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The Cardigan Reimagined: Five Outfits Proving Its Timeless Appeal by Laura Lajiness Kaupe
Iconic, versatile, and delightfully fresh
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably underestimated the potential of the humble cardigan more times than you can count. As cooler weather approaches, the best cardigan outfits are emerging as more than those simply featuring a lackluster layer you grabbed while dashing out the door. Instead, reimagined formulas feel considered, inspired, and downright delightful among the ranks of other fall staples like knee-high boots, blazers, Fair Isle knits, suede bags, and wool coats.
Gone are the days of cardigans being relegated to dowdy, buttoned-up looks. Modern interpretations are chic, adaptable, and capable of being the centerpiece of any outfit—from polished workwear ensembles to evening events. Inspired by the Fall 2024 collections, we believe it is time to elevate the cardigan from an afterthought to a staple. Whether they’re pairing cardigans with wide-leg denim or styling them as coordinates, these outfits not only serve as inspiration but are also entirely shoppable.
Join me in rediscovering the thrill of the classic cardigan with five inventive ways to style it ahead.
1. The Work Horse: A Collared Cardigan + Trousers
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Miu Miu Fall 2024
An easy way to refresh the feel of a cardigan is by opting for a collared version, marrying the best of two knitwear trends—like the buzzy polo knits that have been popular in recent seasons. This layered look achieves a blend of casual sophistication and professional sharpness. The outfit’s high-waisted pleated trousers add a classic menswear touch, while sleek brown leather loafers complete the ensemble, making it ideal for everything from high-profile meetings to refined social gatherings. It’s a smart twist on traditional officewear that speaks volumes in style.
2. Set the Tone: A Coordinated Cardigan Set
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Ferragamo Fall 2024
Refresh your approach to tonal dressing with an elegant cashmere blend set, a testament to the timeless allure of coordinated ensembles. This formula redefines the trend with its sumptuous textures and harmonious camel tones, feeling distinctive for the season with a longer skirt and vest-style top. The look feels both modern and understated, complemented by a structured handbag in a mid-size that flawlessly transitions from day to night.
3. Color Clash: A Vibrant Cardigan + Colorful Knit Top
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Prada Fall 2024
Prada has single-handedly catapulted the cardigan to stardom this season, sending down the runway an array of color-clashing ensembles paired with a renewed sense of corporate-core polish. Anchored by a tailored maxi skirt—an item du jour this season that pulls at our ’90s nostalgia heartstrings—this ensemble is sharpened with pointed-toe kitten-heel slingbacks, adding a dash of ladylike refinement. This vibrant approach not only highlights Prada’s flair for reinvigorating classic pieces but also sets a cheekier tone for the season’s trend toward unexpected color combinations.
4. Double-Duty: Striped Cardigans + Jeans
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Chanel Fall 2024
Two cardigans are most definitely better than one, as Chanel’s innovative runway styling for Fall 2024 so artfully demonstrates. Mastering this look is all about selecting cardigans in complementary tones and distinct lengths—a neatly buttoned, cropped version serves as the perfect underpinning for a more relaxed, open cardigan. To ground the ensemble, mid-wash denim proves timeless, especially when styled with wide-leg jeans and an elongated belt for a hint of drama. This layered approach elevates the classic cardigan while showcasing your refined knack for proportion and texture play.
Kule The Raffa
