Upgrade your knitwear this autumn with a crew-neck cardigan. Scroll on to see 29 of the best styles for every budget.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works .

Not all cardigans are created equal. In fact, after working in the fashion industry for over a decade as a stylist and fashion editor, I can confidently say that the best type of cardigan is a crew-neck cardigan—and lucky for you, I've just spent my afternoon scouring the new season collections to find the very best versions on the market right now.

Keep on scrolling and you'll find them all neatly arranged by price alongside my styling tips for the season ahead.

What exactly makes a crew-neck cardigan so superior? I hear you ask. Well, no offense to wrap cardigans, long cardigans or even v-neck cardigans—but as someone who specialises in curating chic, easy-to-wear and long-lasting capsule wardrobe pieces for my clients and you, our Who What Wear readers, I would argue that no piece is more versatile, effortless and useful in an autumn/winter wardrobe than the crew-neck cardi.

Jess shows us how to layer a crew-neck cardigan with ease.

That's because they look good styled in so many different ways. The options are truly endless, but this season I'm seeing fashion girls wearing them with a certain nonchalance that deserves to be studied.

I've seen them buttoned up with nothing underneath, tucked in (very French) or out. Obviously they can be thrown over a white T-shirt with jeans to combat that September chill.

Pop one on with your favourite vest top and dungarees or this season's popular cargo trousers to balance out the boyishness. They look great with tailoring for the office and even silky slip skirts and dresses for drinks and dinner— very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

Not to mention they work as an added layer under any and all jacket categories—a blazer, a leather jacket, a trench coat, a wool coat. You get the picture.

A crew-neck cardigan is basically the ultimate layering piece, especially since it makes the act of 'layering' an easy task, whether you're a seasoned stylist or not. So, if you've been considering a first purchase, or are looking to add to your existing collection (guilty!), I'd argue you'd be making a very wise choice indeed.

Scroll on to see the best styles for autumn 2026, from M&S to Zara , all the way up to luxury investment styles from Miu Miu and Doen.

I can't believe how affordable this expensive-looking cardigan is.

This comes up large apparently, so pick your size accordingly!

The added scarf is a cute styling touch.

A true classic that gets released every year.

This comes in an array of colours, and is widely regarded as the perfect cardigan among my fashion peers .

With Nothing Underneath is always reliable for timeless wardrobe staples.

Make a statement with this argyle version.

If you loved the pointelle trend through summer, this is the perfect layering piece to add into your autumn rotation.

If you're looking for a perfect cardigan to make a forever investment in, I'd recommend this Doen number.

Famously popular among fashion people, &Daughter's bold shades have won me over just as much as their classic neutrals.

An elevated style that would work well for workwear and smarter dressing.

Navygrey is another knitwear brand that insiders always turn to.

The quality is beautiful at Toast, and you can always take pieces back for repair to extend their lifespan as well.

This + jeans = my dream cosy autumn uniform.

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys .

Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy.

After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots.

As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.