We may be in the thick of winter, but here's something to look forward to. Transitional spring dressing! Who doesn't love those first mellow, breezy mornings when you notice the wind's lost its bite? It's like fall, but less ominous. And everyone knows in-between weather calls for cardigans.
In 2023, when it came to button-front knitwear, pared-back, status-y (but lets's face it, pretty boring) Miu Miu cardigans dominated fashion lovers' carts and feeds, usually paired with matching micro shorts. For 2024, fashion houses are looking to breathe new life into the knitwear category. During the Pre-Fall 2024 season, personality cardigans were the new It knits with brands like Etro, Christopher John Rogers, Ganni, Erdem, Balmain, Valentino and Chanel leading the charge.
Etro's Marco de Vincenzo crafted oversize chunky knit cardigans in colorful prints. Christopher John Rogers did longline button-downs in his signature variegated stripes. Some were deconstructed with collars that sat not at the neck, but on the clavicle for an unexpected cut-out.
Creative Director Ditte Reffstrup of Ganni likewise favored colorful horizontal stripes, hers in a softer, more toned-down palette. The Copenhagen-based label's comforting fuzzy knits came cropped to perfection and embellished with gold buttons and 90s-nostalgic, off-the-shoulder styling.
Chanel gave us a smart, belted, smoking-jacket knit that read librarian chic. Valentino's sheer, sparkly take could double as a minidress. But Balmain and Erdem won for styling. The former layered a thigh-grazing, diamond-print blazer over a cropped crew-neck knit in the same pattern. Ladylike yet edgy. At Erdem, a chunky carnation-pink cardigan complemented a black-tulle-overlain, full-skirted evening set. The sweater was buttoned once at the model's neck and slung to the side, its arms wrapped and tied snugly across her chest creating a wealth of textural interest.
Cardigans have many major selling points. The diversity in styles. The endless ways to button, unbutton and origami them. Their ability to be dressed up or dressed down, paired with a silky slip dress or worn as a standalone top with your favorite high-waisted jeans. The fact that they're made for layering and therefore weather-appropriate three out of four seasons, including this one.
Ready to get a head start on this sure-to-take-off Pre-Fall 2024 trend? Scroll down for some of our favorite personality cardigans.
Bode Chatham Beaded Cardigan, $1,200 at Bode
Alaïa Archetypes Cropped Ribbed-Knit Cardigan in Light Blue, $1,660 at Net-a-Porter
Loewe + Suna Fujita Asymmetric Embroidered Wool-Blend Cardigan, $2,100 at Net-a-Porter
Mango Ruffled Knot Cardigan, $79.99 at Mango
& Other Stories Bow-Detailed Knit Cardigan, $119 at & Other Stories
By Anthropologie The Susannah 3-D Flower Cardigan Sweater in Neutral, $130 at Anthropologie
J.Crew Fringe-Trim Short-Sleeve Cropped Lady Jacket in Marled Yarn, $138 at J.Crew
Ganni Argyle Wool-Blend Cardigan, $350 at Mytheresa
Molly Goddard Silver Joanna Cardigan, $580 at SSENSE
We The Free Nordic Cardi, $198 at Free People
Blumarine Knit Cardigan With Faux Fur Collar, $585 at LuisaViaRoma
Lisa Yang Marionette Cashmere Cardigan, $505 at Shopbop
Isabel Marant Étoile Navy Dana Cardigan, $428 at SSENSE
Zara Contrasting Pearl Knit Coat, $169 at Zara
Reformation Millie Cashmere Off-the-Shoulder Cardigan, $198 at LuisaViaRoma
Jacquemus La Maille Colin in Beige, $260 at Jacquemus
Khaite The Suzette Striped Cardigan, $1,260 at Farfetch
Missoni Sequin-Embellished Mesh Maxi Cardigan, $1,801 at Farfetch
See by Chloe Striped Knitted Cardigan, $431 at Farfetch
Tory Burch Logo Button Wool Cardigan in Classic Red, $598 at Tory Burch
FARM Rio Belted Jacquard-Knit Cardigan, $230 at Net-a-Porter
Ulla Johnson Jana Cropped Ruffled Cashmere Cardigan, $490 at Net-a-Porter
Polo Ralph Lauren Patchwork Cotton Cardigan, $998 at Ralph Lauren
BCBGeneration Contrast Knit Cardigan, $108 at Revolve
Sophie Rue Shushu Feather Cardigan, $178 at Revolve
Cult Gaia Casella Cardigan, $448 at Revolve
Staud Striped Knitted V-Neck Cardigan, $125 at Farfetch
The Elder Statesman Phantom Striped Cashmere and Cotton-Blend Cardigan, $1,495 at Net-a-Porter
Bernadette Claudia Daisy-Intarsia Wool-Blend Cardigan, $492 at Matches Fashion
