Buttoned up under your blazers. Layered snugly over crisp shirts. Worn solo—as a hero piece. If there’s one trusty wardrobe piece that can (and should) go the extra mile with you, it’s the humble cardigan.
Whilst the cosy knit—in neutral shades such as grays, blacks and soft browns—is the ultimate fashion fiend’s transformable staple, the ways of wearing a cardigan run the gamut. Over the past few seasons, the cardigan has been used as a sartorial tool to excavate various narratives; from Parisian chic and tasteful sophistication at Celine to the dishevelled yet sexy and feminine energy through the eyes of Miuccia Prada.
Shedding past connotations of being prude and proper, Prada’s womanly mantra (aka dressing for the female gaze) seems to have taken off with the street set. As the cardigan continues to amass a legion of committed folks to its cause, there have only been more fabulous outings; each one a masterclass in styling the piece, be it a thinner cashmere option or those designed in the coolest colours of the season. Some are leaning to butter yellows, some are discovering a whole universe in mochas, whilst the rest will never deny the power of a statement red hero piece. And they’re wearing it in a plethora of ways, from doubling it up as a layer for the other, to sensually utilising this open front piece as a liberal sartorial agent.
So who best to take our cues from when it comes to wearing the unsung hero piece? Allow these cool girls—some spotted on the streets, some seen on the world wide web—to inform our moodboard for how to style the cardigan.
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Knits on knits
The act of layering knits over one another is an art in itself. Thinner vest layers can be casually layered under cardigans—and making sure to leave a few buttons open towards the bottom is key here.
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Guest In Residence sculpted cardigan, $989
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Prints galore
For the maximalists at heart, you already know the drill. It’s prints on prints on prints. Throw in the stripes, the jacquard, the houndstooth—and use a few main colours throughout your look to pull it all together.
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Feminine edge
Who says a cardigan can’t be sexy? With a V-neck cardigan, adopt the off-shoulder vibe to show a little skin—or a statement bra top off.
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Streamlined polish
A sculpted cardigan that is slightly more cinched around the waist makes for a grand styling piece when paired with midi skirts or flared trousers. Accessorise as you go.
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Worn solo
If it’s meant to be worn on its own, then it should very well have its moment. Keep things simple yet chic by adding sculptural accessories to your hero piece.
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Double it up
Not one, but two cardigans. Whilst one is worn as a top, the other can be worn on your shoulders or around your waist.
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Denim cheat code
You will never go wrong with denim. Opt for a cropped cardigan, grab your trusty eyewear and you’re good for some time under the sun.
