Though summer is still very much summering, the next few days are set to bring a welcome change: slightly cooler mornings and evenings. While daytime temps are still reaching mid-to-high 20s – and summer dresses are still on rotation – the bookend hours call for something a little cosier.
Enter: the lightweight cardigan. We get it – they aren’t usually at the top of your mind during the summer, but a light layer is the easiest way to solve one of the biggest dilemmas RN: going from sweltering temps outdoors to blasting air-conned offices and trains.
Better yet, lightweight cardigans don’t have to ruin your outfit – you can style them to complement your look. Luckily, the high street is serving plenty of chic options this season, from sheer colourful cardis to wear on holiday, to minimalist crochet options for a more elevated, everyday look.
Call us grannies, but we’re firmly in the cardigan’s corner as the sensible yet stylish layer to wear during the last few weeks of summer.
Best lightweight cardigans for cool, summer evenings
Blush pink has been everywhere this season: it’s a chic way to introduce colour to your palette, without feeling too loud or bold. In fact, it’s a colour that can work so hard in your wardrobe, it’s almost behaving like a neutral.
Case in point: the summery hue of this lightweight cardi is easy to style – wear it alone with a pair of white shorts and gold jewellery, or pair it with a maxi dress and throw it over your shoulders when the temp starts to dip.
M&S Rich Pearl Detail Scallop Edge Cardigan
M&S Rich Pearl Detail Scallop Edge Cardigan
For more elevated evenings (think: a destination wedding, sunset date night or rooftop drinks) this crochet-style cardi is the perfect layer to fend off a chill, while still looking stylish and put together. We love the pearl buttons and scalloped edging, which adds a luxe detail, making the cardigan look way more expensive than the £40 price tag.
If you’re gathering some last-minute essentials for your Euro-summer holiday, this crochet cardi is a smart (and stylish) choice to wear on balmy evenings. Imagine this: the sun is going down, you’re enjoying a cocktail along the coast, and you start to feel a slight chill in the air – this open-knit cardigan adds a light layer of warmth, while still looking chic and holiday-ready.
Nobody’s Child Green Crew Neck Cardigan
Nobody’s Child is no stranger to a great discount, so we have to spotlight this smart cardigan that’s currently 60% off. The slim fit, complete with pearlescent buttons and a round neckline, is a nod to the classic cardigan style. It’s a timeless piece that will transcend seasons and trends, and can be worn with summer dresses now or with jeans when the weather starts to cool.
For evenings where there is a slight breeze, a sheer cardigan will become your summer-night essential. Throw this butter yellow cardi over your shoulders and it will add a light layer while still keeping things breezy and effortless.
Another pastel shade to pay attention to this summer: baby blue. The easiest way to style it is by pairing it with neutrals (such as black, beige, white, grey and brown) so the blue feels like an intentional choice, as opposed to just a trend. We love the dusty hue of this Uniqlo piece: it feels polished and far more premium than the price suggests.
The large, chunky crochet of this H&M cardigan is still lightweight enough to wear in the summer – the breezy design keeps things breathable and airy, while offering enough coverage to take the chill off in the evenings. The intricate knit, scalloped collar and statement knot buttons give it plenty of impact, meaning it can be worn alone as a statement top or layered with a white cami underneath.
Mango’s frill option proves that a cardigan can be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Wear it alone buttoned up for the look of a long-sleeve top, or leave it undone and layer it over a lightweight cami for a transitional summer-to-autumn outfit.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
