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This vintage-inspired trend was kicked off among higher-end brands like Alessandra Rich and
LoveShackFancy, and it has inevitably trickled down to the Zaras and Forever 21s of the world.
Don’t be fooled by the way the women above styled theirs—this trend looks just as cute with
lounge-y sweatpants as it does with jeans or a midi skirt. Plus, whether buttoned up on its own
or with a matching cami underneath, it’ll impress over Zoom even if you pair it with the flannel
PJ bottoms you wore to bed. A cozy cardigan is a necessary winter staple and is a classic look
that never goes out of style. Coco Chanel created button-down cardigans for women –– prior to
her time they were more like sweater coats –– because she found it easier to wear than a
pullover sweater without messing up your hair. Interestingly, the name “cardigan” comes from
the 7th Earl of Cardigan and a lieutenant general in the British army, James Thomas Brudenell,
famous for wearing a fur-trimmed, woolen sleeveless waistcoat to stay warm, per Savoir Flair.
And, of course, Taylor Swift shouted out the classic, cozy sweater in the song “Cardigan” on her
album “Folklore.”
For one, a cropped cardigan is shorter, so it doesn’t provide the warmth of a full-length
cardigan. When choosing a piece of knitwear, you often want to make sure it doesn’t make you
look frumpy. Fashion is personal, and in the end, you should wear what makes you happy.
This week alone, Kendall Jenner, who is a consistent early adopter of trends, stepped out
wearing three different cropped cardigans (two with bike shorts, of course, and one layered over
a maxi dress). And she’s just one of the many fans of the waist-hugging knits.
– Ananya Ghosh
