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12 best women’s cardigans, from chunky knits to cashmere designs
For a true It girl look, these are the sartorial staples worth investing in for autumn and winter
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No longer considered the dowdiest item in your wardrobe, the humble cardigan has been revamped and has even hit headlines. Shedding the former preppy persona, they’ve garnered a fan base of It girls.
It all started when Katie Holmes was papped in the Khaite cashmere off-the-shoulder knit and matching cashmere bra underneath, which proceeded to sell out in a matter of minutes.
Model Kaia Gerber followed suit and carved out a new role of herself as a cardigan influencer as she fashioned a simple cropped cardi forgoing anything underneath, triggering something of a sartorial revolution and resulting in the birth of a new trend: the “sexigan”.
The fascination doesn’t stop there. Taylor Swift dropped her surprise lockdown album, Folklore complete with the lead single “Cardigan” and some appropriate matching merch – a cream knit featuring an embroidered applique and black piping.
Not just a staple reserved for A-listers, cardigans can offer the ideal throw-on layer for the changeable British weather. To find the pick of the bunch, we prioritised comfort, warmth and ease of wear, as well as making sure each one was bang on trend.
We’re certain it’s going to be the most versatile item in your wardrobe: pair with joggers to nail the WFH uniform; throw on over a slip dress; or wear buttoned up tucked into jeans for a nod to the Nineties.
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The verdict: Women’s cardigans
All are deserving of a place in this round-up thanks to being warm and versatile, but also trend-led. But, for something truly Katie Holmes, the River Island knitted cardi and bralet takes the crown – it’s cosy and a little different.
For more autumn fashion ideas, read our review of the best women’s leather pieces to invest in now