by Jamie Quinn and Erika Reals for PEOPLE

Winter is here and layering pieces such as cardigan sweaters are pulling us back into their orbit. Rooted in practicality and function, this sweater style is a wardrobe must-have.

“The classic cardigan is the ultimate in versatility — it can be dressed up, dressed down, layered, and is always grab-and-go ready,” stylist and knitwear expert Elizabeth Kosich tells PEOPLE. “The genesis of the cardigan dates back to the British army in the 17th century, making it a trend rooted in menswear,” she adds, noting that Coco Chanel later popularized the style “as part of her mission to free women from restricting, structured garments.” With menswear-inspired fashion on-trend, Kosich says it’s no surprise that cardigans are back in the style spotlight.

Whether you’re shopping for that perfect timeless cardigan or want to add a trendy knit to your wardrobe, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to find a high-quality and stylish cardigan sweater. We researched a variety of budget-friendly knitwear styles for the best cardigans under $75 — here are our top picks:

1. Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater

2. Remikstyt Chunky Cardigan

3. Old Navy Cropped Cardigan Sweater

4. Mango Oversized Cardigan with Buttons

5. Quince 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan

6. Old Navy Textured Long-Line Open-Front Sweater

7. Banana Republic Factory Forever Cardigan

8. H&M Zip-Up Cardigan

9. Gap Bouclé Cropped Sweater Jacket

10. ELOQUII Long Belted Cardigan

11. Everlane Ribbed Cropped Cardigan

12. Lillusory Open Front Shrug

13. Rachel Zoe Fisherman Cable Knit Button Front Boyfriend Cardigan

14. Boden Bow-Trim Cropped Cardigan

15. Banana Republic Factory Open Cardigan

How to Pick the Right Cardigan:

1. Fibers
   When shopping for a cardigan, Kosich says to look for tightly knit, high-quality fibers to avoid pilling. “Pilling is caused by short fibers that loosen, breathe, and tangle over time; higher quality fibers have longer strands that, when knit tightly together, mitigate wear, tear, and pilling,” she explains. “For chunkier knits, go with blended fibers to help prevent pilling.”

   Material also matters when it comes to providing the right amount of warmth. If you tend to run hot, Kosich says to look for a mix of natural and synthetic fibers to keep you from overheating. The H&M Zip-up Cardigan is a good example of this as it’s constructed from a blend of wool along with acrylic, spandex, and recycled polyesters. The Old Navy Textured Long-Line Open-Front Sweater for Women is another good option for those who run hot since it is created from yarn constructed from cotton, polyester, and nylon.

2. Colors
   Colors are also important to consider when shopping because this will allow you to maximize the overall versatility of a cardigan. “Go for your most reliable neutral, picking a cardigan that matches pants for a head-to-toe color column that elongates,” says Kosich. She also recommends looking for your strongest accent hue “for a less serious and fun pop of color.”

   If you’re not sure where to begin, the Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater is a timeless budget-friendly option that comes in 28 different colors. The Banana Republic Factory Forever Cardigan is another excellent option as it comes in several classic neutrals plus more playful hues.

3. Room to grow
   Looking at the size and fit of a cardigan is also important because, Kosich says, “knitwear grows over time,” a.k.a. stretches with regular wear. Drop shoulders will continue dropping and oversized silhouettes risk becoming even more oversized, so choosing a size that fits you well and has some room to grow is best.

4. Stitch types
   Cardigans come in a variety of stitch types, so it’s also important to think about your preferences while searching for the best cardigan for your wardrobe. “Cable-knitted cardigans are trending right now thanks to the thick and chunky look they create,” says Klara Nilsson, a knitwear expert and founder of Knitting Knowledge. “Meanwhile, a classic stockinette stitch results in a thinner fabric that is ideal for a more Audrey Hepburn look styled with a pair of slacks and flats,” she adds, noting that the thinner cardigan will more likely stand the test of time and the trend cycle.

   The good news is you don’t need to invest a ton of money to go trendy or classic. The budget-friendly Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater is a lightweight and timeless style for under $25, while the Remikstyt Chunky Cardigan boasts a handmade look for less that $40.

See published article on PEOPLE.com here.