Cardigan Shopping

Boyfriend cardigans (which are longer than the usual style sweater) were everywhere this fall and into the winter, and they're definitely good buys that can take you into spring.

Because cardigans are lightweight, they're the perfect piece of clothing to throw on or run out the door with for an evening out at a restaurant or the beach. They're chic enough to wear anywhere, but casual enough to not make others feel uncomfortable or underdressed when they're with you.

And now that retailers are trying to make room for their spring inventory, you can generally find a pretty good deal on some cardigans to add to your wardrobe. After all, you can never have enough.

Casual: If you like stripes, Delias' "Eliana" boyfriend cardigan has thick horizontal stripes running on this sweater. There are buttons running down the sweater, which has a plunging v-neck. Color combinations, include blue/grey, ivory/grey and lime/black

Price: $49.50

Where: Delias.com

Drapey: Don't like things fitted and molded to your body? This cardigan has a looser, flowy shape. It doesn't have as much structure as other cardigans. It could definitely function as a good cover-up for the beach. I like how lightweight it is, and how it can be thrown over just about any top - from a ragged T-shirt, to a dressy blouse. Small button closures run down the front. Colors include Kelly green, grape, navy, brown and black.

Price: $39.50

Where: Delias.com

Fitted: If you want something that isn't so billowy and something that will give you a little more shape, try Express' "Raglan Sleeve Cardigan." It definitely is more form-fitting than other boyfriend sweaters with a plunging v-neck and buttons down the front. Key colors are teal and hot pink.

Price: On sale for $29.50

Where: Express.com

Tie-Dye: This tie-dye cardigan is cool because of the tie-dye pattern on the upper arms and shoulders. The bottom portion is a solid color. The actual shape of the sweater is more of a wrap-style, so a little more flowing than other cuts. Available colors include blue and grey.

Price: $49.50

Where: Express.com

Hoody: I like the "Blake" boyfriend cardigan from Delias because of the tiny, cup pockets and the hood in the back. It's good paired with a short dress or with jeans. I also like how it comes in bright colors like magenta and teal, or more subdued like grey and black.

Price: On sale for $29.50

Where: Delias.com

Collegiate: Delias' "Blair" cardigan has preppy stripe detailing on the arms like a sweater from the 50s.

Price: On sale for $29.50

Where: Delias.com

American Rag: Simplicity is the key to this sweater by American Rag. The sweater has a v-neck and ribbed detail on the bottom (which is always good for shape since these sweaters are so long). Pockets on the sides with button detailing add a little bit of interest to the sweater.

Price: On sale for $19.99

Where: Macys.com

Petite: If you are on the shorter side, sometimes the longer lengths of boyfriend cardigans don't look so flattering. Instead, you end up looking stocky or as if you're swimming in your clothes. Alloy's version of the boyfriend sweater is slightly shorter (at 28 inches long). The v-neck sweater is a good basic to have for layering.

Price: On sale for $22.50-$24.50 (depending on what size is ordered)

Where: Alloy.com

Dressy: When worn all wrong, sometimes the boyfriend style cardigan can make you look sloppy. Aqua's take on the sweater is much more dressy, grown-up and feminine. It's a blazer, yet, it's still a sweater. The blazer has flap-front pockets and cool lapels with rouching detail on the shoulder. It dresses up any pair of old jeans, but because it's a sweater, it doesn't make you look stuffy.

Price: $88

Where: Bloomingdales.com