I'm Over Summer—7 Classy Cardigan Outfits That Are Already Getting Me Excited for Autumn

The time for knitwear is nigh and we've landed feet first in the transitional months (albeit prematurely), meaning our layers are gradually increasing but before coat season, we're on the periphery of in-between weather, where cardigans and trench coats become the heroes our wardrobes. Cardigans have become a perennial staple for many. This season, there is a host from which to take your pick — from puckered fuzzy knits and the smorgasbord of colourways to contemporary styles inspired by Khaite.

Once you've picked your cardigan, it's time to consider styling options, which can feel complex but as the cardigan has had a 360-degree makeover, ways to style them have increased. Whether thrown on top of mini dresses (in place of a coat), over the shoulder, worn unbuttoned, buttoned and belted, the styling options are endless. When it comes to styling, I prefer wearing my cardigans in place of a top, paired with jeans, trousers or a skirt. It's an opportunity to play with proportions, dimensions and colourways. Look no further for inspiration on ways to wear cardigans this season.

7 Stylish Cardigan Outfits I'm Wearing This Autumn:

1. Red Cardigan + White Tailored Trousers + Snake Print Sandals

Style Notes: Opt for pops of colour with neutral trousers for a contemporary cardigan look.

Shop the Look:

Ninety Percent

Kai Cardigan in Bloody Mary

£70

Ever the masters of neutral colourways, Ninety Percent has branched out to include this season's most coveted hue.

& Other Stories

Wide Tailored Trousers

£87

As we veer towards the transitional season, begin to consider fresh ways to integrate tailoring into your wardrobe.

AEYDE

Paige Snake-Effect Leather Sandals

£320

Animal print may appear bold but Aeyde has crafted a perfectly refined snake print sandal if you're hoping to dip into the trend.

MANGO

Natural Fibre Shoulder Bag

£36

Note the convertible element of this shoulder bag.

2. Slouched Cardigan + Straight-Leg Jeans + Mules

Style notes: Wear a slouched cardigan with straight-leg jeans for a nonchalant French woman's lilt.

Shop the Look:

COS

Chunky Cashmere-Blend Cardigan

£180

You needn't spend thousands on a good quality cashmere cardigan.

Arket

Shore Low Relaxed Jeans

£87

A mix of relaxed and held-in.

Celine

Ava Bag in Triomphe Canvas and Calfskin

£1250

This style will never date.

COS

Leather Mules

£155

Minimalism at its finest.

3. Black Fitted Crew Neck Cardigan + Pleated Skirt + Knee High Boots

Style Notes: The juxtaposition of the crisp accordion pleats with a fuzzy knit atop is a fresh take on the styling of formal pieces.

Shop the Look:

& Other Stories

Boxy Merino Wool Cardigan

£67

The quality of this piece is unmatched!

Sezane

Dila Skirt

£125

The wrap feature differs from other pleated skirt styles.

MANGO

Leather Shopper Bag

£170

From the office to off-duty days.

hush

Katlynn Leather Kitten Heel Knee Boots

£250

Since 2023, Hush have stepped up their boot game.

4. Leopard Print Cardigan + Bubble Dress + Heeled Pumps

Style Notes: Animal print is big (in every which way) for A/W 2024. Pair it with monochrome outfits for an elegant look.

Shop the Look:

Sezane

Noah Cardigan

£190

A cardigan, jacket hybrid.

Reformation

Delia Linen Dress

£228

The bubble dress has garnered a mass fan base of late.

Jonak

Heeled Pumps

€145

A style favoured by many French women this season.

C.Nicol

Rosa Mini

£395

Join C.Nicol's secret sale for generous discounts.

5. Brown Cardigan + Brown Silk Skirt + Ankle Boots

Style Notes: Franny demonstrates the magic in tonal ensemble. It's the best way to breathe life into a cardigan outfit.

Shop the Look:

Arket

Cashmere-Wool Cardigan

£169

You can find some wonderful cashmere on the high-street.

Albaray

Chocolate Satin Maxi Skirt

£69

One of my favourite silken skirts on the current market.

Little Liffner

Pillow Hobo Suede Dark Brown

€595

Little Liffner's Pillow Hobo is aptly timed for the autumn months.

Dear Frances

Cube Boot

£595

The spirit boots little sister.

6. Khaki Cardigan + Brown Trousers + Mules

Style Notes: Another example of the wonder of tonal dressing. Colours in the same colour wheel loans a uniform look.

Shop the Look:

Arket

Wool Cardigan

£87

Head to Arket for the richest autumnal colour palette.

Stripe & Stare

Long Sleeved Bodysuit

£65

Tried and tested, these are some of the best bodysuits I've tried!

Viveh

Cedar

£175

Viveh has mastered some beautiful fluid styles.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

£595

A hero is a footwear capsule.

7. Black Cardigan + Red Trousers + Woven Leather Bag

Style Notes: Look closely at Marina's expert styling. The open buttons and flash of skin breaks up this look.

Shop the Look:

MYCASHMERE

Sophia

£369

Invest in your cashmere now and wear it forever.

FAITHFULL

Lulea Linen Straight-Leg Pants

£290

Faithfull's wine red is exceptional.

Jigsaw

Woven Leather Tote Bag

£220

Add some texture to this look with Jigsaw's woven leather tote.

KHAITE

Alessio Glossed Textured-Leather Loafers

£880

A crinkled loafer to disrupt the typical smooth leather profiles.