The Cardigan Is Back and We Couldn’t Be Happier

For the last few seasons, the fashion set has been all about the sweatshirt. It was impossible to walk down the street without seeing a Kenzo tiger sweatshirt looking back at us. The Givenchy Bambi sweatshirt was always sold out, despite its hefty price tag, and the rise of logomania brought branded hoodies back to the forefront. But as much as we love our effortlessly cool sweatshirts, it’s time to move on to a new easy layering piece, which is why the cardigan is making a well-timed comeback.

Cardigans are the rare combination of being both comfortable and stylish. They’re perfect for layering and can be shrugged on and off without fear of smudging our makeup or ruining our updos.

Cardigans at Prada, Gucci, Tory Burch Fall 2017 runways; Images: Imaxtree

The cardigan’s comeback correlates to the timeless-with-a-70s-twist look that was all over the runways this season. While there was an overarching classic theme, designers showed there are plenty of ways to individualize the cardigan. Tory Burch delivered oversized cardis with an uptown vibe paired with pussybow blouses and tall boots, while Anna Sui gave the humble cardigan a 60s-meets-Victoriana vibe with brocade maxi dresses and ruffled necks. Many designers enhanced the cardigan’s chic appeal with waist-cinching belts (see Gucci), while Prada proved a cardigan could work with a bandeau and a high-waisted skirt.

There are plenty of cardigan styling ideas on the runway, but the first order of business is having the right cardigan in your wardrobe. Click through the gallery below to shop this season’s best cardigans for every budget.

[ Next: 7 Surprising Tricks to Make Cardigans Cool Again ]