The best cardigans (and where to find them) this season

Images courtesy of & Other Stories, H&M, River Island

From party cardis to office layers, cosy up in the best cardigans on the high street right now.

Lottie Franklin

24 October 2022

Don’t know about you but that extra autumn chill caught me off guard this morning. My first thought as I was waiting at the bus stop? Wish I had a cardi. That cosy and versatile extra layer, cardigans are perfect for this time of year.

There are slouchy long ones for your loungewear collection, boxy fair isle styles (autumn’s answer to summer’s coastal grandma trend?) and who can’t resist the classic The Row top and cardigan combo that’ll be eternally chic.

Mango has updated the style with a metallic tweed high neckline top and cardi combo that’s perfect for nights out this winter. While H&M have kept it classic with a dark beige soft rib knit co-ord.

Cardigans are also a working from home staple, especially if you’re beating the chill and layering up instead of putting the heating on. From nipping out to do a food shop at your local supermarket to chilling at home, you can’t beat a longline cardi that you can wrap around you – the comfort of a dressing gown, but chic.

Smart cardigans are also useful for an office capsule wardrobe, as you can easily layer them over the top of your favourite shirts and blouses (without the worry of overheating in a chunky knit). Or, if you’re looking for a sexier alternative to a big jumper, reach for a cardigan with only a bra or cami underneath. There’s some surprisingly sparkly ones in the mix too, which would be perfect for Christmas parties.

So, where can you find the best cardigans for updating your wardrobe? Here’s our edit of the best on the high street to buy now:

Statement going out knits at River Island

A cardigan might not be your first thought when it comes to dressing up for a night out, but River Island has showed us how. From faux fur collars to feather sleeves, wear yours with leather trousers or a mini skirt for extra glam.

CREAM FLUFFY BUTTON FRONT TOP. IMAGE RIVER ISLAND. — Image courtesy of River Island

Knitted party layers at Boden

Boden has got the best selection of statement cardigans at the moment, which are wearable and beautiful. Pop one over the top of a party dress for a soft glitzy layer or wear with a tulle skirt to bring a party season outfit together.

Metallic Fluffy Cardigan Model. Image Boden. — Image courtesy of Boden

Smart + versatile knits at Mango

For a knitwear variety that looks premium, but at high street prices, Mango’s at the top of the list. There are neutral but trend-led styles for the office, as well as cool prints and going out styles too.

Printed cardigan reverse stitch model. Image Mango — Image courtesy of Mango

Neutral + snuggly knits at & Other Stories

We all love & Other Stories for elevated knitwear and their cardigan styles this season don’t disappoint. I love their chunky wrap around cardi especially, as it feels different to all the rest on the high street. Just blame Eliza if people are constantly asking you where it’s from!

Relaxed Overlap Knit Cardigan model. Image Stories. — Image courtesy of & Other Stories

Sumptuously slouchy mohair knits at Sezane

Sezane is a go-to French brand for pieces that look, and feel, designer but are at a more accessible price point. All these cardigans are blended with mohair for an extra soft feel and fit – perfect for working from home.

Cool-girl knits at Zara

If smart jeans and a stylish knit is your daily autumn vibe, then Zara has the ultimate knit-drobe for you. There’s a Parisian chic-ness about their current collection so shop it quick before it sells out.