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The best cropped cardigans to see you through the transitional season
Because they are low-key an autumn essential
There’s no denying cropped cardigans have enjoyed a revival recently. Maybe it’s because of Taylor Swift’s heartbreaking hit named after the humble knit (seriously, searches soared after her Folklore album release), or it could be TikTok’s obsession with the coastal grandma aesthetic. But it’s likely down to the fact that sweater weather is upon us (yep, it’s nearly time to retrieve your big coat from the back of your wardrobe) and a cropped cardigan just so happens to be the perfect transitional piece.
Far from the cardigans you’ll remember from school days past, the cropped cardi has shaken off any previous preppy connotations and is now the cool-girl item to own in 2024. It’s official: anything longline is out, while navel-grazing hemlines, boleros and shrugs are totally in.
We probs have Katie Holmes to thank for the spike in cropped cardigan sales, given that the celeb coined the term “bradigan” after she took to the streets in a knitted bralette and cardi combo back in 2019. Since then, the knit twinset has become even more cheeky, with micro hemlines and plunging necklines across the runway and high street alike. Not to mention, the many It girls of 2024 who are opting for no bras under their knits at all. How risqué!
Just Google recent pics of Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Mia Regan and Bella Hadid if you’re lacking style inspo; these gals love wearing their cropped cardigans with low-slung denim, parachute pants and flirty tennis skirts. Want to recreate the look? Luckily, we’ve spotted a couple of Jacquemus’ iconic bra styles in the sales, plus loads of other high street versions (thank you H&M, A&F and Mango) that’ll seriously go the distance in your wardrobe.
No matter if you’re into fur-trimmed styles, chunky knits or staple black iterations, here are the best cropped cardigans to shop this autumn.
There’s no denying that leopard print has been back in a BIG way for 2024, and the spotty animal trend shows no sign of abating come autumn/winter. This cropped, mohair number will look TDF with biker boots and leather trousers.
Ooh la la, this Abercrombie cropped cardi is bringing all the chic Parisian vibes – you know, real Coco Chanel stuff. The contrast trim and luxe gold buttons are just the cherry on top. We’ll be picking this up for office days when we wanna feel reeeaal fancy.
Sorry but how cayoot is this fair isle knit cardigan from cool-girl brand to know Kitri? Anything with pearl button fastenings and subtle cut-outs gets our seal of approval.
Adorned in three satin bows, this versatile cream cropped cardi is just too cute not to include. We’ll be wearing it with a black slip skirt and lil’ mules. Is it too early to confirm an Xmas day ‘fit?!
Crochet doesn’t only have to be a big deal in high summer, in fact, Sept is low-key the best time to layer this knitted staple. Run with the boho vibes of this open-weave number and style it with a maxi skirt and knee-high boots for transitional szn.
So, this Ref cropped cardigan might give you flashbacks to the M&S vest your mum used to layer you up in as a child. But, trust us, nostalgic pointelle knits are cooler than ever. Just Google Cou Cou Intimates if you don’t believe us.
H&M is seriously spoiling us this szn with its selection of uber wearable knitwear you'll wanna keep in your wardrobe forever. In a gorgeous fine-knit, this grey marl cardi is just like one of Khaite’s designer iterations.
Knitted from a pretty pink wool-blend, & Other Stories’ brooch-detailed cardi is giving us real balletcore vibes. Balance the girlish vibes and rock yours with boyfriend denim this season.
While a buttoned cardi can be uber chic, we’re also really into baggier styles this season. We’ll be wearing this slouchy, bow-detailed knit from Miss Selfridge with boho looks this autumn – think white ruffle maxis and ankle boots.
Yes, this Sézane cropped cardigan is on the pricey side, but in this hawt pink hue, it’ll truly never date and will legit work with everything in your wardrobe – from jeans to floral dresses.
We love that this Mango polka-dot cardigan comes with a matching top and mini skirt so you can wear it as a fabulous set for Friday night drinks. Katie Holmes, eat your heart out.
While Sezane’s Betty cardigan isn’t technically cropped, it hits at juuuust the right spot, in our opinion. It’s the perf length to pair with mid-rise jeans and work trousers. Plus, those tort buttons? Ugh, say no more.
It doesn’t get much more versatile than a classic black cropped cardigan. Simply pair this & Other Stories style with slouchy sweatpants on the weekend and switch to tailored trousers on office days.
We’ve spotted Jacquemus’ micro style on many an influencer over on Instagram. Dare to flash some flesh and wear yours with cargo pants at the hips, or keep things daytime appropriate with high-waisted denim.
The three hook design on this white cropped cardigan from Reformation ensures juuuust the right amount of flesh is on show. Wear yours with leather trousers and a lace bralette for Friday night drinks.
Trust us, Breton stripes are always a good idea. This Nobody’s Child cropped cardigan is the perfect balance between put-together and laid back – add big gold hoops and a satin skirt for a glam evening lewk.
Can’t get on board with Jacquemus’ super mini style? It also comes in a longline iteration that can be layered over vests or worn solo for statement lewks.
Cropped cardigans don’t have to be super tight-fitting, just look at this Free People number if you don’t believe us. The slouchy, relaxed fit is perfect for causal looks – style yours with distressed denim and cool sneaks.
A cropped cardigan also deserves a place in your activewear wardrobe. This ribbed style from Cali-based brand Alo Yoga is perf for stretching sessions and pilates classes. It will look totally gorge paired with sweatpants on those post-gym brunches, too.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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