Outfit Ideas

How to Wear a Cardigan This Fall and Winter


how to wear a cardigan Candela Novembre wears earrings yellow sunglasses a white turtleneck a green camouflage cardigan...
Edward Berthelot

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The cardigan is turning out to be this season's most surprising wardrobe essential. What's surprising about it, you may ask? After all, it's not exactly a recent addition to our fashion vocabulary. But this year, tastemakers have started to revisit this knitwear staple, incorporating it into their fall and winter looks in fresh and inventive ways.

The best-known proponent of cardigans—specifically the sexy kind—is probably model Bella Hadid. They've become a staple in her off-duty wardrobe. She's been photographed wearing them over silky camis (and with a Birkin)…

Bella Hadid is seen in SoHo on October 11 2019 in New York City.
Gotham

…and mostly unbuttoned, with nothing underneath.

Bella Hadid is seen in Chelsea on October 16 2019 in New York City.
Gotham

The sweater is not unique to her: Kaia Gerber was photographed in between shows during Fashion Week wearing a cropped lilac cardigan with high-waist jeans and Chuck Taylors, proving that the knit is an easy swap for a plain white tee when it starts to get a little chilly.

Kaia Gerber is seen during the Milan Fashion Week SpringSummer 2020 on September 18 2019 in Milan Italy.
Arnold Jerocki

While it's a cozy item of clothing, a cardigan doesn't necessarily need to be reserved for when you're off the clock. Take, for instance, this dressed-up cardi look from Camila Morrone: The tea-length skirt and black bodysuit bring out the polished feel of the sweater, while the sheer tulle and embellished belt make it feel modern.

Camila Morrone wearing CHANEL attends Chanel Dinner Celebrating Gabrielle Chanel Essence With Margot Robbie on...
Stefanie Keenan

Adut Akech tucked a tangerine cardigan into a black midi slip skirt and topped it with an oversized gray blazer. It's appropriate for work, for a fashion show—whatever you might have on your calendar.

Model Adut Akech wears a purple Dries Van Noten blazer with floral embellishments an orange buttonup cardigan top a...
Melodie Jeng

There's nothing a pair of sparkly heels can't elevate—and that includes an oversized cardigan tucked into your favorite jeans.

Therese Hellström seen wearing blue knit denim jeans brown bag outside Issey Miyake during Paris Fashion Week...
Christian Vierig

The best part about the the Great Cardigan Comeback of 2019? It'll continue well into next year: The silhouette made its way down the runway at the spring 2020 shows of brands like Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Anna Sui, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and more.

a look from the michael kors spring 2020 show
Victor VIRGILE
a model on the tory burch spring 2020 runway
Victor VIRGILE

Meaning: You have some time to figure out how to wear a cardigan your way. But why wait?