Best women's cardigans for Autumn 2020: from high street to designer
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If this was any other year, we would have begun this roundup by encouraging you to pack away those summer dresses and linen trousers. But thanks to Covid, you’ve probably been living in comfy loungewear for most part of 2020 - we know we have.
Still, we’re in our third season of the new normal and while our zeal for the latest trends may have dimmed, our pursuit for comfort is still as strong as ever - which makes now the perfect time to invest in an autumnal fashion favourite: a decent cardi.
Once the unchallenged uniform of grandmas, history teachers and librarians, cardigans are an easy way to layer up without covering up. You can still get a few weeks more wear out of those summer dresses even as the mercury drops by slinging a nice cardi on top.
Whether you want a design to burrow into while WFH or something smart for the office, a casual style for your weekend stroll or just a warm layer to grab when nipping out for milk, a cardigan is the wardrobe staple you need hanging in your closet this season.
From fun to fabulous, see our edit of the best below.
Best designer cardigans
Premium knitwear from some of the world’s finest labels.
Mira Mikati Western Jacquard Embroidered Cardigan
You’ll often find cardigans filed under basics on fashion websites, but this design is anything but. Paying homage to the Wild West, the embroidery on the back showcases three cowboys: The Good, the Better and the Best.
Comme des Garçons Play Heart-embroidered cotton-knit cardigan
A versatile black cardigan should be in everyone’s wardrobe. This round neck design is made from a stretchy fine knit and hints to its premium status with Comme des Garçons’ embroidery on the chest. An investment-worthy staple.
Saint Laurent Brown snake-intarsia knitted cardigan
Knitwear with a rock ‘n’ roll edge, this snakeskin cardi is guaranteed to turn heads. The slouchy fit and tonal fastenings means it ticks the boxes for work as well as play.
Burberry Corset detail knit cashmere silk cardigan
Inspired by Victorian corsetry, this black cardigan is designed to be worn like a thicker shirt, the cashmere and silk mix sitting directly against your skin.
Gucci Belted wool-jacquard cardigan
Knitwear that makes a statement, instead of fading into the background - would you expect anything less from Gucci? This wool blue cardi is patterned with the label’s logo in tomato red, offering a contemporary take on a closet classic.
Best high street cardigans
Autumn style, all buttoned up.
River Island cable knit bralet and cardi set in lilac
There’s nothing cosier than a cable knit cardi, but this set from River Island goes one step better by throwing in cable-knit vest into the equation too. The cropped style keeps the twin-set from looking too prissy. Also available in beige.
Mint Velvet Biker Zip Cardigan, Grey
Marrying biker style with the cosy comfort of a cardi, this grey cardigan doubles up as a jacket that’s perfect for sunny autumnal days.
Cropped Button Up Knit Sweater
With a distinctly Scandi look, this cute cardi is what we’d be reaching for when the cold weather arrives. The wool blend cardi features a sweet cable knit design for extra cosiness. It’s the sort of thing you’d imagine Red Riding Hood would wear, when she’s not befriending big, bad wolves.
Alpaca Blend Statement Collar Cardigan
Another fairytale-inspired design, this sweet alpaca and wool cardi features a wide broderie anglaise collar. Made for weekend baking sessions with grandma over Zoom.
Chicwish Knit Your Love Cardigan
Cardigans have a tendency to bobble, but this cardigan pre-empts that by incorporating the look into the design. There are no fastenings, which makes it perfect for wearing over frocks and dungarees.
Heart Button Alpaca Blend Cardigan
Channel wholesome girl-next-door vibes in this short red cardigan from & Other Stories, complete with heart-shaped buttons on the front.
Feather V Neck Cardigan
If you’re shopping for plus size staples, Simply Be is one of the best websites out there for curves. This fuzzy loose-fit cardigan is high on our wish list; we’d wear it with layers of fine gold necklaces and a pair of skinny jeans.
Monki Mimmi frill detail cardigan in dusty green
Thrills with frills abound this season at Monki, whose pale green cardigan is ticking our workwear and off-duty style boxes. Easy to wear, pair it with ripped jeans to contrast the homely look of the knitwear piece.
Best budget cardigans - £30 or less
Decent options at prices that won’t break the bank
Women Light V-Neck Cardigan
Stock up on cosy cardigans in all the colours of the rainbow at Uniqlo, where this smart, slightly sheer design is available in eight office-appropriate shades. Buy them in sizes XXS to XXL.
ASOS DESIGN Tall boxy cardigan with gold buttons in cream
Channel Gallic chic in this boxy cardi finished with gold buttons for less than you would expect. Currently available in sizes 4 - 16.
Longline cardigan with hood
A cardi with edge, this hooded design is made for snuggling into on crisp Autumn days. The longer length will keep you toastier too.
Cardigan with textured flowers
At less than £30, this statement cardigan from Zara has a high end look without the hefty price tag. Available in S, M and L.
Blue Vanilla Mint Green Floral Crochet Trim Cardigan
Deploy crochet into your fall looks for a boho vibe that’s perfect for an Indian summer (fingers crossed).
