Aah, the humble cardigan. Simultaneously an enduring staple and the sartorial equivalent of a hug, this knitted style comes in many forms. Whether cropped, wrap-around, embellished or patterned, cardigans are undoubtedly one of the most exciting items to bust out of storage and take pride of place in our autumn/winter wardrobes.
But as with any basic, one can easily fall into the same old patterns and lean on a handful of outfit formulas. Personally, I like to button mine up most of the way and tuck it into a pair of relaxed-fit jeans. Or if I’m wearing a midi dress, I treat it as a cosy layer to keep on hand for when I need it. Keen to broaden my knitwear horizons, I took to Instagram to absorb some fresh inspiration.
From casual girl-about-town looks to glitzy evening ensembles, the examples I found prove cardigans are about as versatile as it gets. Whether you’ll be wearing maxi skirts or wide-leg trousers this season, this knitwear essential deserves a spot in your weekly roster—and not just for aesthetics. I don’t need to tell you how grateful you’ll be once the temperature drops. Scroll on to see our pick of the best autumn cardigan outfits.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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