Cropped cardigans are the retro-inspired knitwear pieces to invest in for winter

Statement cardigans are here for the win

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Cropped cardigans are the retro-inspired knitwear pieces to invest in for winter

By Naomi May

4 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

Forget those slouchy, oversized cardigans of yesteryear – for this winter, the fashion set are making the case for the return of the 80s-inspired cropped silhouette. 

As sartorial snuggly season slowly but surely creeps up on us, it’s time we considered which knitwear trends are destined for big things this winter.

Alongside the buffet of woven dresses and artisanal knits that are making their way into the arena of desire this year, there’s another – decidedly more retro – knitwear trend coming for our wardrobes and it’s been plucked straight from the 80s.

Indeed, the cropped cardigan, thanks to endorsements from Jacquemus and Acne Studios, is back in business and they’re as chic and shrunken as ever. If you’re ready to bare all à la Jacquemus, then wear your cropped cardi sans bra with a high-waisted trouser or skirt; if you’d rather cover up, then throw yours on over a vest top or dress. The style equations are truly endless as it pertains to a cropped cardigan, for here’s a piece that can do both high and low dressing with minimal effort and transition needed. These are a few of our favourites. 


Jacquemus Azlou mohair-blend cardigan

Jacquemus Azlou mohair-blend cardigan

Available in a clutch of colours, Jacquemus’ achingly chic mohair cardigan is a favourite among the fashion set for good reason. Pair its khaki-coloured cardi with creams and whites to add a seriously snuggly yet stylish pop to your outfit.

Shop Jacquemus Azlou mohair-blend cardigan at Matches Fashion, £225

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Hush Riva cropped ribbed cardigan

Hush Riva cropped ribbed cardigan

Cardigans are great because they can be thrown on in a flash, without all the faff of having to plan an outfit around them. This timeless ribbed black iteration is the epitome of pared-back chic. 

Shop Hush Riva cropped ribbed cardigan, £89

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Toast Lofty alpaca collared cardigan

Toast Lofty alpaca collared cardigan

If you’re still embracing your inner Gossip Girl, then Toast’s alpaca collared number will no doubt whet your fashion appetite. 

Shop Toast Lofty alpaca collared cardigan, £165

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Free People Bonfire cardigan

Free People Bonfire cardigan

Can’t decide on which colour to buy? Then look to Free People’s Bonfire cardigan, which is available in a clutch of covetable colours.

Shop Free People Bonfire cardigan, £140

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LouLou Studio Abaco cropped wool and cashmere cardigan

LouLou Studio Abaco cropped wool and cashmere cardigan

LouLou Studio is a fashion editor favourite for good reason; it crafts impeccably chic staples that stand the test of time and its cashmere cardigan is no exception.

Shop LouLou Studio Abaco cropped wool and cashmere cardigan at Net-a-Porter, £270

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Collusion knitted super cropped cardigan

Collusion knitted super cropped cardigan

Add a splash of style Vitamin C with this zingy super-cropped cardigan, which is crying out to be debuted with a pair of ultra wide-leg jeans.

Shop Collusion knitted super cropped cardigan, £15

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Extreme Cashmere No.184 Angel cashmere cardigan

Extreme Cashmere No.184 Angel cashmere cardigan

Dutch label Extreme Cashmere’s hot pink cardigan is a serious style winner; juxtapose its snug fit with a wide-leg trouser for optimal style points.

Shop Extreme Cashmere No.184 Angel cashmere cardigan at Matches Fashion, £275

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& Other Stories cropped boxy cardigan

& Other Stories cropped boxy cardigan

If a long-sleeved cardigan isn’t your preference, then look to & Other Stories, whose neutral short-sleeved number will prove the perfect alternative.

Shop & Other Stories cropped boxy cardigan, £55

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Na-Kd oversized cropped cardigan

Na-Kd oversized cropped cardigan

As cosy as they come, this cream-coloured cardigan is perfect for throwing in your bag at the start of the day and toting around with you. Just add plenty of gold bling to really make your outfit sing.

Shop Na-Kd oversized cropped cardigan, £33

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Images: courtesy of brands.

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