Wednesday, September 27, 2023

29 Elevated Cardigans That Definitely Aren’t Your Grandma’s

It’s no secret that we love sweaters — chunky knits, turtlenecks, striped jumpers, you name it. Can you blame us? There’s nothing better than a cozy knit top to snuggle in while you venture out in the brisk outdoors. But if we have one tiny little complaint about the state of knitwear, it’s this: Every style looks the same as those from years past. Sweaters can get repetitive. However, one silhouette that has been upgraded in the past few years is cardigans.  My unraveling chunky cardigan, you might say? Not exactly. Just wait; the best cardigan in your wardrobe has yet to come. 

Cardigans started to make a stylish comeback in fall 2022 when the micro versions made headlines during New York Fashion Week. Designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kim Shui debuted tiny cardigans — the cousin to the viral pin tops — during their spring 2022 runways. As you can imagine, fashion enthusiasts and celebs ate it up. While the itty-bitty, thin cardigan is still floating along, many people are still opting for warmer, more sustainable options in updated, 2023-friendly designs.  

From whimsical hues, funky patterns, and chunky knits to classic silhouettes, front-close knits are here to spice up your cool-weather ensembles. Don't worry; we still added a few of the beloved oversized and cable-knit styles for you to throw on while listening to T Swift's "Cardigan" to celebrate the return of chilly weather. Plus, as spring approaches, there's no better time to add to your collection with a new-and-improved cropped or long cardi sweater (or two). Here are 29 of the best cardigans around to get you started.

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Lululemon Cotton-Blend Cardigan

ADD this cardi in oct
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Pact Fisherman Knit Button-Front Cardigan


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PACT Fisherman Knit Button-Front Cardigan, $, available at PACT

By Anthropologie Floral Knit Cardigan Sweater


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By Anthropologie Floral Knit Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

Free People Ella Sweater Shirt


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Free People Ella Sweater Shirt, $, available at Free People

Madewell Signature Knit Crewneck Cardigan Sweater


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Madewell The Signature Knit Crewneck Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell

Jenni Kayne Cable Cocoon Cardigan


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Jenni Kayne Cable Cocoon Cardigan, $, available at Jenni Kayne

River Island Boucle Knitted Cardigan


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River Island Boucle Knitted Cardigan, $, available at River Island

COS Ribbed-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan


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COS Ribbed-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan, $, available at COS

LPA Ruffle Sweater Cardigan


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LPA Ruffle Sweater Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Gap Pointelle Cardigan


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Gap Pointelle Cardigan, $, available at Gap

Hollister Co. Cozy Tie-Front Crop Cardigan


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Hollister Co. Cozy Tie-Front Crop Cardigan, $, available at Hollister Co.

Smartwool Cozy Lodge Cropped Cardigan Sweater


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Smartwool Cozy Lodge Cropped Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Smartwool

Boden Merino Scallop Cardigan


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Boden Merino Scallop Cardigan, $, available at Boden

Out From Under Leilani Ribbed Cardigan


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Out From Under Leilani Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Polo Cardigan


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Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Polo Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Maurices Plus Size Waffle Knit Cardigan


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maurices Plus Size Waffle Knit Cardigan, $, available at maurices

Torrid Vegan Cashmere Cardigan V-Neck Drop Shoulder Sweater


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Torrid Vegan Cashmere Cardigan V-Neck Drop Shoulder Sweater, $, available at Torrid

Universal Standard Fuzzy Duster Cardigan


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Universal Standard Fuzzy Duster Cardigan, $, available at Universal Standard

Hunter Bell Emma Tailored Sweater


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Hunter Bell Emma Tailored Sweater, $, available at Hunter Bell

Spell Highland Knit Cardigan


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Spell Highland Knit Cardigan, $, available at Spell

BCBGeneration Contrast Knit Cardigan


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BCBGeneration Contrast Knit Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Dôen Petra Cardigan


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Dôen Petra Cardigan, $, available at Dôen

Sancia Frida Cardigan


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SANCIA Frida Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

Rhode Diego Cardigan


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Rhode Diego Cardigan, $, available at Rhode

Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Cardigan


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Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Quince

Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan


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Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Everlane

Alice + Olivia Kitty Puff-Sleeve Cardigan


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Alice + Olivia Kitty Puff-Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

& Other Stories Tie-Front Ribbed Cardigan


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And Other Stories Tie-Front Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at And Other Stories

Stateside Farmboy Rib Cropped Collared Cardigan


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Stateside Farmboy Rib Cropped Collared Cardigan, $, available at Bailey44

Ulla Popken Scoop Neck Floral Embroidered Cardigan


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Ulla Popken Scoop Neck Floral Embroidered Cardigan, $, available at Ulla Popken

Sandro Preston Houndstooth Cardigan


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Sandro Preston Houndstooth Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Rose Carmine Cropped Striped Crochet-Knit Mohair-Blend Cardigan


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Rose Carmine Cropped Striped Crochet-Knit Mohair-Blend Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan


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Rachel Antonoff Cori Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

Rachel Antonoff Ana Cardigan, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

Torrid Retro Cropped Cardigan Embroidered Sweater


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Torrid Retro Cropped Cardigan Embroidered Sweater, $, available at Torrid

Mango Check Knitted Cardigan


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Mango Check Knitted Cardigan, $, available at Mango

H&M+ Knit Cardigan


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H&M H&M+ Knit Cardigan, $, available at H&M

Urban Outfitters Rosie Faux Fur Trim Cardigan


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Urban Outfitters Rosie Faux Fur Trim Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters

River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan


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River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at River Island

YanYan Curious V-Neck Cardigan In Turmeric Multi Lambswool


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YanYan Curious V-Neck Cardigan In Turmeric Multi Lambswool, $, available at YanYan

Uniqlo UV Protection Crew Neck Cropped Cardigan


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Uniqlo UV Protection Crew Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Zara Structured Knit Jacket


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Zara Structured Knit Jacket, $, available at Zara

ASOS Crop Cardigan With 3D Textured Stitch


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ASOS DESIGN Crop Cardigan With 3D Textured Stitch, $, available at ASOS

COS Minimal Cropped V-Neck Cardigan


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COS Minimal Cropped V-Neck Cardigan, $, available at COS

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan Sweater


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J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan Sweater, $, available at J.Crew


Everlane The Chunky Cardigan, $, available at Everlane

Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan


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Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan, $, available at Zara

More To Come Malya Tie Cardigan


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MORE TO COME Malya Tie Cardigan, $, available at Revolve

O'Dolly Dearest Whatever Forever Feather Trim Cardigan



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O'Dolly Dearest Whatever Forever Feather Trim Cardigan, $, available at O'Dolly Dearest

Madewell Lovell Cardigan Sweater


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Madewell Lovell Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell

Ugg Joselyn Lounge Cardigan


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Ugg Joselyn Lounge Cardigan, $, available at Ugg

Jet Mid Length Cardigan


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Threadbare Curve Jet Mid Length Cardigan, $, available at ASOS

Bailey44 Brea Sweater Deep V Cardigan


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Bailey 44 Brea Sweater Deep V Cardigan, $, available at Bailey 44

Uniqlo Low Gauge V-Neck Long-Sleeve Cardigan


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Uniqlo Low Gauge V-Neck Long-Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo

Rachel Antoff Cori Cardigan


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Rachel Antonoff Cori Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

Eloquii Tipping Detail Cardigan Sweater Dress


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Eloquii Tipping Detail Cardigan Sweater Dress, $, available at Eloquii

COS Zip-Up Ribbed-Knit Cardigan


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COS Zip-Up Ribbed-Knit Cardigan, $, available at COS


Eloquii Colorblock Sweater Cardigan Dress, $, available at Eloquii

River Island Green Long Sleeve Cardigan


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River Island Green Rib Long Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at River Island

& Other Stories Wool Knit Glitter Cardigan


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And Other Stories Wool Knit Glitter Cardigan, $, available at And Other Stories

Farm Rio Mixed Textures Button-Front Crochet Cardigan


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Farm Rio Mixed Textures Button-Front Crochet Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter


YanYan Curious Embroidered Colorblock Lambswool Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom

Free People Bonfire Cardi


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Free People Bonfire Cardi, $, available at Free People


Daisy Street Plus 90's Cropped Cardigan, $, available at ASOS

Pilcro Flower Cardigan Sweater


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Pilcro Pilcro Flower Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

Madewell Brampton Crop Cardigan Sweater


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Madewell Brampton Crop Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell


Sandro Driss Wool Cable Knit Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pilcro Cropped Patchwork Cardigan Sweater


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Pilcro Cropped Patchwork Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie


H&M Short Cardigan, $, available at H&M


Miss Selfridge Cable Contrast Bow Cardigan In Ivory, $, available at ASOS


Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Everlane


Alex Mill Margot Cardigan, $, available at Alex Mill


Mango Oversize Knit Cardigan, $, available at Mango


Farm Rio Colorful Bananas Cardigan, $, available at Farm Rio


Ganni Solid Cardigan, $, available at Lisa Says Gah


BP. Plus Crop Recycled Blend Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom Rack


& Other Stories Boxy Asymmetric Cardigan, $, available at & Other Stories


Mango Multi-Color Knit Cardigan, $, available at Mango


UO Bec Cardigan, $, available at Urban Outfitters


& Other Stories Boxy Waffle Stitch Cardigan, $, available at & Other Stories


Free People High Tide Cardi, $, available at Free People


The Drop Divya Pointelle Full Sleeve Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Amazon


Eloquii Cutout Neckline Cardigan, $, available at Eloquii


Victor Glemaud Pink Wool Cardigan, $, available at SSENSE


Lisa Says Gah Leti Button Up, $, available at Lisa Says Gah


H&M Jacquard-Knit Cardigan, $, available at H&M


Scoop Faux Sherpa Grandpa Cardigan, $, available at Walmart


Uniqlo U Full Needle Short Cardigan, $, available at Uniqlo


Christopher John Rogers Color-Block Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Net-A-Porter
From now on, no cardigan roundup is complete without the Harry-Styles-approved one that sparked a viral TikTok sensation.

JW Anderson Colorblock Patchwork Cardigan, $, available at JW Anderson

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Why Are Cardigans Trending On TikTok?

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Don't Snooze On Finding A Cute, Cozy Cardigan

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