My DD is about the same size. She likes cardigan sweaters from JJill, JCrew, and Loft. She prefers 100% cotton and those vendors make that style sweater in cotton.
I wear lots of cardigans at the office or sweaters as long as they are not turtleneck. Have only one cashmere turtleneck that I wear when super cold. Just yesterday I bought two new cardigans at Ann Taylor, that were $79.50 pre-discount. With in-store discount they were 40% off. J Crew also has very nice cardigans as does Lord & Taylor.
I am way cheaper and find mine at TJMaxx or Marshalls.
This is a great year for cardigans; I’ve been stocking up on them. I love the long, loose, pocketed ones for work, but I’m “hippy” so they really work for me.
I always found Talbots had some classic cardigan/jacket items. Some are one sale now https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi35943&defaultColor=3584&N=10501&No=24&selectedConcept=&_=1448236544833&Nrpp=24&Nr=AND(OR(product.siteId%3ATalbotsSite)%2COR(product.catalogId%3Acatalog20002))
I Also find some at Chicos for a little more whimsy sometimes. http://m.chicos.com/store/product/gina-cardigan/570153951?color=1426&catId=&onSale=true&fromSearch=true&scPos=1-857-0
Talbots and Chicos are fine for the parents here…but my daughter wouldn’t be caught dead in their stores…or,wearing their clothes. So Himom, this might be a fine choice for your friend…but not your daughter.
Whoops, lost track of who it was for, agree.
If she is in Hawaii, seems like cotton is the way to go. I remember a woman went on a shopping spree and we all helped last summer. Seems like she got some nice cardigans from Nordstorm, for a reasonable price. I can’t remember who it was or I would search. Wool or cashmere would be too Itchy for me in Hawaii. Actually, wool is too itchy most of the time for me. Cashmere is usually fine. Neither is guaranteed to be washable. Go for cotton, or a blend.
@BunsenBurner, I love that blue sweater. But someone at worked noticed recently that I “always” wear blue and black. Time to branch out a little.
I got D a J.Crew navy cashmere blend v-neck button cardigan. Got sis a will poly blend light grey cardigan that has no buttons from ATaylor. wool and cashmere are warmer. Both get cold.
Glad your shopping trip was productive!
Nice sweaters. I get cold and have cardigans in every color of the rainbow. Make sure your daughter knows not to machine wash and dry cashmere.
If the machine is a front loader with a handwash cycle (cold water and gentle spin), cashmere CAN and SHOULD be machine washed. DRYING is where the one can get burned. 
Avoid machines at all costs. Stretched on a towel is the best way to dry it. I have never drycleaned a cashmere item.
I even got a hoodie for nephew. At JC Crew, they gave me a $20 off coupon if I spend $100.
Thumper - totally agree no twenty something wants a Talbots or Chicos, but I think HIMOM said it was for her sister, so I assumed a fifty something woman.
I’ve got UNIQLO merino wool cardigans in practically every color they come in. They look nice paired w a scoop-neck T and a necklace, and they’re a bargain!
HImom, I bought this in four colors this summer, and I’ve continued to wear them as the weather has cooled off (I just wear a heavier outer jacket if needed for outside). They’re perfect year round for my business-casual office especially, as someone mentioned, over a sleeveless shell. Good quality, and reasonably priced.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I will keep them in mind if the recipients want more clothing. Sadly, there is no Uniqlo store in HI, so can’t try on any of these garments, tho I do note free shipping on any purchase. I just prefer to have them try it one and be able to touch the garment to check on the quality and feel of the fabric.