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

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10 Ways To Style Sequins For Day & Night — According To R29 Editors

From birthday night looks and wedding guest outfits to holiday dressing, sequins are pretty much synonymous with partywear. Now that the festive season is in full swing and brands have ramped up their sequined, beaded, and rhinestone-encrusted offerings, it’s the perfect time to embrace maximalist fashion.

When it comes to buying a sequinned ‘fit, either new or pre-loved, there’s always the dilemma of whether you’ll get a decent cost per wear out of it. Even though sequins seem impossible to dress down, there are tons of creative ways to wear this party look for the daytime, too. Whether you’re heading to the office, indulging in some festivities during the day, or have a diary filled with after-work parties this season, the R29 team has set out to help you style your looks via multiple combinations.

From sparkly dresses and suits to skirts and co-ords, five R29 staffers across the UK and US accepted the challenge to style their favorite sequined looks for night and day. Since we’re big advocates of wearing whatever you want this holiday season, we’re also here to show you that there is no set formula for dressing up or dressing down. We invite you to scroll on and see 10 different ways to wear your sequined looks this festive season… at every hour of the day.

Ebony-Renee Baker, UK Fashion Editor

“When I first saw this bold co-ord hanging in Sézane’s Paris showroom, I knew it had to be mine. That being said, my mind immediately assumed it would only be worn during Christmas party evening soirées so styling it for daytime was eye-opening for me. While I already love being OTT during the daytime, this skirt took my officewear to new levels when I paired it with my platform Dr. Martens, leather jacket, and a pair of colorful tights. To dress it up, I kept it simple so as not to outshine the outfit, which is why I paired it with silver heels and my fave red handbag. The multifunctionality of this look reminded me that sequins are such a fun confidence-booster.”

Alicia Lansom, UK Assistant Editor

“I always refer to myself as a magpie when it comes to fashion because I love anything shiny. I need very little persuading to wear sequins on a night out, however, wearing them during the day was a major step out of my comfort zone. This Topshop skirt turned out to be the perfect choice as the sequins are layered underneath mesh, which makes for a more subdued look. In the end, I actually preferred my daytime look — the skirt worked perfectly with a baggy sweatshirt, crossbody bag, and boots. All I did to take it from day to night was replace the sweater with a blazer and add heels and some sparkly earrings. Oh, and a sequin shoulder bag, too, because you can never have enough sparkle at Christmas.”

Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

“Typically, I am not a huge fan of sequin or crystal-encrusted pieces — I am a minimalist who relies on a wardrobe of layerable essentials — but every year, during the holidays, I get the urge to shine a little brighter. I’ve been loving the naked dress trend on the runways, which I am making my look for this holiday season. What I love most about the sheer dress is that it’s versatile enough to be worn underneath a blazer or over trousers for daytime. Come nighttime, ditch the pantsuit at work and make the dress a showstopping piece with a pair of high-waisted briefs and a bra (or a bustier if you prefer more coverage like me), a vampy lipstick shade, and sparkly accessories.”

Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer

“While my eyes love anything glittery, I’m not one to willingly wear sparkles. But since sequins have been popping up everywhere, I decided it was time to give them a try. I love a monochromatic look so I opted for this chocolate brown sequin set from Saylor. The trousers are a fun option for work and are easy to style — plus they’re super comfy and breezy. For my daytime look, I went with a cream-colored sweatshirt, my pearl necklace, clogs, and a white beanie. For a night out with friends, the entire set adds that bit of pizzazz with white ankle boots and a furry bucket hat.

Esther Newman, UK Affiliate Writer

“When it comes to sequins, the bigger, the better in my book. This Free People skirt (that’s no longer available) is so fun to twirl around in — very reminiscent of the iconic Paco Rabanne chainmail mini skirt. Styling this for the day was tricky, especially because it is rather short (though it is secretly a skort, so you do feel more covered than you look). To balance out its length, I paired it with a chunky sweater and my trusty Converse high-tops. I didn’t want to compete with the sparkle so I kept my color palette simple with black and white, and leaned into the festive spirit with some star-printed tights (worn over nude, fleece-lined tights so I don’t freeze). For a nighttime look, I’m not one for glam so I’d wear this with one of my favorite baby tees, statement boots, and a vintage leather jacket.”

Venus Wong, UK Shopping Writer

“This tube top from Free People was a great piece to put some bling in my holiday style: the embellishments were very subtle, while the burgundy ribbon straps added a soft, festive touch. To make sequins work for the daytime, I paired the top with blue jeans and wore it under a white shirt and vintage wool vest. Having the sparkles peep through made the outfit eye-catching, but not over-the-top. I wore the piece again that evening to a jazz bar, with a pleated skirt and polka dot tights. I felt like a million bucks in both outfits.”

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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