with a 50% off coupon. Compare that to the Emilie’s current price of $77 and up. (And that’s the sale price — its list price of $138 means the Anrabess sweater can save you up to $118 on a normal day.)
Caroline Bologna, a senior travel and culture reporter at HuffPost, noted in a previous story that this sweater is one of her carry-on essentials.
“It’s great for layering or even wearing on its own and is the perfect weight for different weather conditions,” she said. “I like the structured look that makes me feel a little more put-together than I do in other sweaters I throw on when I’m traveling.”
Of course, there are some differences between the Emilie and the Anrabess sweaters: The Emilie is 100% cotton and machine-washable, while the Anrabess is made with a blend of acrylic and rayon and should be hand-washed. But reviewers say the more affordable sweater is soft, true to size, well-made, and not too thin. It also has brushed gold buttons, two front pockets and ribbed cuffs for an elevated look.
One of the best parts about the Anrabess sweater is that it’s available in 20 colors and patterns, in women’s sizes S-XL. Some reviewers mention buying multiple colors: In addition to classic neutrals, the sweater comes in hues like a holiday-ready red or a pale, springtime pink.
Scroll down to read reviews from people who bought the sweater and loved it, and click the button to add it to your cart.
“I have two … best purchase ever. Looks like the high end brands without the cost. Great for zoom calls too and working remotely while on screen. Well made, gold buttons add to the presentation and pairs well with jeans, skirts or straight leg or flair pants. Not itchy or scratchy and fit is perfect so buy your normal size.” — Ruby Dragon
“For me, this was a win. It is so soft, not oversized, not too heavy, not too thin, and has real buttons. I plan to reorder in more colors for fall. Perfect layering piece. The white is a shade between true white and winter white but works for summer outfits.” — Amanda C. Carey
“These cardigans are flattering and forgiving. I am 5′6″ with a normal torso length and they hit right at the waist, which saves you from having to tuck in the sweater or modify the fit. They feel fairly high quality and a bit heavier than a typical cardigan or sweater. Definitely would recommend for a capsule wardrobe.” — Shae M
“I rarely write reviews but I felt like this sweater deserves some feedback! It’s a shockingly well made sweater for its price, the navy color is deep and rich, it washes well (cold water, lay flat), and it’s so versatile! I wore it to work with a dress underneath and around the house with sweats! It’s beyond lovely and I’d highly recommend.” — C. A. Moitra
“Beautiful sweater, perfect fit. Looks like boutique quality. The gold buttons make this look and feel like a much more expensive sweater.” — Kristin Robinson
For more sweaters, check out these highly-rated options for early fall, previously rounded up by HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores:
Score: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 24,217 ratings at Amazon
This classic-fitting V-neck sweater promises to be lightweight, comfortable and never bulky so it’s perfect for a nearly fall climate. It’s made from a cotton-modal blend, comes in 31 colors and sizes XS-6X.
Promising review: “This turned out to be one of my favorite light weight sweaters. It’s prefect for cool fall evenings or worn layered with something else in the winter. I wear mine often times with a down vest during winter months. I have this same sweater in black also. I love that it’s a v-neck sweater. It’s not overly fitted which is my personal preference, not bulky either. It’s comfy and flattering and comes in a variety of colors so chances are I’ll get another one….or two. Washes very well, no noticeable shrinkage, and holds it shape.” — Debra Kirby
Score: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 14,384 ratings at Amazon
Shopping managing editor Emily Ruane is a big fan of this delicate-yet-functional Amazon cardigan that she said is a dead ringer for one popular J.Crew cardigan that’s nearly double the cost (and completely sold out). Made from a lightweight cotton blend and available in over 25 colors, this classic button-up is sure to be your next favorite basic. Find it in sizes XS-6X.
Score: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 23,815 ratings at Amazon
Another Amazon essential basic is this open-front cardigan that’s perfect for layering and a mid-thigh length. It’s made from a cotton-modal blend, comes in 20 colors and sizes XS-6X. Reviewers note that this is especially ideal for traveling.
Promising review: “I wanted something I can cram into my personal item for the plane. You know how after 30 minutes being herded like cattle, it’s 95 F in the jetway? You sit on the tarmac for the obligatory 45 minutes and the flight attendants are about to pass out in their polyester uniforms, so as soon as your flight is clear to take off the air handler comes on and suddenly you could store popsicles in economy class? This is the garment you want on hand… It’s well sewn and drapes gracefully should you wish to conceal something like a passport wallet on a string or a well-trained chihuahua. It comes down a bit past your hips and gives the vague impression of a blazer. I think the weave is dense enough to pin a brooch or an ID tag onto without destroying it… I’m off to buy another one while they’re on sale. If you’re a traveler who gets cold, or just want something a bit more stylish than a sweatshirt to keep you warm, get one of these.” — Aunt Mary [Note: This review has been edited for length. Read the full review here.]
Score: 117 5-stars out of 147 ratings at Old Navy
For a touch of non-bulky warmth that doubles as a stylish outfit addition, look no further than this V-neck layering vest that has a semi-close fit, ribbed trim detailing and a cotton blend construction. It’s available in two colors and sizes XS-4X, with options for tall, petite and regular.
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 8,287 reviews at Amazon
Available in 18 colors and sizes S-XL, this waffle-knit pullover has a curved hemline and an oversized fit that’s perfect for wearing on its own or layering over an outfit if the day suddenly turns brisk.
Be sure to apply the 30% off coupon on the product page before checkout.
Promising review: “Bought 3 of these (bought 1 and liked it and kept buying ) 3 + years ago and no holes, no fading, no piling. I wear them a lot and they are the most quality pieces of clothing in current wardrobe. Thick fabric, not as long as they appear in photos.” — CoffeeFreakz
Score: 4.9 out of 5 stars; 14,011 reviews at Quince
Quince is known for supplying the internet with luxurious cashmere garments at accessible price points, and this crewneck is a perfect example. One of the best and highest-rated sweaters from the brand, this timeless pullover is made from a silky soft and lightweight Mongolian cashmere, yet costs just $50. It’s available in 13 colors, sizes XS-XL and also comes in an equally high-rated oversized version for $100.
Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 8 reviews at Everlane
This everyday half-zip pullover is made from a premium and chunky knit cotton for a feeling that’s breathable and comfortable. The fit is slightly oversized so it can be easy to throw on over T-shirts and it comes in four colors as well as sizes XXS-XXL.
Score: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 203 reviews at J.Crew
Rather than accessorizing with a heavy coat or unseasonably warm jacket, this classic Audrey Hepburn-esque cardigan is part sweater, part jacket and has a fit ideal for layering. It’s made from 100% cotton and is adorned with heritage-inspired gold crest buttons. You can find it in two solid colors, two striped options and sizes XXXS-3X. Per the reviews, it can run big so eye the size chart and size down as you see fit.
Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 551 reviews at Free People
This chunky knit tunic sweater is intentionally oversized with roomy dolman sleeves and a relaxed hip-skimming hemline. Find it in sizes XS-XL and up to 10 colors including a deep teal, a neutral cream and black. Per the reviewers, this oversized design fits extra big so definitely eye the size chart and the review photos to get a sense of what might be the best fit for you. The upside? Sizing was nearly the only complaint we found about this stunning sweater.
Promising review: “Hands down my new go to sweater. It is oversized and comfortable, it has a good shape and washes well.” — Sara Wood
Score: 4.8 out of 5 stars; 2,595 reviews at Quince
Referred to by Quince as the “boyfriend cardigan,” this relaxed-fit button-up is knit from the brand’s signature and supremely soft Mongolian cashmere and features a fisherman rib detailing. You can find it in eight colors and sizes XS-XL.
Promising review: “I’ve had this cardigan for a few months now and it is one of the coziest cardigans I own. It is def an investment and I was second guessing keeping it but I’ve worn my money’s worth at this point. I wear it both at work and lounging around the house pretty regularly. This cardigan is oversized already so I could have sized down but ended up just keeping my normal size. It’s a nice capsule piece and it does pill over time so have a fabric shaver handy.” — Kat