The Cardigan Sweater

The cardigan comes in a multitude of shapes, silhouettes, colors, and patterns to fit every personality, style, and event -- you can’t choose just one. Once regarded to be the item of choice for nerdy guys, the cardigan has become a wardrobe essential for even the most fashionable trendsetters. Not only is this light cover-up a fantastic transitional piece to keep in your wardrobe year round, but it is also a super cute addition to layer with most outfits. Because it's the perfect item for keeping warm on a summer night or layering over a dress during the day, you will soon find yourself with a wide and growing collection of these versatile knits. From short-sleeve to long-sleeve, long to cropped, and print to solid, when it comes to summer cardigans, anything goes!

A Neutral Color

It is always a good idea to have a neutral-colored cardigan that will stand the test of trends and go with most colors. Take style notes from singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles and choose a cardigan in a basic color like white, brown, grey, tan, or black. Try this Rhys Dwfen white cardigan from Active Endeavors, which transitions with ease into the warmer temperatures. With its ultra-fine knit material, button down front, and scoop neckline, this cardigan will look beautiful over a tank with jeans as well as worn over your summer dresses. For those hotter days, this black cardigan from Banana Republic will become a weekend staple with its classic V-neckline and casual slouchiness.

Summer’s Colorful Cardigans

Just as neutral colors are important staples, so are basic cardigans in bright colors. Cool citrus colors are hot this season, so purchase these cover-ups in colors like green, yellow, orange and blue. This featherweight cashmere v-neck cardigan from J. Crew creates the ultimate silhouette and comes in a variety of bright, sunny colors perfect for this season. Stock up on every color!

To add an extra little punch to your wardrobe, opt for some bold trendy prints like this long cardigan by M Missoni. Perfect for layering over a summer dress, this cardigan in the label’s signature wave pattern is lightweight, with an open front and relaxed elbow-length sleeves that are perfect for summer nights. To achieve a preppy-chic look.

For those of us who don’t want to drop the rent money on one of these stylish cover-ups, there is always Forever 21. This short sleeve draped cardigan top is a great layering piece and comes in four trendy jewel-tone colors.

Sara Bareilles Rocks Summer Cardigans

Singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is one of the many celebs who are stepping out in cardigans this summer. Sara’s look is casual, yet super stylish. Sara adds a bit of funk to her outfit by wearing a neutral-colored cardigan along with bold, colorful accessories. To get this look, wear a light cardigan along with a pair of skinny jeans. Give your look a bit of an edge by adding a colorful belt and chunky jewelry.