Even though it may be beach weather outside, let’s face it, most of us spend Monday through Friday, from 9-5 in an office with the A/C cranked on high. Despite all subtle and obvious complaints about the frigid climate, facilities still do not turn up the thermostat. The solution? Bring a trusty cardigan to work. The cardigan, a sweater that separates completely in the front, is incredibly handy; in fact, most of my sweaters are cardigans.

From graduations to a normal day at the office, cardigans are hands-down a foolproof way to stay warm and stylish. Whether shrunken or oversized, cardigans of all sizes and shapes have multiple uses. In the office, for example, use cardigans to ward off the chilly A/C and keep your shoulders appropriately covered in a conservative setting. They can easily and casually be stuffed in a handbag as you transition from indoors to outdoors. The Spring 2009 runways rocked cardigans in a fitting, office style. Marni, Blumarine, and Burberry Prorsum served as great examples.

As of late, the trendy way of wearing a cardigan is by cinching a belt around the waist. Buttoned or unbuttoned does not matter. The most important aspect of this trend is that what’s underneath is consistent. What does this mean? Well, avoid conspicuous waistlines that fall below the belt line, because this only results in your stomach being segmented from the rest of your body. Nobody wants that. Stick with dresses, high waistlines, or untucked shirts to avoid awkward waistlines. Another way to wear the cardigan is to casually tie it around your neck, letting the arms drape in front of you. This way of wearing the sweater comes in handy if you are hiding a revealing neckline in a conservative environment.

Being a wardrobe staple, cardigans are everywhere. This season, however, keep your eye out for cardigans with little details that make it one-of-a-kind. My picks:

J.Crew Rosette Cardigan ($148, JCrew.com) - J.Crew touts its “Jackie” cardigan each and every season, but this classic sweater also creates great novel apparel. This little cardigan is forward-thinking with the bed of rosettes, but the embellishments don’t overwhelm. The silk-linen blend is ideal for the summer.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Floral Cardigan ($130, BergdorfGoodman.com) - My Vera cardigan is a treasured item in my closet. The quality of material and craftsmanship are unbeatable, and this sweater is no different. The simple floral design on a background of light gray is not only aesthetically pleasing but also minimally chic.

Charlotte Tarantola Floral Cardigan ($87, BlueFly.com)- The black glass buttons and grosgrain ribbon-backed placket are details that reflect the quality and thought put into the design. The paisley pattern in neutral colors feels grown-up but not stuffy. Great for coffee runs and executive meetings.