We have to admit that we were as sceptical as the next person when we noticed cardigans slipping back into the collections of AW17. Sure, Helena Christensen's turn on the catwalk at Perry Ellis' '93 show makes a fantastic case for the button-up knit, layered over her checked slip dress, hair tousled, lace-up boots a-stomping. But now? How are we to wear the cardigan in 2017?
Thankfully, this season's catwalks offered up plenty of sartorial inspiration. Dsquared2 went for the Perry Ellis aesthetic, with belted cami dresses worn under off-the-shoulder oversized knits, while Gucci took things to the ladylike extreme with heritage cardigans paired with strings of pearls and '20s knitted caps. Daks showed us how to incorporate the cardi into our office attire, with grey pieces worn under checked blazers. We adored Miu Miu's embroidered cardigan, styled with clashing prints, and Christopher Kane's pink number proved that block colour cardis make as much of a statement.
Of course, the trend soon hit the streets, with even more inspired ways to wear the cosiest knit of the season. Click through to see the three ways we're wearing the cardigan this winter.
Grandad-inspired
At Paris Fashion Week, German blogger Nina Suess showed us that there's no need to avoid grandpa territory when tackling the cardigan. The trick here is to coordinate colours seen through the statement knit, as Suess demonstrates with her Chloé cardi and terracotta Tibi trousers. Keeping with the artsy vibe, she tops the whole look off with some fuzzy leopard Louboutins and a Dior beret.
What to look for in the grandpa cardigan? Big pockets and long lengths with a deep button-down V. Alternatively, boxy and fitted pieces work well with Fair Isle patterns or mohair fabrics.
Photo: Getty Images.
We love this cosy Topshop number – wear with vibrant colours to keep it contemporary.
Topshop Belted Ribbed Cardigan, £39, available at Topshop
This Chloé knit is top of the wish list.
Chloé Striped Mohair Cardigan, £940, available at Browns
This grey piece is a classic. We're belting ours.
H&M Knitted Cardigan, £24.99, available at H&M
How sweet is Mango's embroidered knit? The fitted wrists on the balloon sleeves keep bagginess at bay.
Mango Embroidered Knit Cardigan, £49.99, available at Mango
We can picture Alexa wearing this over a shirt dress.
COS Speckled Reverse-Knit Cardigan, £44, available at COS
The classic diamond jacquard will always come back into relevance.
Whistles Diamond Jacquard Cardigan, £110, available at Whistles
We want everything from J.W.Anderson's Uniqlo collab, but this lambswool knit will keep us warm this season.
J.W.Anderson x Uniqlo Lambswool Fair Isle Cardigan, £29.90, available at Uniqlo
Statement
Now this is how you make an entrance. Tiffany Hsu proved that if you're going to try a trend, you should make it the centrepiece of your outfit. Her hooded J.W.Anderson cardi ticks all the AW17 boxes: fringed? Yup. Hooded? Yes. Oversized? You betcha. Colour-block purple? Three cheers for the most eye-popping of this season's knitwear.
Of course, you don't have to go quite so bold to wear a statement cardigan. By simply choosing a vibrant colour, a fun rainbow print or a tactile fabric, your piece will be just as striking.
Photo: Getty Images.
This tomato red knit from Ganni will go with the rest of our red-to-toe wardrobe.
Ganni Mercer Ribbed Cardigan, £170, available at Browns
Didn't get the memo on rainbow stripes? Lazy Oaf's cosy button-up is an easy addition to your winter get-up.
Lazy Oaf Rainbow Stripe Cardigan, £80, available at Lazy Oaf
This one straddles statement and grandpa styles, but all we know is it looks super cosy.
Zara Oversized Crochet Cardigan, £69.99, available at Zara
The braided detail on this Simone Rocha piece adds some oomph.
Simone Rocha Silk Braided Cardigan, £675, available at Browns
Who said knitwear couldn't be party wear?
Uterqüe Embellished Cardigan, £120, available at Uterqüe
We'll be wrapped up in this one all season.
Sparkle & Fade Teddy Wrap Cardigan, £56, available at Urban Outfitters
This colour is guaranteed to beat the winter blues.
Monki Long Cosy Cardigan, £60, available at Monki
Preppy
Want to tap into the trend without adjusting your wardrobe too much? Helena Bordon shows us how a cardigan can simply be thrown over a slogan T-shirt and jeans. Granted, hers is a Gucci number emblazoned with a lion's head and the words 'Blind For Love', but the main takeaway here is the preppy aesthetic.
Amp up the heritage look with pleated skirts and mules, or replace your patchwork bomber jacket with racing stripes and letterman details.
Photo: Getty Images.
This Opening Ceremony number works well with our wide-legged trousers.
Opening Ceremony Varsity Badge-Embroidered Wool-Blend Cardigan, £315, available at Selfridges
A subtle nod to the trend with Mango's contrast trims.
Mango Contrast Trims Cardigan, £29.99, available at Mango
This colour-pop piece will brighten up your work uniform.
Mira Mikati Embroidered Appliquéd Wool-Blend Cardigan, £460, available at Net-A-Porter
Show loyalty to your team with Stella's star-spangled knit.
Stella McCartney Badge-Appliqué Wool-Blend Cardigan, £680, available at Matches Fashion
Wear this Zara piece over a floral dress now, and a roll-neck when the frost bites.
Zara Cardigan with Contrasting Piping and Faux Pearls, £49.99, available at Zara
Don Gucci's signature red and green racing stripes.
Gucci Metallic-Trimmed Merino Wool Cardigan, £650, available at Net-A-Porter
Another one from OC, this time in navy.
Opening Ceremony Appliquéd Wool-Blend Cardigan, £315, available at Net-A-Porter
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