26 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 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, 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, 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 26 of the best cardigans around to get you started.

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