The cardigan returns: How to wear it without looking frumpy
From Prada to Balenciaga, the button-up knit is back and it's far from old-fashioned
When Balenciaga, Prada and Gucci all agree on a certain piece or style, you can be sure it’s headed for trend status regardless of how undesirable the item was previously seen as.
Take cardigans for example, which have become a key outerwear piece this winter and beyond. Perfect for dreary January days when most people want to wear their warmest, most comfortable attire, the cardigan is a knitted version of a dressing gown. The cardi hasn’t been fashionable since the 90s, when it was worn in a dishevelled, grungy way; oversized styles loosely thrown over dresses and Levi’s 501s.
But now, thanks to the patronage of the catwalks and influencers, the cardigan is returning to the fore once again. This most cosy of pieces has been an integral part of Gucci’s maximalist aesthetic for the past few seasons, most recently worn over midi-length skirts. Miuccia Prada, a long-standing fan of the cardigan, offered oversized styles, worn open over dressy pencil skirts. Christopher Kane has also shown his appreciation for the piece in multiple recent collections – forget the denim or leather jacket, the slouchy cardigan is his preferred layering piece of choice, paired with pretty summer dresses. At Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia is currently selling jacquard styles covered in the label’s logo. The cardigan’s catwalk comeback has been cemented by patronage from several young influencers and celebrities, including Alexa Chung, Selena Gomez and Kate Bosworth.
The easiest way to wear the cardigan is over straight-leg jeans and a T-shirt – oversized styles are key to prevent your look from being twee. Or tuck it into high-waisted trousers for a slimmer silhouette. Alternatively, invest in a fine knit version and belt it over a midi skirt – a great winter workwear option. They’re also a great way of dressing down an evening look when worn over dresses. We’re also fans of the way Alexa Chung styles hers – tucked into trousers like a blouse.
There is a way of making the cardigan look sexy - pulls yours back over your shoulders like fashion influencer Alexandra Lapp to reveal your clavicle.
Want to add an insouciant edge to an evening dress? Instead of turning to a leather jacket for a juxtaposition, choose an oversized cardigan instead. Allow it to fall off your shoulders in a nonchalant fashion.
The closest you'll get to wearing a dressing gown outside, Gucci's midi-length knit cardi looks best when teamed with low-key denim.
Forget a jacket, come spring, wear a slouchy cardigan over a simple T-shirt and jeans for a relaxed take on the trend.
Style a fine knit cardigan with a midi-length skirt and boots, then accentuate the waist with an understated belt.
Consider styling a slim-fitting cardigan with high-waisted cropped denim and kitten heels - styles in pastel shades lend themselves to the onset of spring.
It is actually possible to make a cardigan work by night, as seen here on Alexa Chung - only a fine knit, slim-fitting cardi will do here. Tuck it into tailored trousers (or a leather style like Chung) for a pulled-together look.
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