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19 of the best cardigans to take you from summer to autumn, so you can nail trans-seasonal dressing
These cute cardis will totally replace your emotional support jacket
It's common knowledge that us Brits can't leave the house in summer without grabbing a lightweight jacket just in case, but it's the humble cardigan that's been enjoying a summer fashion revival. A cropped cardi styled with a pair of 'Sneakerinas' will achieve the perfect balletcore aesthetic. Layer a slouchy button-down over a cotton maxi dress, and you've got yourself a cottagecore look ideal for holiday evenings.
All of which is to say, the cardigan is the unexpectedly cool item in our wardrobe that we shouldn't underestimate. Taylor Swift's Folklore hit, named after the cosy unsung hero, caused searches to soar. Ever since an off-duty Katie Holmes stepped out in her Khaite cardigan, draped off the shoulder with a matching knitted bra, it breathed new life into its sexy appeal, and Jacquemus' micro cardigan won over the likes of Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, helping to secure the thin knit as a summer staple.
God knows, even after a heatwave, we'll experience some breezy summer evenings and that lightweight cardigan packed away in your tote bag will come to the rescue. Then, as we head into Autumn, its versatility will continue. Channel the 90s and the decade's unabashed love for the knit, wearing it solo as a top with either a low-slung denim maxi skirt, cargo trousers, or a preppy pleated skirt. You can take Prada and Miu Miu's lead with a corporate, 'office siren' look, layering a half-buttoned cardigan over a simple white vest top and pairing with a pencil skirt.
Basically, put those jackets away and embrace your cardigan game this season and next. We've rounded up the best cardigans that will go the distance in your wardrobe. Scroll down to see our fave picks to shop.
Peachy Den has our bank accounts in a chokehold. This Agnes cardigan in 'Deep Sea Blue' is next on my wishlist. The crop and thin spiderweb knit make it perfect for pairing with summer dresses.
Have your own Katie Holmes off-the-shoulder moment in River's gorge oatmeal cardigan. It also features a V back for an ultra slouchy silhouette.
Mango's knit cardi is made from 100% cotton, making it a great breathable option for summer. Whether worn with a white mini dress or baggy cargo trousers, it's an all-year-round staple.
&Daughter gives good knitwear! We love the preppy baby blue shade and Mother-of-pearl buttons on their 100% wool Ada cardigan. As temps rise, it'll look just as good draped over your shoulders with the sleeves tied around the neck.
Zara's chic beach alternative to an oversized shirt is this thin knit V-neck cardigan, and we're here for it. Oh, and did we mention the matching knit vest top? Our holiday evenings are sorted.
A Breton stripe is always a good idea. This nautical number, with its slouchy shape and wide sleeves, has a '60s vibe paired with some frayed denim shorts and ballet flats. Very effortless, French girl cool.
We are fully on board with a knitted co-ord. This set will be a summer holiday MVP worn at the beach bar with an oversized straw beach bag and strappy leather sandals. When summer is officially over, it'll work just as well with baggy jeans and an oversized leather jacket.
Urban Outfitters Rhodes Stitchy Tie-Front Cardigan
Crochet cardigans are a big Boho summer trend that won't be slowing down come September. Bear the skin in August, worn over a bikini top, then layer over a button-down shirt when autumn rolls around.
Ask any fashion editor, and they'll tell you a navy cardigan is the perfect staple to build into your capsule wardrobe. M&S nailed it with this crew neck cardi. The ribbon trim along the buttons is a subtle detail that sets it apart from other high street styles.
A pink and deep red colour palette is a dreamy combo. Add the bow tie front and Clueless-esque Argyle print, and we have the cutest transeasonal cardigan going. 😍
Cardigans worn as tops are a transeasonal style hack we approve of. Peachy Den's Claudine knit features a subtle rose stitch detail, giving it a cool vintage feel. Add a '90s choker necklace to fully lean into the grunge aesthetic.
Our Cosmo Editors may be divided on animal print, but I'm fully in the yes camp. From subtle hints to bold and bright colourful prints, it's back in a big way this season, and this Simply Be cardi is the perfect way to dive in.
Urban's grey marl knit looks worth more than its bargain price tag. This versatile staple can be worn so many ways. Channel the boho vibes this summer, as pictured, with floaty white cotton tops and lashings of silver chain necklaces, then come autumn, wear buttoned up with a pleated mini skirt, tights, and flats.
Worn over a bikini top or spaghetti-strap vest, GAP's tie-front cardigan is ideal for summer evenings when the temp starts to drop. Wear with the unstoppable denim 'jorts' trend and a pair of comfy flip flops, and you're good to go.
Cashmere knitwear is an investment buy that'll be in your wardrobe for years to come. Our fave US exports, Reformation, has 17 different colourways of their Clara cardigan, including this sweet stripe design. Dress it up with tailored shorts and mules, or wear with trackies and trainers for a chic travel outfit. The styling options are endless.
Gigi Hadid's brand Guest in Residence has won the hearts of the cool NY fashion set. Full of preppy stripes and pastel shades, the cashmere pieces channel summer knitwear perfectly.
How cute is Mango's short-sleeve crochet cardi? Whether you wear it with a boho tiered skirt now or lived-in jeans in September, this will be a top you gravitate towards throughout the seasons.
Whoever said a cardigan was a conservative fashion choice was mistaken. Thanks in part to Jacquemus and their viral La Maille Pralu style, the cardigan is sexy. Monki's maxi style leans into the vibe big time. A statement holiday 'fit if ever we saw one.
The balletcore trend has been taking over our wardrobes since last year (I'm now a ballet trainers convert) and we have no doubt it'll be sticking around for autumn. Stories' wrap cardi is a buy-now, wear-all-year type of purchase.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
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