Picture this: it’s a freezing fall morning and you’re headed for a flight to sunnier climes. There’s no sense in wearing a bulky coat just for the dash from taxi to terminal, only to lug it around with you for the rest of your trip. This is where the cardigan-as-jacket comes in. The ultimate in-between layer, it’s warm enough to stand in for outerwear on the plane, yet polished enough for a dinner with an ambiguous dress code in transitional weather. From old-school Scottish knits to sleek boiled-wool travel sets and chic French throwovers, these are the pieces we’d gladly make space for in our carry-ons.
Colhay’s Shawl Collar Cardigan – Yolanda loves the thick shawl on this one, which can cover your neck all the way up to your ears. It’s definitely on the bulkier side, so instead of folding it in your luggage, wear it on the plane if your destination doesn’t require a proper coat.
Toteme Cardigan – The dramatic collar is what sold us on this heavyweight wool-blend cardigan. It’s sufficiently oversized to make the double-breasted opening feel nonchalant.
Sézane Thais Jacket – Sitting right in between cardi and jacket, this thick wool-and-mohair layer is the best of both and comes in a handful of autumnal hues.
Guest in Residence Striped Cashmere Cardi – More button-down than sweater, this versatile striped knit pairs especially well with the matching pants for a bright travel set.
&Daughter Cardigan – Hand-knit in the UK, this piece has a collar, thick ribbing on the cuffs and a hem that gives it sufficient structure to function as an outer layer.
Frame Chunky Striped Cardigan – A sailor-stripe staple made of 100% cotton, it’s breathable enough to wear on warmer days or even layer under a PFD on the high seas.
McGeorge Shawl Collar Cardigan – The OG shawl collar cardigan, once worn by the likes of Steve McQueen and Grace Kelly, is made in Scotland to this day.
Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan – A cult-favorite thanks to its flattering cut: slightly tapered at the waist with relaxed sleeves, it strikes that very Jenni Kayne mix of East Coast polish and West Coast ease.
Bode Double Breasted Cardigan – Designer Emily Bode can take a lot of the credit for repopularizing the double-breasted cardigan. This staple Bode piece is inspired by 1960s golfwear, with a boxier fit available in a handful of colors.
La Ligne Marin Cardigan – Adapted from La Ligne’s beloved Marin pullover, this cardi is thick enough to pass as a jacket but light enough to wear over a tank—perfect for layering as the marine layer rolls in.
Sézane Auguste Jacket – A ladylike jacket that feels Chanel-adjacent, for only a fraction of the price and offered in playful, contrast-trimmed colorways.
Drake’s Shawl Collar Cardigan – Made in Scotland with 100% lambswool and brown knotted leather buttons, this feels straight out of another century in the best way.
J.Crew Emilie Sweater – A perennial bestseller that leans more sweater than jacket, but is an easy layering piece when you want something light. (Bonus: it’s often on sale)
Crimson Linda Cardigan – Parisian knitwear powerhouse Crimson is known for their rainbow wall of cashmere sweaters, but there’s something striking about this simple white cardigan that goes with everything.
Alex Mill Nico Cardigan – One of Alex Mill’s first designs, this 100% cotton style has a face-framing neckline and comes in half a dozen cheerful tones, so it’s no wonder it has stood the test of time.
Sézane Edouard Jacket – Structured enough to wear over a blouse into the office, but easy to dress down with jeans when you undo the top button.
Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Cardigan – Lightweight, non-itchy, and the most approachable price on this list, with a stand collar that gives it a more substantial look than just any old mid-layer.
Cos Boiled Merino Wool Cardigan – Pair with the matching trousers for a travel set that feels elevated but is every bit as comfy as a sweatsuit.
La Ligne Esther Cardigan – The wool-bouclé knit is not only chic but also wrinkle-resistant, so it holds up beautifully even after a few days in your suitcase.
Boden Chunky Collared Knit Jacket – There’s a lot to love about this slightly boxy knitted jacket, but best of all? It’s machine washable.
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