cardigans for women
Image: Loro Piana

The chicest cardigans for women

05 Feb 2025 | | By Cordelia Aspinall

Simple yet sophisticated, you can’t go wrong with this trusty knitwear essential

It seems our grandmothers, school uniforms and the latest spring collections have something in common: cardigans. Of course, however, not all cardigans are created equal and, while they may have been ahead of the trend, we’re not suggesting you dig out any moth-eaten hand-me-downs from decades past or squeeze into that navy polyester variety from your pre-teen days. The cardigan has come a long way since then, although its essence remains the same – a knitwear staple that is as cosy as it is cute and chic. 

Ideal for transitional dressing between seasons, the cardigan promises year-round style that is sophisticated, trendy and, well, warm. Button up for a solo look, wear layered with a T-shirt or drape over your shoulders for an elegant, preppy style – just look to the likes of Katie Holmes and the Hadid sisters for inspiration. From chunky knits to classic silhouettes and cropped cuts, we’ve curated an edit of the best cardigans for women so you can go from granny to glamorous in one simple shop.

Sandro knitted cardigan

For an au naturel look, Sandro’s rib-knit cardigan in a crisp ecru is the perfect spring/summer wardrobe addition. A cropped cut featuring patch pockets and pretty pearl buttons, it brings a fresh and chic silhouette to wear from the everyday to special occasions.

£259
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Madeleine Thompson Park cardigan

Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere in a gorgeous burnt orange shade, Madeleine Thompson’s cardigan is as warm in fabric as it is colour. With intricate details, including pin-tucked shoulders and a high neckline, it takes an ordinary look up a notch for a super soft and vibrant style.

£485
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Loro Piana Parksville cashmere cardigan

A classic style rendered in a tonal camel shade, Loro Piana’s Parksville cardigan is the quintessential investment piece, that’s both timeless and trendy. Made from baby cashmere, and finished with a suede trim and elbow patches, the design is super soft, naturally insulating and a versatile day to night option.

£3,495
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Self Portrait embellished cardigan

A monochrome palette will never go out of fashion – making Self Portrait’s cardigan a forever reliable choice. The chic, preppy silhouette is crafted from a cotton blend, beautifully embellished with sequin trims and has padded shoulders for supreme structuring. Pair with the matching skirt and Mary Janes for Parisian sophistication.

£400
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Kitri Caramel knit cardigan 

Kitri’s new season collection is ideal for dopamine dressing – and we could all do with some colourful clothing to boost our moods right now. Bring joy to your wardrobe with this cute pink cardigan, crafted from a cosy cotton blend and adorned with vintage-style pearl buttons. Cut to a boxy, cropped fit, pair with blue or white high-waisted jeans for a contemporary look.

£145
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Saint & Sofia Ariella cardigan 

Handmade in Europe using a buttery soft alpaca wool blend, Saint & Sofia’s Ariella cardigan is a seasonal essential. A minimalist design in a tonal beige shade and featuring gold shank buttons, it is ideal for the transitional period wear alone, layered over a plain tee or blouse, or even back to front for an edgy modern style.

£99
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Ganni tie-front cardigan

If you’re a fan of the current vogue for bows, Ganni’s tie-front cardigan is for you. A pretty, girly design featuring three bows down the front, tie up for a feminine vibe to wear with jeans and skirts alike. Made from an off-white mohair blend, it is super soft and unexpectedly warm for bonus style points.

£190
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Dôen Petra knitted cardigan

Simplicity never looked as good as Dôen’s Petra cardigan. A classic fit with raglan sleeves and a button-down front, it’s woven from a cosy alpaca blend and rendered in timeless black for the ultimate in versatility. Slip on with jeans, dresses or skirts, and pair with patterns or plains.

£332
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Alice + Olivia Bradford cardigan 

Channel your inner extrovert with Alice + Olivia’s vibrant Bradford cardigan. An abstract design with mismatched multicoloured stripes, cut from 100 per cent naturally-insulating wool in a chic maxi length, it’s the perfect combination of fun, warm and impactful for something a little unique.

£540
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