Cardigans are a wardrobe staple, and the best knitwear choice for trans-seasonal dressing. Sure, it hasn’t always held the title for most stylish sartorial item, but thanks to fashionable celebs rocking the cosy trend things have done a 180 and we’ve seen the humble cardigan’s fashion revival.

Everyone is feeling the cardi love from street style stars to designers, and the number of celebs wearing cardigans feels endless. Take Rihanna, who recently paired hers with trackies and mini handbag in the same hue or Bella Hadid, who is all about the sexy cardigan trend, pairing her black Jacqumeus one fastened style with baggy casual jeans.

Basically, there are many different designs and ways to style them. Things to think about are crop length, material type, sleeve style, colourway - and that's before we even think about brand or designer.

To give you a little hand, we’ve rounded up the best cardigans, from oversized styles to cute button ups, these will be your new go-to all year round.

Keep scrolling to shop our celeb-approved edit of the best cardigans available to buy now.

48 best cardigans to shop now: celebrity inspo

Bella Hadid: Back to Black

saint denis, france   june 30 model bella hadid attends the jacquemus la montagne show at la cite du cinema on june 30, 2021 in saint denis, france photo by marc piaseckigetty imagespinterest
Marc Piasecki//Getty Images

How do you make a black cardigan sexy? Just ask Bella Hadid, who chose one with a single fastening and showed off her washboard abs. If you're not feeling quite as brave as Bella, you can commit to a few undone buttons or go slouchy with a low V neck style and billowy sleeves.

Dua Lipa: 00s Nostalgia

Our Y2K obsession is here to stay, thanks in part to Dua Lipa's joyous wardrobe. The cutesy cardigan is one noughties item we're more than happy to welcome back, with its fun furry embellishments and colourful hues. Pair with your favourite denim, and we suggest low rise jeans if you want to double down on the trend.

Selena Gomez: Preppy elegance

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Selena Gomez looks effortlessly stylish with this knitted cardigan and dress combo. The look is elegant, sophisticated and yet oh-so-simple. You can go classic black, or opt for a preppy but smart tweed, to copy the timeless look.

Kaia Gerber: Lilac Dream

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Sweet dreams are made of this little lilac number. Kaia Gerber adds a 70s flare to the trend by styling it up with a silk scarf and flared denim jeans. Cropped styles are ideal for coming into spring and while its still a little chilly, just throw on a trench coat and you're good to go.

Rihanna: Mohair

los angeles, ca   march 11  rihanna is seen leaving giorgio baldi restaurant on march 11, 2021 in los angeles, california photo by spwmegagc imagespinterest
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Kurt Cobain first bought the sought-after oversized cardi to our attention and our love has never waned thanks to the instant grunge cool that comes with the style. It’s great for layering, whether draped over a crop top or a clashing printed shirt. Pair with your favourite Levi’s or a leather skirt to delve into that indie look.

Gigi Hadid: Colour block

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Always the rule breaker, Gigi Hadid nails an unusual pairing with this sweater and ripped denim jorts combo, but we're totally into it. Colour block and stripes are a great way to make a statement without dominating the whole look and adds a cool twist to any outfit.

Hailey Beiber: Logo Mania

los angeles, california   november 05 hailey bieber is seen on november 05, 2021 in los angeles, california photo by gonzalo marroquinwireimagepinterest
Gonzalo Marroquin//Getty Images

There is no escaping monogram mania and a logo sweater is the ultimate way to tap into the noughties revival. They’re pretty versatile too, for a more twee look go for the preppy woollen cardi buttoned up to the top, or if you want to go grunge follow Hailey’s lead with a slouchy, mohair style.


Zendaya: Camel Cool

new york, new york   february 05 zendaya attends the launch of solar dream hosted by fendi on february 05, 2020 in new york city photo by noam galaigetty images for fendipinterest
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Sophisticated and timeless, the camel cardigan is the most effortless of the knitwear family. Ooze elegance like Zendaya with a silk shirt in a matching hue and knee high boots. A camel cardi will go with literally most things in your wardrobe so it’s a great trans-seasonal buy.

Chrissy Teigen: Hot Pink

los angeles, ca   december 01 chrissy teigen is seen on december 01, 2021 in los angeles, california  photo by bellocqimagesbauer griffingc imagespinterest
Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images

The little pink cardi has to be cutest to feature on the list, whether it’s bubble gum, baby pink or a bright barbie shade. Chrissy Teigen’s ribbed, cropped number definitely falls under the latter and looks beaut paired with the printed mini skirt and heels. Elle woods eat your heart out.

Kendall Jenner: Cut the Mustard

best cardigans to shop now los angeles, ca   october 08  kendall jenner is seen on october 8, 2018 in los angeles, ca  photo by hollywood to youstar maxgc imagespinterest
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When you just can't decide what to wear, sometimes black isn't always best. Case and point: Kendall Jenner who makes this decidedly simple outfit ultra cool with a pop of colour in the form of a mustard cardie. Like Kendall, pair a micro handbag with square sunglasses to keep on the '90s theme train.

Lupita Nyong'o: Orange Brights

best cardigans new york, ny   march 28  actress lupita nyongo is seen  in midtown  on march 28, 2019 in new york city  photo by raymond hallgc imagespinterest
Raymond Hall//Getty Images

An orange cardigan will be your wardrobe's new best friend, a season-less staple and a great alternative to your other more neutral colours. Lupita shows how to wear color elegantly in this bright number.

Megan Fox: Cosy Creams

los angeles, ca   april 01 actress megan fox is seen on april 01, 2021 in los angeles, california photo by john sciulliwireimagepinterest
John Sciulli//Getty Images

Embrace all the cosiness in a dreamy cream cardigan. Ideal for days when you just want to relax and say yes to comfort. Add a silk midi skirt if you plan to leave the house or pair with faded denim and equally comfortable footwear like our pal Megan Fox here.

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Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell
Contributing Curve Editor

Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. The former curve model and digital content creator has worked in the fashion industry, specialising in plus-size fashion content, for six years. Known for her excellent eye for style, captivating imagery and witty sense of humour to match, Lauren Nicole continues to inspire women to live boldly through their clothes.

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