Cozy Up to Our Cashmere Picks, All Under $100

Michelle Williams in Vogue, October 2011, wearing a J. Crew cashmere cardigan

Michelle Williams in Vogue, October 2011, wearing a J. Crew cashmere cardigan

Marilyn famously stated that she wears nothing but Chanel No 5 to bed, but if we had it our way, we’d wear pajamas made of cashmere to bed, to play and just about everything in between. Getting a cashmere sweater is one of the most popular, but we all know that it’s also one of the most expensive things you can buy when you’re out shopping. Thankfully, fast fashion chains have been catering to our need for the good stuff and stores such as Uniqlo (famous for their budget-friendly cashmere) and even H&M are offering soft, plush cashmere options that boast price tags in the double digits. So instead of waiting for the after-Christmas J. Crew cashmere sale (we know you’ve already marked it on your calendars) snag one of our stylish cashmere picks, all for under $100 and all available right now.

H&M Cashmere Sweater

H&M Cashmere Sweater

Reigning champ of fast fashion H&M is upping the game on quality. You might just think of the chain as the place to go for high-end collabs and fall-apart trend-driven pieces, but the brand has been adding more and more high-quality pieces to their lineup. The Cashmere Sweater ($59.95) is evidence of the upgrade. Not only is the sweater knit of 100% cashmere, it’s got a great detail in the weave that makes it look perforated — trés Alexander Wang, if you ask us — and it’s available in soft dusty colors as well as basic black. In addition to cashmere, H&M’s added real leather bags, tailored suiting in the men’s department and more. Just look for the Premium Quality label and you’ll be avoiding the fast fashion and investing in a piece that’s made to last.

Available at H&M.

Uniqlo V Neck Sweater Colorblock

Uniqlo V Neck Sweater Colorblock

While L.A. is still waiting for its very own Uniqlo outlet (we presume that we’ll be waiting plenty long), folks in the Bay Area and the New York Area know all about the wonders of Uniqlo cashmere. No matter the location, shoppers are sure to be greeted by an entire wall of rainbow-colored cashmere. Crewneck, V-neck, solid, striped, men, women, it’s all there and it all rings in under our $100 cap. Our pick for the season is the V Neck Sweater Colorblock ($79.90), which channels the sporty feel that we saw at Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney’s latest runway shows.

Available at Uniqlo.

Aqua Cashmere Sweater

Aqua Cashmere Sweater

Aqua, which is an in-house brand at Bloomingdale’s, has been expanding from offering only on-trend pieces to becoming a brand that young professionals can count on for basics to wear to work and more fun, flirty pieces for after 5:00. Along with a change on their old scripty logo and a capsule collection with New York designing duo Vena Cava, the brand’s added an entire cashmere category to its offerings. Our favorite this season is the Cashmere Sweater – High Low Exposed Seam ($99), which is a long description for a short (in the front) sweater. Exposed seams give the piece some interest and the high low hem show off whatever you wear under and with it.

Available at Bloomingdale’s.

Joe Fresh Stripe Scoop Neck Cashmere Sweater

Joe Fresh Stripe Scoop Neck Cashmere Sweater

Canadian import Joe Fresh is making waves by opening an army of shop-in-shops with JC Penny here in the states. That’ll give them access to a huge audience — hear that, Uniqlo? — without constructing huge stores all over the country. JF is keeping it fresh, however, by building a few monumental stores in New York and hosting pop-up shops here in L.A. to fête their partnership with JC Penny. The brand’s cashmere is just as comfortable and cozy as brands that are double or triple the price, and on-trend styles, such as the Scoop Neck Cashmere Sweater ($79) mean you won’t have to spend a lot to get in the trends, whether they’re argyle one season and stripes the next, because Joe Fresh offers it all.

Available at Joe Fresh.

Halogen Roll Neck Cashmere Sweater

Halogen Roll Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom’s house brand Halogen is also offering cashmere basics, only they’re focused more on fun prints and color blocking, like on the Roll Neck Cashmere Sweater ($98). A few of the styles offer something that other brand’s don’t: a lining, so even if you’re sensitive to wool or you just feel like you need something between you and your cashmere, they’ve got all the bases covered. The rolled neck and the contrast hem on this piece are a great detail that’s just as easy to wear as a solid and it’s a fun way to look pulled together and luxe when you’re off the clock.

Available at Nordstrom.

Images courtesy Vogue, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Joe Fresh, Uniqlo and H&M

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Author:Christopher Luu for Fashion Trends Daily

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.