Button up

Cardigans may not be the most exciting of fashion items, but invest in one or two and you’ll soon find them to be among the most worn and appreciated pieces in your closet. Need a light layer for fall chills? A cashmere cardi will do. Air conditioner in your building hasn’t been turned off? Reach for a woolly button-up number. From the fashion-forward to the tried-and-true, Rebecca Tay showcases five cardigans you’ll want this season.

THAT’S A WRAP

There’s a refined elegance in all of German-born, Belgian-based designer Stephan Schneider’s collections — something his fans are well aware of. Case in point: this midnight blue waffle-knit wrap cardigan, which is reminiscent of your favourite bathrobe — but infinitely cooler (and appropriate for wearing outside). Neighbour, shopneighbour.com | $475

PRIM & PROPER

If you think cardigans are traditional or conventional, we’re here to convince you that you’re mostly wrong — except in the case of this crewneck trimmed number. Also available in black, it’s your garden variety Upper East Side ladies-who-lunch version, so team it with exaggerated-cuff jeans and a sequined tank for a more contemporary look. Banana Republic, bananarepublic.ca | $95

PUMPKIN PATCH

Fall is definitely here, which means it’s time to pull out all your autumnal-hued clothing: think eggplant purples, olive greens, butterscotch browns — and pumpkin orange. We love this metallic-thread cardigan which runs on the long side, making it perfect for layering over dresses and skirts. Try wearing it open and loosely belted for an easy off-duty look. Old Navy, oldnavy.ca | $62.99

GREY MATTER

Ask any 20-something what brand they’re loving these days, and Reformation is more than likely to come up. The L.a.-based direct-to-consumer label is killing it when it comes to stuff girls want to wear — including their recently launched shoe collection. They even make basics like this grey ‘Morgan’ two-pocket cardigan covetable and cute. Reformation, thereformation.com | $380

CHASING WATERFALLS

We may be past peak waterfall cardigan, but who doesn’t want a bit of extra fabric to fully blanket up — especially if there’s also a roaring fireplace, cup of hot chocolate and early 2000s romantic comedy on the TV to go with it? Enter this striped version, which is the perfect combination of backcountry cosy and big city cool. Le Chateau, lechateau.com | $119.95