Wednesday, September 27, 2023

How To Dress Like The Main Character Of Your Own Halloween Movie

This fall we’re prioritizing ourselves and channeling some serious main character energy. That means feeling (and looking) like the leading lady of our lives. So while you may not actually be starring in a movie, you can take inspiration from different Halloween aesthetics and main characters from iconic horror movies to feel like it. Whether you’re looking to channel Anjelica Huston in The Addams Family, Drew Barrymore in Scream, or Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body, there’s several different styles to experiment with this spooky season.

Do you want your ideal main character outfit to be glamorous and gothic, cool and casual, or well-dressed…and slightly unhinged? Pick your poison from the Halloween aesthetics below that’ll have you looking like the protagonist, anti-hero, or full-blown villain of your own Halloween movie. You’ll find classic black wardrobe staples, pops of trending red, and decadent accessories to play around with. Read on to discover which leading-lady vibe you want to encompass this fall.

The Gothic Yet Glam Leading Lady

If you’re looking for a slightly witchy Halloween aesthetic, consider clothing and accessories with gothic elements that can be put together for an edgy-meets-elegant outfit. Want a glamorous all-black look? Go for a sleek black dress, black pointed booties, and black jewelry to top it all off. You can channel Morticia Addams with a flared sleeve dress but in a modern mini length, Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice with a red lacy skirt reminiscent of her wedding dress, the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus with an elegant vintage-style bustier, or Nancy Downs from The Craft with a layered rosary bead-esque necklace. Whatever you choose, go bold with your main character outfit.

The Cool & Casual Scream Queen

When you think of horror movie “scream queens” or “final girls,” some that come to mind may include Laurie Strode from Halloween, Nancy Thompson from Nightmare on Elm Street, Wendy Torrance from The Shining, Sidney Prescott (and the many other leading ladies) from the Scream franchise, and even Florence Pugh’s Dani in Midsommar.

One thing they all have in common is their effortlessly cool and casual wardrobes, which consist of oversized sweaters and cardigans, lots of plaid, tons of denim, and a good sturdy shoe for running, of course. To achieve this low-key Halloween aesthetic, consider basics in neutral colorways that can be worn on their own or layered when there’s a chill in the air. And for denim, go more retro with a pair of flared jeans or more ’90s with distressed baggy ones that look like you’ve crawled through the grass to fight for your life.

The Well-Dressed Villain

Sometimes we have to go through a villain era, okay? And this territory comes with bold, unexpected clothing, shoes, and jewelry, especially in a color palette that doesn’t necessarily scream “fall.” Take inspiration from the anti-heroes of Scream Queens (yes, we know it’s a TV show) with posh pearls, capes, and tweed or from Carrie with a sweet slip dress (pre-blood soaking). You can doll up your look even more with satin bow earrings reminiscent of the hair bows worn by Esther in Orphan or bright pink or red wedges like those worn by Jennifer in Jennifer’s Body. (Espadrille wedges in the fall are truly unhinged, but we’re down for it.) Or if you want to be like the titular villainous protagonist in Pearl, don a red puff-sleeve dress and cry out, “Please, I’m a star!” because yes you are.

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The Fall Boot Trends You’ll Want To Walk Everywhere In

Cooler weather has finally arrived — aka the perfect time to ready your seasonal wardrobe with some of the hottest trends for fall. And while our upper bodies will likely get swathed in the coziest fall sweaters, comfy denim, and leather jackets, our feet are crying out for a pair of cute boots. This fall, the shoe trends are about as comfort-focused as we’ve ever seen, with perennial favorites like stylish booties, lace-up combat boots, motorcycle-inspired styles, over-the-knee looks, and cowboy boots making a major resurgence. There are also trendy new silhouettes in the mix this season, like denim and wedged sky-high boots that are perfect for the fashion-forward. We’ve also rounded up the best occasion-specific footwear, like the spicy stiletto boots, which take the beloved strappy shoe and elongate its soles to sky-high levels.

Ahead, peep the seven types of shoes we’re placing our bets on for fall. Whether you’re a comfort connoisseur who needs a slip-on for errands or someone who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a flat sole, there’s a new fall boot with your name on it to help you start the season on the right foot.

Lace-Up Combat Boots

Thanks to the influence of celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Kourtney Kardashian, grunge is thriving, and platform combat boots are stomping around town. However, the once daring style has also been transformed into something softer with lighter hues and tweed fabrics. Additionally, instead of regular laces, French brands like Sézane have added soft velour-like cotton laces to their designs, and Dr. Martens’ once simple boot has been updated with elevated padded quilting and contrast stitching. If you don’t already have this chunky style in your footwear arsenal, it may just be making its way into your wardrobe very soon.

Motorcycle Boots

These are similar to combat boots, but rather than laces, these shoes have everything from clunky buckles to rhinestone embellishments. A tad more attention-worthy, these boots are best shown off with pleated skirts or cropped jeans.

Cowboy Boots

Buckle up as we ride off into fall with the coastal cowgirl trend. Western-inspired boots are back but with more color. Your favorite brands, such as Ganni and Jeffrey Campbell, are adventuring into colorblock and glossier statement hues with subtle topstitching and paneling. But we know color isn’t for everyone, so we’ve included several safe neutrals as well.

Stiletto Boots

Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re part of the Ocean 8 crew on a daily basis? Just me? Sorry. Bring out your chic inner-model in a knee-high stiletto boot. Throw on a wool coat and a pair of sunglasses and embrace the immense amount of confidence that exudes from this timeless shoe.

Over-The-Knee Boots

In case you haven’t picked up on this yet, thigh-high boots will forever be in any “fall shoe” roundup, but for good reason! They make any outfit seasonally appropriate, especially if you refuse to stow away your mini skirts and shorts. Slouchy thigh-high boots, in particular, will make a stance this fall, as the shoe has graced the Fall/Winter 2023 runways of brands like Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Isabel Marant.

Denim Boots

You’re not the only one who’s noticed a surge of denim pop up from tote bags to bucket hats to boots. People love a Canadian tuxedo, and all the style-savvy folks will gladly take up any chance to put the head-to-toe denim look to work. Labels like Chloé, Acne Studios, Loewe, and Diesel have also been putting their own fashionable spin on the trend, and to give you a glimpse of what all the street-style stars are wearing, we’ve included a couple of the silhouettes above.

Wedge Boots

Wedges are back from the 2000s y’all. We’ve been there for the revival of wedges, and now the comfy shoe has evolved from airy sandals and espadrilles to striking boots for the colder season. While the dramatic shoe re-emerged on the Fall/Winter 2022 runways from designers like Givenchy and Bottega Veneta, it’s been inching its way to this moment to declare that it’s the statement trend of this season. 

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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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.

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Lululemon Cotton-Blend Cardigan

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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

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