It’s official. We are at peak cardigan. The humble knit has been making its presence felt for several seasons now with the likes of Prada and Miu Miu playfully subverting style norms.
No one expects much from a buttoned-up sweater. That’s half the fun. Whether disrupting gender assumptions or leaning into TikTok’s very demure, very mindful aesthetic, getting dressed has suddenly become a lot more interesting.
If playing against type is your type, why not pair this season’s argyle and Fair Isle prints with metallic leather like a pair of silver trousers (still a vibe) or this season’s gold mini skirt.
Better yet, reinvent the twinset by opting for off-beat colour pairings like burgundy and mustard or pink and ‘brat green’.
Prefer to tone it down? Arket and M&S have an enviable selection of neutral tone cardigans in natural fibres like cashmere, Merino and cotton—ideal for the capsule dressers.
For those who prefer clean masculine lines (think silver screen muses like Katharine Hepburn), try wearing your cardigan over a shirt and tie, tucked and belted into pleated trousers.
Simply undo a few cardi buttons; add a blazer and your favourite sneakers for low-key chic.
For something more feminine, wear yours against the skin tied in a bow at the hem. Keep to high-waisted bottoms for maximum coverage or go for the full Emily in Paris experience with a voluminous tulle skirt.
Heels or ballet flats? The choice is yours. I’m still deciding how much Emily to put to my Cork. Will keep you posted.
Cashmere cardigan, Arket, €179
Argyle cardigan, M&S, €50
‘Morris’ cardigan, Avoca, €189.95
5. Jaeger cardigan, M&S, €115
6. ‘Carine’ cardigan, LK Bennett, €270
7. ‘Lamorna Lane’ Fair Isle cardigan, Seasalt Cornwall, €115
8. Crew neck button-front cardigan, M&S, €28
9. Rita Ora space dye cardigan, Penneys, €18