Layer up in the 8 best cardigans for spring, according to our editors — from $25

You can never go wrong with a classic cardigan, and this lightweight beauty from Old Navy is a style I reach for time and time again. It's made from a super-soft cotton/polyester blend, which makes it stretchy and perfect for layering. I love the timeless crewneck design — it's true to size and has a slight crop that hits just at the top of my jeans. What I adore most is how versatile it is. It buttons all the way to the collar, so I can style it in different ways. Most of the time, I wear it open over a T-shirt, but I also love the look of it on its own with just a few of the top buttons undone.

Sizes range from XS to 4XL, and it comes in regular, tall, and petite. There are nine colors, from this pretty green to goes-with-everything navy, so I often end up buying a couple of shades at a time. It's not the most durable sweater out there and does stretch out eventually. But since it's usually on sale for around $20, I don't mind grabbing a new one every year or so.

If you're on the hunt for a cozy oversized cardigan, check out this slouchy gem from Gap, a favorite of Senior Home and Garden Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. "This cardigan works with everything!" she says. Whether she's dressing it up with a satin slip skirt or keeping it casual with track pants, it's become a staple in her wardrobe. Jessica even takes it on flights because it's comfy, warm and looks more polished than a regular sweatshirt. After five years, it's still going strong, with only slight fading and no pilling, she adds.

The cardigan has a slightly cropped fit. "It hits right below my belly button and pairs perfectly with high- or mid-waisted pants," Jessica says. And her favorite feature? The flattering V-neckline that's not too revealing. "It comes up high enough that I can wear it alone." She also notes that since it's made from cotton, it's not bulky, and a tank or tee fits under it easily if you prefer to layer. The cherry on top? It's fine to toss in the washer and dryer.

Shopping Director Jeanine Edwards has been a big fan of this J.Crew cardigan for over three years. (She loves it so much that she's up to four!) "It's perfect for so many outfits," she says. The cardigan buttons to the top and has a longer silhouette, which means you can wear it belted or tucked in for even more styling options.

It's the ideal weight — not too heavy and not too light — so you can throw it on over a dress, pair it with a skirt or wear it with jeans, Jeanine says. She did share a little lesson learned: Her vibrant blue cardigan faded after being washed in warm water, but after switching to cold water and air drying, she's had no issues. One more piece of advice: "Definitely stock up when these babies are on sale!" she says. "I've never paid full price for them, and while I'm not sure I'd spend $80, $40 feels totally worth it!"

If you love the cozy feel of cashmere but dread the fussy upkeep, you're in for a treat. Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity recommends this Gap cardigan, which she says is just as soft as cashmere but way more affordable and machine-washable. It hits right at the hips and is made of a comfy cotton/nylon blend. "It's not the warmest cardi out there, but it's perfect for layering. I wear mine all year round!" she says.

It comes in sizes XXS to XXL as well as petite and tall, so there's a fit for most everyone. Amanda owns it in gray and red, but with seven more shades to choose from, you can find an option that'll work with most of your wardrobe. She loves how it pairs well with casual jeans or fancier maxi and midi dresses. Plus, there's a matching tank in the same super-soft fabric, so you can rock a sleek monochromatic look.

This cardigan is probably the most stylish sweater I own. It gives me that cozy feel I love, but it has a high-fashion vibe compared with my other cardigans. The round, almost boat-like neckline is such a neat detail. It allows me to wear it like a classic cardigan with the buttons down the front or switch it up and wear it as a pullover, with the buttons cascading down my back.

Speaking of the buttons — they're super chic too. They feel much sturdier than plastic ones on my other cardigans and they have this lovely pearl effect that adds something special to an outfit. The sweater does run slightly large, which I love since I'm all about that slouchy look. It looks great whether I tuck it into jeans or trousers or leave it out and flowy. I have the soft ribbed sweater in black, but I've got my eye on the pretty pastels for spring — there are 18 colors to choose from.

Who needs buttons? Open cardigans are the classic cardi's slightly more casual sibling, and Commerce Editor Saundra Latham says this option from Athleta is useful all year round. "When it's warmer, this is what I toss on over a T-shirt when the air-conditioning is cranked up too high," she says. "When it's colder, it's the first thing I layer on over workout gear once I've cooled off a bit." The longer length makes it an especially good companion for leggings, she adds.

Made from Athleta's ultra-soft Nirvana fabric, which blends Tencel/modal with a touch of spandex, it's just fine to toss in the washer and dryer, which Saundra says she's done repeatedly over the past couple of years. "It's holding up beautifully and I wear it a lot," she says. "I also love the thumbholes — they're great for helping keep my hands a little warmer while I'm sitting still at my computer, typing away."

I've had the viral J.Crew Emilie Lady Jacket for well over a year now, and I was absolutely in love with it — until I stumbled upon this amazing look-alike on Amazon that's a fraction of the price. It's made from a soft blend of viscose, polyester and polyamide, making it lighter and more relaxed than the heftier J.Crew version. It's a classic comfy cardigan that gives off a chic jacket vibe.

This adorable topper features five buttons that admittedly aren't my fave, as they feel a bit cheap, but I don't hate them so much that I would bother swapping them out. Plus, it has two front pockets that are perfect for stashing little essentials like lip gloss and hair ties. I've worn it unbuttoned over a T-shirt or light turtleneck with jeans for a casual look, and it also looks fab buttoned up with a skirt or trousers. 

It's a men's cardigan, but this cable-knit style from Polo Ralph Lauren is my longest-lasting sweater. I've had it for over 10 years now and it still looks as good as new. I got the men's small and it's the perfect slightly oversized fit on me. While I have an older sold-out style in cream that I wear with everything, the navy and dark brown styles look just as versatile.

This mid-weight sweater keeps me warm without making me too hot. Since it's oversized, I love styling it by draping it over my shoulders — it adds such an elegant touch to any outfit. While the sweater is machine-washable, I take mine to the dry cleaner since it's on the pricier side. I want to make sure it lasts another 10 years.