Cardigans are a closet staple, but they also happen to be trending items in fashion right now. What's the update? Well, with an influx of '90s and early-aughts fashion [1] over the past several seasons (tube tops [2] being one of our favourites right now!), the Spring 2020 take is all about wearing cardigans as tops, whether it's thin and cropped à la a baby tee or a classic silhouette in a bright colour or fun pattern.
There are also chunkier cardigans out there that are great for styling as tops, too. The fresh way to wear yours? With a few buttons secured at the top and several left open for a chic reveal of skin. Or as a midlayer between a lightweight top and a jacket for transitional and cool weather. The best thing about cardigans? They're perfect for lounging around the house in or for when you want an outfit that looks just-dressed enough but not overdone (we know you're in need of some great work-from-home outfits right now).
While we're almost certain you have at least one cardigan [3] in your closet (no shade if it's buried all the way in the back!), now is a great time to reach for one and give it a fresh spin via the 18 outfit ideas ahead. If you're not already the proud owner of the timeless knit, we've rounded up the best of the season for you to shop now, from superaffordable versions to designer styles.
How to Wear a Cardigan
For a look that's a cross between '90s baby and French-girl chic, we love this cropped baby-tee cardigan paired with a thicker grey version and an A-line suede [5] midi skirt. Platform heels and a basket bag are trendy Spring extras we love as the finish.
Wilfred Casanova Cardigan
Wilfred Casanova Cardigan [6] ($98)
Everlane The Cropped Alpaca Cardigan
Everlane The Cropped Alpaca Cardigan [7] ($100)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Thanks to Katie Holmes's unintentional viral fashion moment [8], the sweater-set trend [9] has become huge for Spring 2020. Whether you opt for a similar bra-and-cardigan pairing or go the more modest route with a top-and-sweater set, it's a stylish look to try when you're lounging around the house (especially if you wouldn't dare rock it in public).
Zara Pocket Knit Cardigan
Zara Pocket Knit Cardigan [10] ($70)
Zara Ruched Knit Top
Zara Ruched Knit Top [11] ($20)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Animal prints are far from dying down, in which case we're all for a long striped or spotted cardigan as a midlayer between a shirt and jacket.
POPSUGAR Boxy Cardigan
POPSUGAR Boxy Cardigan [12] ($25, originally $50)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Liven up a neutral outfit [13] with a pastel cardigan — we love one with a fuzzy texture and cute buttons.
LoveShackFancy Folley Metallic Open-Knit Cropped Cardigan
LoveShackFancy Folley Metallic Open-Knit Cropped Cardigan [14] ($265)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Go the vivid route with a bright, chunky cardigan half-buttoned over checked trousers. In cold weather, a colourful puffer coat is a perfect topper. When it's warm, simply shed the layer.
Free People Snow Drop Cardigan
Free People Snow Drop Cardigan [15] ($52, originally $148)
How to Wear a Cardigan
An argyle cardigan is so classic. Add edge to yours by styling it with leather pants [16] and cool sunglasses.
Pringle of Scotland x H&M Jacquard-Knit Cardigan
Pringle of Scotland x H&M Jacquard-Knit Cardigan [17] ($70)
How to Wear a Cardigan
When the vibe is quirky-chic, reach for a striped or colorblock cardigan and team it with colourful shorts, platform heels with socks, and a cool clutch.
BLDWN Sparrow Cardigan
BLDWN Sparrow Cardigan [18] ($348)
How to Wear a Cardigan
For a playfully preppy vibe, we love the look of a bright sweater draped over your shoulders and just about anything on bottom — jeans, a skirt, a dress, even sweats [19]!
Noisy May Lightweight Knitted Cardigan
Noisy May Lightweight Knitted Cardigan [20] ($45)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Liven up an all-black outfit with a long mixed-print or logo cardigan.
YanYan Sunblock Grandpa Cardigan
YanYan Sunblock Grandpa Cardigan [21] ($425)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Another cardigan-set look we love? Flowers! Especially when juxtaposed with slick leather.
4SI3NNA Tegan Floral Crop Cardigan Sweater
4SI3NNA Tegan Floral Crop Cardigan Sweater [22] ($108)
4SI3NNA Lorelei Floral Crop Sweater Tank Top
4SI3NNA Lorelei Floral Crop Sweater Tank Top [23] ($78)
How to Wear a Cardigan
What's cozier than an all-knit outfit? We love this cropped cardigan, midi skirt, duster coat, and tights pairing.
Lacausa Lucy Cardigan
Lacausa Lucy Cardigan [24] ($97)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Preppy, but make it Gucci in this short-sleeved cardigan outfit including snake-print pants, a button-down shirt, and a trendy oversize bib collar [25].
Gucci Interlocking-G Logo Wool Cardigan
Gucci Interlocking-G Logo Wool Cardigan [26] ($1,980)
How to Wear a Cardigan
For a girl-boss take on the classic cardigan, we love the look of a striped style combined with a shorts suit and a white button-down shirt.
Tory Burch Madeline Cardigan
Tory Burch Madeline Cardigan [27] ($248)
How to Wear a Cardigan
Show a little shoulder and let your chunky cardigan haphazardly fall off one arm. In a tonal grey palette, this look reads super elevated.
Alexander Wang Ribbed Cardigan With Draped Neck
Alexander Wang Ribbed Cardigan With Draped Neck [28] ($595)
How to Wear a Cardigan
A bright red cardigan pops against sleek leather pants and animal-print pumps. It's a very stylish work-from-home outfit if you're all about a full look.
For Love & Lemons Francois Pointelle Cardigan
For Love & Lemons Francois Pointelle Cardigan [29] ($172)
How to Wear a Cardigan
For added texture, a printed cardigan always looks cool when draped over a simple t-shirt.
Maje Short Jacquard Cardigan
Maje Short Jacquard Cardigan [30] ($340)
How to Wear a Cardigan
For an after-hours take on the cardigan, try styling yours with a pair of leather shorts and heels. If you're here for quirky styling, definitely give the socks and cork platforms a go!
BB Dakota Block & Roll Cardigan
BB Dakota Block & Roll Cardigan [31] ($110)
How to Wear a Cardigan
If you've never thought to layer cardigans before, what have you even been doing? We jest. But really, how cool does a printed cardigan look under an oversize and embellished version?
Miu Miu Wool Cardigan
Miu Miu Wool Cardigan [32] ($3,800)
Miu Miu Mohair Cardigan
Miu Miu Mohair Cardigan [33] ($1,440)