Yesterday Samra left a comment that she is looking for a long black (warm) cardigan without a shawl collar for around $150. Who’d have thought that would be so hard!!! I’m thinking her original option of the Uniqlo cashmere long cardigan is a good one – it’s well under $150 and doesn’t have a shawl collar. I’m not sure about the quality/longevity of it, but it can’t hurt to try (and Renee chimed in with her own positive comment about Uniqlo…).
I also found a few other recommendations – some are slightly above $150 and some way under, some do have a shawl collar (it’s hard to find long black cardigans WITHOUT a shawl collar!), and some aren’t very long, but they’re an idea…
Zara cable knit open cardigan | $79 (I love this one – not sure how warm though!)
Uniqlo cashmere cardigan | $129
Gap cozy cardigan | $50
Free People slouchy sweater jacket | $198 (this is more like a coat/jacket than a sweater, which is perfect, I think. It does have lapels though)
Inhabit v-neck cardigan | $209
More…
Another note – for me personally, cashmere is warmest, and I’ve had a lot of luck finding affordable cashmere at LastCall (the Neiman Marcus brand specifically), and via sample sale sites like Gilt or Rue La La; I have a long Autumn Cashmere cardigan that’s been a lounging staple of mine that I got from Gilt a while a go. Probably for under $150. Also, Inhabit NY makes THE BEST CASHMERE and has THE BEST SAMPLE SALES. But otherwise, I think when you find the “perfect style” for you, it’s also a good idea to stalk it until it goes on sale – especially if you’re looking for something very specific. I found quite a few long black cashmere cardigans without shawl collars, but they were much more than $150…Of course…isn’t that always the case?? They ALWAYS go on sale though, and now’s the best time!
Does anyone else have any recommendations??
A few years ago, I had a GREAT long black cardigan from Lands End. Good quality cashmere, belted waist & buttons, no shawl collar. I lost it last year (ironically, I think while shopping at Nordstrom Rack – I called but they didn’t see it in the changing rooms and no one ever turned it in 🙁 But they haven’t offered that style recently and the reviews of the new cashmere haven’t been great, so….
Off 5th (Saks) has had some decent prices on their brand of cashmere – I am drawn to this open front cardigan but they have a few options on their website that are under $150 that might be of interest: http://www.saksoff5th.com/cashmere-open-front-cardigan/0482590223494.html?cgid=Women&dwvar_0482590223494_color=BLACK#prefn1=ProductType&q=cashmere&prefv1=Cardigans&start=1
Many thanks Grechen! These examples are great, I’m going to look into the Zara sweater and Inhabit when a sale occurs. Yes, its odd that its a bit of a search to find this. Thanks for your input and great ideas! Love your site!
oh. i love that one at off 5th – i always forget that they have online shopping – i prefer to browse off 5th and last call in person; you seem to get better deals that way 😉
When price is not an issue, Brora makes the best cashmere I have found.
I don’t have Last Call near me and Off 5th isn’t very close, but I do need to go try on more of these brands that I’m not familiar with – I’ll get on that! But having online shopping is great in cases like this where we can share examples of what might be available! And clearly I need a new black cardigan this year, so a very timely post!
If you tend to be a little more traditional (sorry – I’m trying to expand my horizons!) Sierra Trading Post often has great prices on crew necks & cardigans from brands like Johnston of Elgin. But they’ve also had somewhat more modern styles on occasion too.
As you know I frequent Uniqlo regularly : ) I actually have a long black cardigan purchased there last year on promotion for drum roll please 29.99 and I love it! Highly recommend. Mine is a wool blend, quite soft, warm enough for brisk weather and a great length. It does have a ribbed collar that can be worn up or down but not a huge one. I did not see it this season but I didn’t really look. I will say that this seasons collection overall was not their best for my taste but the staples there cannot be beat. If you are looking for inexpensive great wool sweaters, just go, go go! The colors are delicious and the price and most often quality cannot be beat!