The Budget Bambino

What: Fall means back to school and sweater season—and we’ve got both covered here.

What we say: The end of summer gets us all excited for the leaves turning color, yellow school buses driving around town, and especially nostalgic for the prep school experience we never had. And what’s more prep school than the classic cardigan? There are many options for cute kids cardigan sweaters from funky casual to dressy cashmere, and all are perfect for tying around the waist or stuffing in the backpack, just in case the weather turns chilly.

Our Picks:

~ We love the Girls Long Prepster Cardigan ($19.87) from Old Navy. It’s a fresh take on the classic design with little details to bring out the old-fashioned prep school look. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to wear on warmer days or could be layered with a jacket when it gets colder. 

~ We also like the Long Hooded Letterman Cartigan ($15.90) for girls at Old Navy. It’s much more updated, with a longer length, short sleeves, two pockets, and a hood. Great for pairing with leggings, jeans, or even worn open over a dress. 

~ This Girls’ Cherokee® 3/4-Sleeve Sweater ($14.99) from Target is even more updated. With it’s flouncy but casual ¾ sleeves and flowy shape, this sweater is a more feminine take on the traditional cardigan. 

~ For boys, Old Navy has great Boys Rugby Cardigans ($14.70). You can never go wrong with warm fleece, and the detailing on this sweater is both trendy and cool. 

~ If you are looking for a dressier sweater for boys, try the Cotton-Cashmere Cardigan from J.Crew’s Crew Cuts line ($39.99). It looks exactly like the ones J.Crew sells in their men’s line and has all the quality of what you would expect from the brand—ribbing on the cuffs and bottom of the sweater, durable cotton-cashmere blend, and secure buttons.