After an East Coast summer spent in a uniform of sweaty T-shirts and overalls, the cooler temperatures here in New York have ignited fall-fashion shopping urges that I’ve not felt since before the onset of Covid-19. Maybe it’s the continuing conversation around quiet luxury or just all the fashion-related Substack newsletters I’ve been consuming of late, but I have my eye on timeless essential that I’m kind of surprised I don’t already own: a classic crewneck cardigan.
While it seems like every brand under the sun is offering a take on this silhouette this season, it was J.Crew’s forever-cool Jackie cardigan that I’d resigned myself to splurging on — that is, until I landed on a roughly $15 version in one of the most unlikely places: Amazon.
While the J.Crew iteration is undoubtedly a bit fancier — its renewable lyocell fabric is blended with silk, for example — Amazon’s version, with a ribbed finish at the cuff and hem and a mostly-cotton fabrication, suits me just fine. I’m also very happy to spend precious minutes of my workday perusing each and every one of the 26 (!) available colors in an effort to determine which one is going to best serve my autumnal color story.
Something else that’s compelling me to add this piece to my cart? Industry whispers that Amazon is quietly backing away from of many of its in-house fashion brands — which, while they weren’t exactly trend-forward, were always reliable and affordable resources for grab-and-go staples like these. (See: Pieces like The Drop’s Kimi dress, which offered a $70-version of a silhouette that other retailers priced in the hundreds.)
Amazon’s cardigan also appears to be a clear customer favorite, with a 4.4-star rating across over 10,000 reviews. I’m already envisioning using this piece to extend the life of my summer dresses or buttoning it up and tucking it into A-line denim skirts.
See what reviewers had to say about this elegant piece, or just scroll all the way down to nab one for yourself.
“This sweater is great for an office or a chilly night out. Sage green is the exact color I was looking for. Washed and gave it a quick tumble in the dryer and hung to finish drying. No shrinkage or lost color.” — Sherry T.
“I took this sweater on a trip that was 3 weeks long and I wore it constantly, it’s still in great shape. Washed on delicate, laid flat to dry. Perfect. I’m ordering 2 more in other colors.” — larflorida
“My search has come to an end! This is the perfect cardigan. The fit is spot on. Just enough stretch to see the right curves but not the wrong curves. Love the matching buttons too. I am 5′6 and 165 pounds, I ordered a large. It fits comfortably over a T-shirt and thin enough to wear under another layer when needed. This is the perfect all season, all occasion sweater. I will be buying more colors.” — Rosann
“I am the cardigan queen and I bought these for school to wear over t-shirts and under a coat when needed. I’ll buy more colors since I’ve seen the quality. The sleeves are mice and long and I can roll them up once if I want to. I am replacing older ones and will buy these in various colors.” — Ms. Debbie
For more clothes on Amazon that we’re currently shopping, check out our previous coverage of the best women’s jeans on Amazon:
One reviewer's “best-fitting pair of jeans”
It’s hard to go wrong with a straight leg, mid-rise jean. The cut is timeless and works with everything from your favorite tee to a cute going-out top. These Lee jeans feature a figure flattering straight leg and sit easy on the hips for all day comfort. “These are probably the [best-fitting] pair of jeans in my closet,” says reviewer Audrey, adding that “they have a little bit of stretch, but still feel sturdy.” Shop this style in nearly twenty washes, sizes 00-18 and in regular, short and long inseam.
A popular butt-enhancing style
The Levi’s Wedgie jean has a bit of a cult following for its butt-enhancing tailoring. The extra high rise and snug fit through the hip and thigh do a great job of highlighting your — ahem — assets. The cotton blend denim has a bit of stretch and is available in a dozen washes. Shop this style in sizes 24-32.
A pair of straight-legged throwback jeans
Vintage fans will love this jean for its throwback fit. The 100% cotton construction of these Levis is a bit of a throwback too. Most denim these days has a bit of spandex or elastane, but cotton ages beautifully and avoids those stretched out spots that spandex infused styles can suffer from after a few hours of wear. A fun variety of washes include a vibrant poppy corduroy, washed out lavender and acid washed green, along with all the classic shades as well. Sizes 24-34 are available and select washes are available in plus sizes 35-38.
A pair that hits the sweet spot
These jeans fall right in the sweet spot: not too skinny, not too baggy, just a perfect mid-rise, straight-leg cut. Naturally Lucky Brand named this pair the Sweet jean. Even better, this style is made in the USA from 100% cotton. Reviewer Savannah said they “went from not liking the straight leg jeans to absolutely adoring it, thanks to this pair.” Shop this style in sizes 25-33. Most sizes come in either 30- or 33-inch inseams.
Some butt-lifting cowboy jeans
If you grew up in the south you might be familiar with the phenomenon that is “Wrangler booty.” Wrangler’s sturdy denim and signature “W” embroidery on the back pockets is known to give cowboys — and anyone copping their style — a perfectly lifted bum. The brand’s Bold Boot jean is no exception. This tried-and-true style has a flattering boot-cut silhouette and a higher rise in the back for added coverage. This style is available in sizes 0-18 in 30, 32 and 34 inch inseams. Make these jeans your own thanks to a wide number (fifteen, to be exact) of washes.
A pull-on distressed jegging
You don't have to hop around on one foot just to get a pair of skinny jeans all the way on. This distressed Amazon pair has a soft cotton blend and an elastic waistband so that they're actually comfortable. Reviewer Kelly C. says, "I am very happy with these jeans. They don't look like leggings/leggings. They look and feel like real denim."
One of the earliest pairs of designer jeans
In 1976 designer Gloria Vanderbilt changed women’s fashion when she launched one of the first pairs of designer jeans, and the customer-favorite Amanda jean is a longtime bestseller. The slightly tapered cut is versatile yet classic and comes in three inseam lengths: 29, 31 and 33 inches. It comes in dozens of washes, but the classic black is our favorite. Sizes 2-18 are available.
A skinny jean with stretch
Sometimes a little stretch is a big help in bridging the gap in a slightly loose waistband or giving your thighs a little extra comfort. This pair of skinny jeans features a Goldilocks amount of stretch (3% elastane) for a solid fit. The medium and dark washes are classics and these jeans come in three inseam lengths: short, regular and long. Shop this style in sizes 0-20.
Wide leg jeans with a nipped waist
Wide leg denim is having a renaissance. The relaxed fit can look effortlessly cool, but if you’re not careful you can wind up swimming in denim. This pair strikes the right balance in non-stretch denim with a generously cut leg and slim fit through the waist and hips. This jean is available in seventeen washes in varying shades of blue, black, cream and brown. Shop this style in sizes XS-XL with a 29.5 inch inseam.
The quintessential jean
Levi’s 501 style just might be the quintessential jean. If they’re good enough for Bruce, Beyonce and Marilyn Monroe, they’re definitely good enough for the rest of us. The mid blue wash denim has a vintage vibe and the relaxed, straight leg fit is timeless. 501s look great worn relaxed on the hips or sized down for a more fitted look. This jean is available in sizes 24-32.
Some straight-leg jeans with stretch and structure
Dickies, a heritage workwear brand for over 100 years, may not spring to mind when jean shopping, but what are jeans if not the oldest style of American workwear? This straight leg stretch jean is just a hair away from being a skinny cut and is perfect for dressing up or down. It also features a “flex tummy panel” that smooths the midsection and 46% stretch material for structure and comfort. This pair is available in a deep rinsed indigo blue and stonewashed blue in sizes 2-16.
Some soft and stylish kick-flare jeans
Sometimes you just need a soft and stretchy pair of jeans that still look as sharp as a tack. As reviewer Bonnie put it: “Love these jeans. They are super soft, and the fit is absolutely perfect. No other pair of jeans in my closet can live up to these.” This sleek pair features a perfect kick flare and an 8.5-inch mid rise. Shop the Mavi Molly jeans in two washes, in sizes 24-34 and 30-, 32- and 34-inch inseams.
A legendary trouser jean
If you’re looking for a leg lengthening boost then look no further than a high rise trouser jean. This style is legendary with reason, the high rise fit snatches your waistline and the contrasting wide legs visually adds inches. The throwback cut even features a darted back waist for a flattering bum lift. In soft stretch denim and five classic washes there’s a pick for every occasion. This jean is available in short, regular and long inseams in sizes 0 - 18.