A cardigan is perfect for fall, especially during the evening. It can be worn with jeans or dress pants for an elegant look, or with a skirt or dress during the day. Not only can they be worn in different styles and lengths but also come in all different colors and textures to match your personality.
Cardigans are a go-to wardrobe staple for any occasion, and they can be dressed up with a cuff and jewelry for a night out, or paired with jeans and a t-shirt to stay cozy all day. If a cardigan is kept clean and cared for by carefully following the washing and drying instructions, it will last through the years. From a chunky cable-knit sweater to a sweet knit with floral embroidery, stores carry a variety of cardigan designs this season.
Popular Cardigan Styles
Because cardigans are an essential fall accessory, there are many different trends happening in the world of cardigans right now, like lace-up fronts, oversized cardigans, and crochet styles. Here are three popular styles to check out.
- Collared Cardigans: Picking out an outfit for work or school can be difficult, but there's no need to stress over it! Collared cardigans are the perfect solution. These versatile pieces can be worn with any number of outfits - just throw one on over a polo sweater and you're good to go.
- Cropped Cardigans: The trend of short cardigans has been going on for a while now. It is a "risky" trend to consider, but the trick with the cropped hem is to wear it with high-waisted jeans.
- Embroidered Cardigans: This style of cardigan is one of those recurring trends and it has been around for a long time now. Perhaps one reason for the popularity of this trend is that it looks good with just about anything. All someone needs is a sweater and jeans to go with their embroidered cardigan and they're set!
Best Materials For a Cardigan
Out of all the various types of fibers used for cardigans, natural fibers are the most durable. They are also lightweight and breathable. Natural fibers can be recycled into new products after they wear out, and they also have a higher resistance to stretching out of shape. Cotton, wool, or cashmere cardigan are among the best.
- Cotton cardigans fit well and are also warm, breathable, and made with no synthetic fabrics. These sweaters are perfect for the colder seasons because they retain warmth without being too bulky.
- Wool cardigans are an all-time favorite layering piece. They're stylish, cozy, and can be worn with anything -- jeans or a dress. This season, opt for one in an earthy shade like mustard yellow to brighten up a fall wardrobe.
- Cashmere cardigans are expensive, but they are worth the cost. They are lightweight and warm without being too hot in the summer. Cashmere is also machine-washable, which means that it can be worn more often than wool or cotton cardigans.
Stick to natural fibers and stay away from cardigans made out of artificial fibers, such as acrylic and polyester fibers because these may cause skin irritations, dermatitis, and allergies.
Great Retailers For Cardigans
When shopping for cardigans, the following three stores should always be on a list of stores to visit.
- Loft: Some of the most popular pieces in Loft are cardigans. They are made from 100% cotton that is lightweight and soft to the touch. The seams are reinforced for durability and there is extra fabric at the shoulders for maximum coverage when you raise your arms.
- Everlane: Everlane is a fashion company that produces affordable clothing. They recently added a cardigan collection to their stores and the design, quality, and functionality of their beautiful and minimalistic cardigan are worth checking out. Everlane's cardigan collection is chic and has an elegant simplicity that makes them perfect for any occasion. The material is 100% cotton with a soft feel, which means it's not too heavy or too light -- just right!
- Forever 21: It’s possible to walk away from this store with a cardigan for less than twenty dollars. To make things easier on the wallet, Forever 21 has come out with some new cardigans that are not only budget-friendly but also stylish and on-trend.