I Can't Stop Wearing This $20 Buttery-Soft Cardigan That Feels Way More Expensive Than It Is

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Walmart (3)I live for fall, especially the fashion. Nothing makes me happier than putting swimsuits and shorts in storage and bringing out my boots, sweaters, and trousers. This year, while doing myseasonal closet shift, I noticed that I didn’t have many tops to get me through the next two months. I own plenty of bulky sweaters for cold temperatures but not enough lightweight options to keep me comfortable yet cozy in the crisp autumn weather.Luckily, I recently found what I was looking for in thisbest-selling cardiganfromFree Assembly’s latest collection. Walmart sent me the piece a few weeks ago, and I can’t stop wearing it. The material feels so luxe and buttery-soft, plus the sweater can be worn in multiple ways, making it an instant staple. Best of all, it’s only $20 but resembles styles thatcost upwards of $100, so I’m grabbing more colors before they sell out.Free Assembly Crewneck Cardigan SweaterWalmart$20 at WalmartSure, cardigans in the fall aren’t groundbreaking, however, they’ve been spotted on celebrities more than ever lately.Reese WitherspoonandKatie Holmesrecently wore the layering essential, and earlier this summer,Jennifer Garner and Gwyneth Paltrowstepped out with sweaters draped over their shoulders, proving just how versatile they are.Like these celebs, I’ve been styling myFree Assembly cardiganfor various occasions and temperatures. For casual outings, I’ve left it open over a graphic T-shirt and buttoned it up with a basic white tee underneath, and for a date night look, I’ve draped it over a midi dress, which is extra convenient if the restaurant is chilly. I love the classic fit, which is comfy but not oversized, and the ribbed hem that lays nicely over pants and can easily be tucked in.It has the ideal weight for fall weather — not too thick or thin — thanks to its blend of viscose, polyester, and polyamide. As soon as I felt the fabric, I knew the sweater was high-quality, and now that I’ve worn and washed it several times, I can assure you it is. My honest thoughts: Why buy a more expensive sweater when this $20 one checks all the boxes?Shoppers also lovethe cardiganjust as much as I do. One person called it the softest thing ever, while another said they were so impressed with the quality, that they bought two. It’s available in seven colors and sizes ranging from XS to 4X. I chose the dark navy blue to diversify my mostly-black wardrobe and to pair nicely with my brown boots, and now I’m eyeing the cream style while it’s still in stock.Trust me, Free Assembly’sbest-selling cardiganis worth adding to your fall wardrobe, and perhaps in a few colors since it’s just $20. Below, I’ve rounded up more cozy knits to shop atWalmartfor under $30.Free Assembly Ruffle Hem Cardigan SweaterWalmart$24 at WalmartScoop Oversized V-Neck Cardigan SweaterWalmart$26 at WalmartScoop Puff Sleeve Cardigan SweaterWalmart$26 at WalmartTime and Tru Boyfriend CardiganWalmart$19 at Walmart

Photo:Walmart (3)

Walmart (3)

I live for fall, especially the fashion. Nothing makes me happier than putting swimsuits and shorts in storage and bringing out my boots, sweaters, and trousers. This year, while doing myseasonal closet shift, I noticed that I didn’t have many tops to get me through the next two months. I own plenty of bulky sweaters for cold temperatures but not enough lightweight options to keep me comfortable yet cozy in the crisp autumn weather.Luckily, I recently found what I was looking for in thisbest-selling cardiganfromFree Assembly’s latest collection. Walmart sent me the piece a few weeks ago, and I can’t stop wearing it. The material feels so luxe and buttery-soft, plus the sweater can be worn in multiple ways, making it an instant staple. Best of all, it’s only $20 but resembles styles thatcost upwards of $100, so I’m grabbing more colors before they sell out.Free Assembly Crewneck Cardigan SweaterWalmart$20 at WalmartSure, cardigans in the fall aren’t groundbreaking, however, they’ve been spotted on celebrities more than ever lately.Reese WitherspoonandKatie Holmesrecently wore the layering essential, and earlier this summer,Jennifer Garner and Gwyneth Paltrowstepped out with sweaters draped over their shoulders, proving just how versatile they are.Like these celebs, I’ve been styling myFree Assembly cardiganfor various occasions and temperatures. For casual outings, I’ve left it open over a graphic T-shirt and buttoned it up with a basic white tee underneath, and for a date night look, I’ve draped it over a midi dress, which is extra convenient if the restaurant is chilly. I love the classic fit, which is comfy but not oversized, and the ribbed hem that lays nicely over pants and can easily be tucked in.It has the ideal weight for fall weather — not too thick or thin — thanks to its blend of viscose, polyester, and polyamide. As soon as I felt the fabric, I knew the sweater was high-quality, and now that I’ve worn and washed it several times, I can assure you it is. My honest thoughts: Why buy a more expensive sweater when this $20 one checks all the boxes?Shoppers also lovethe cardiganjust as much as I do. One person called it the softest thing ever, while another said they were so impressed with the quality, that they bought two. It’s available in seven colors and sizes ranging from XS to 4X. I chose the dark navy blue to diversify my mostly-black wardrobe and to pair nicely with my brown boots, and now I’m eyeing the cream style while it’s still in stock.Trust me, Free Assembly’sbest-selling cardiganis worth adding to your fall wardrobe, and perhaps in a few colors since it’s just $20. Below, I’ve rounded up more cozy knits to shop atWalmartfor under $30.Free Assembly Ruffle Hem Cardigan SweaterWalmart$24 at WalmartScoop Oversized V-Neck Cardigan SweaterWalmart$26 at WalmartScoop Puff Sleeve Cardigan SweaterWalmart$26 at WalmartTime and Tru Boyfriend CardiganWalmart$19 at Walmart

I live for fall, especially the fashion. Nothing makes me happier than putting swimsuits and shorts in storage and bringing out my boots, sweaters, and trousers. This year, while doing myseasonal closet shift, I noticed that I didn’t have many tops to get me through the next two months. I own plenty of bulky sweaters for cold temperatures but not enough lightweight options to keep me comfortable yet cozy in the crisp autumn weather.

Luckily, I recently found what I was looking for in thisbest-selling cardiganfromFree Assembly’s latest collection. Walmart sent me the piece a few weeks ago, and I can’t stop wearing it. The material feels so luxe and buttery-soft, plus the sweater can be worn in multiple ways, making it an instant staple. Best of all, it’s only $20 but resembles styles thatcost upwards of $100, so I’m grabbing more colors before they sell out.

Free Assembly Crewneck Cardigan Sweater

Walmart

$20 at Walmart

Sure, cardigans in the fall aren’t groundbreaking, however, they’ve been spotted on celebrities more than ever lately.Reese WitherspoonandKatie Holmesrecently wore the layering essential, and earlier this summer,Jennifer Garner and Gwyneth Paltrowstepped out with sweaters draped over their shoulders, proving just how versatile they are.

Like these celebs, I’ve been styling myFree Assembly cardiganfor various occasions and temperatures. For casual outings, I’ve left it open over a graphic T-shirt and buttoned it up with a basic white tee underneath, and for a date night look, I’ve draped it over a midi dress, which is extra convenient if the restaurant is chilly. I love the classic fit, which is comfy but not oversized, and the ribbed hem that lays nicely over pants and can easily be tucked in.

It has the ideal weight for fall weather — not too thick or thin — thanks to its blend of viscose, polyester, and polyamide. As soon as I felt the fabric, I knew the sweater was high-quality, and now that I’ve worn and washed it several times, I can assure you it is. My honest thoughts: Why buy a more expensive sweater when this $20 one checks all the boxes?

Shoppers also lovethe cardiganjust as much as I do. One person called it the softest thing ever, while another said they were so impressed with the quality, that they bought two. It’s available in seven colors and sizes ranging from XS to 4X. I chose the dark navy blue to diversify my mostly-black wardrobe and to pair nicely with my brown boots, and now I’m eyeing the cream style while it’s still in stock.

Trust me, Free Assembly’sbest-selling cardiganis worth adding to your fall wardrobe, and perhaps in a few colors since it’s just $20. Below, I’ve rounded up more cozy knits to shop atWalmartfor under $30.

Free Assembly Ruffle Hem Cardigan Sweater

$24 at Walmart

Scoop Oversized V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

$26 at Walmart

Scoop Puff Sleeve Cardigan Sweater

Time and Tru Boyfriend Cardigan

$19 at Walmart

See More from PEOPLE ShoppingThis $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% OffThe 50 Best Amazon Deals Happening This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Starting at $7

See More from PEOPLE Shopping

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% OffThe 50 Best Amazon Deals Happening This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Starting at $7

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and Shoes

Wayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

The 50 Best Amazon Deals Happening This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Starting at $7

source: people.com