25 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. Wait, 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 last fall 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, 2022-friendly designs.  

From whimsical hues, jeweled buttons, and quirky motifs to zip-up details, front-close knits are here to spice up your cold-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, since sweater weather is here, there's no better time to add to your collection with a new-and-improved cropped or long cardi sweater (or two). Here are 25 of the coolest cardigans around to get you started.

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

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

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

Madewell Brampton Crop Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Madewell

Free People Bonfire Cardi, $, available at Free People

Ugg Joselyn Lounge Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom

Sandro Preston Houndstooth Cardigan, $, available at Nordstom

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

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

Pilcro Pilcro Flower Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie

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

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

Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan, $, available at Zara

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

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

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

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

YanYan Rosie Pointelle Wool Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom

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

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

Rachel Antonoff Cori Cardigan, $, available at Rachel Antonoff

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

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

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

Mango Check Knitted Cardigan, $, available at Mango

Everlane The Chunky Cardigan, $, available at Everlane

Eloquii Colorblock Sweater Cardigan Dress, $, available at Eloquii

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

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

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

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?

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