7 Cardigan Outfits I'll Unashamedly Wear on Repeat This Autumn

It's funny to think that just a few years ago, wearing a cardigan wouldn't have crossed your mind. In fact, the only time I really wore them was when I'd visit my granny, and she'd insist I pop one on "in case I got a chill." Fast-forward to 2021, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I wear a cardigan outfit every single day—and I'm not the only one. 

Having been affectionately adopted by fashion types, cardigans are now a bona fide wardrobe staple and generally considered to be a classic autumn item. You’ll always use it since it will never go out of style. I’ve come to notice as well that when you want to be comfortable and cosy, a cardigan has more of that "I still tried” factor than a basic jumper.

I also think cardigans are more versatile than any other knitwear. Wear them on their own as a top, with a vest underneath tucked into jeans, or open to show off whatever ensemble you have on underneath. Truly, the options seem to be endless, and I love nothing more than seeing influencer's cardigan outfits to inspire my own wares. Below, I've pulled together seven cardigan outfits I think tick all the boxes. Scroll on to see them, and you'll never overlook the humble cardigan again. 

ADD TAILORED TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: One of the easiest ways to dress up a cardigan is to wear it with a pair of tailored trousers. Here, I love how Abi has created a laid-back but incredibly elevated look centred around her lime cardigan. The colour combination is sublime. 

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LAYER OVER DRESSES

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(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

Style Notes: Add a cardigan to your favourite dress, and you'll create a look that's pulled-together but that looks entirely effortless. This is particularly useful if you want to achieve Jeanne Damas's French-girl aesthetic, as cardigans form an integral part of all her outfits. 

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PAIR WITH LEATHER

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Come autumn, the chicest fabric pairing I can think of is wool and leather—as evidenced here by Monikh. Wear a buttoned style as a top, and pair it with a leather jacket for a look that'll carry you through from weekend brunch to impromptu drinks. All you need to do is add classic denim. 

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GO TONAL

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(Image credit: @minnieknows)

Style Notes: One of my favourite and most-utilised styling tricks is wearing one colour top to toe, and Minnie hits the nail on the head with her combination of a creamy cardigan tucked into ecru jeans. So chic. 

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UPDATE YOUR SUMMER SKIRTS

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(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Style Notes: There's no need to pack away your summer skirts. Throw a chunky knitted cardigan and a pair of flat track-sole Chelsea boots into the mix, and even your breeziest skirts will feel autumn-appropriate. 

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WEAR AS A TOP

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Cool fashion types love wearing their cardigans as a top, but you needn't opt for bitted styles to achieve the look. Marianne's slouchy wrap cardigan gives her look effortless appeal. 

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POP YOUR COLLAR

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(Image credit: @sarawaiste)

Style Notes: Another advantage of wearing cardigans over jumpers is that you can unbutton them to reveal exciting pieces underneath. Sara is a master at layering her knits with her pretty blouses and shirts—make like her and ensure your collar stays over the top of your cardigan. 

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Next Up: 11 Autumn Style Staples I Rely On Year After Year

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.