“They come in so many colors and variations and are warm to wear around campus. I also love layering. I like to tie in an undershirt to make the outfit really pop,” advertising freshman Julie Molnar said. “I like things that are classic and tasteful, but I do go for what appeals to my eye and what matches and looks best in my opinion.”

The long-standing appeal of the cardigan for many students is its versatility. Cardigans come in a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, styles and lengths.

“I shop a lot and love how unique cardigans are available and the variety of styles and colors they have nowadays,” Molnar said. “You can go into any store and find a cardigan to match your price range and personality.”

A current hot trend for women is the so-called “boyfriend cardigan,” which is longer and reaches past the waist or hips. Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson and Blake Lively are among celebs flaunting the longer look.

The boyfriend cardigan can be paired with jeans and a shirt for a layered look or dressed up with a dress and accessories. This new take on the ongoing cardigan trend has caught on here on campus for its convenience.

“My favorites are the longer ones that cover my pants or go past my waist. I think they’re more comfortable and stylish,” Molnar said. “They’re warmest and best for walking on campus.”

Guys aren’t exempt from this fashion statement. After all, the boyfriend cardigan was named for a reason.

Cardigans are as much a wardrobe must-have for men as they are for women. Both Justin Timberlake and David Beckham have been spied wearing their own “mandigans.”

Freshman Lansing Community College student Devon Glasscoe was spotted on Grand River Avenue sporting a white and dark gray striped cardigan.

“It’s trendy, it’s in, it looks good on me,” Glasscoe said about his cardigan. “It’s light and nice to wear on a breezy day. I think it’s really comfortable.”

Glasscoe, who describes his style as eclectic, said he usually pairs a cardigan with a plain V-neck shirt and fitted jeans for a polished look. He said he rejects the idea of a cardigan being feminine and that he encourages men to try out the male version of the trend.

“Guys should be more outgoing and try new things. You’ve got to look good,” Glasscoe said. “No girl wants a scrub off the street. Your style gets you places, and a cardigan looks put together and nice.”

For those looking to add this staple to their wardrobes, Forever 21, 3017 Preyde Blvd., in Lansing, has cardigans starting at about $12 for women and $22 for men online through the store’s Web site. On the pricier side, Urban Outfitters, 119 E. Grand River Ave., offers a selection of cardigans in every possible fabric and style ranging in price from $25 to $68 for women. Grandpa-inspired styles are available for men in a price range of $30 to $120.

And for those who really want to splurge on a label, Burberry’s Web site offers women’s cardigans starting at $350 and men’s starting at $295.

Whatever the price or style, cardigans are a fashionable option for students wanting to stay chic and cozy in the early spring months.