When building your autumn/winter wardrobe, there are a few key essentials that are sure to star on the front row. Wool trousers, a shearling coat, a trusty knit and stompy boots, the list goes on. But one wardrobe hero that always delivers is the cosy crew-neck cardigan. From cropped to button-down styles, a crew-neck (or round-neck) cardigan is an excellent addition to any fashion-savvy wardrobe.

Believe me, I know as well as anyone that cardigans can often be considered fusty, but don’t let this perception deter you. With their ability to effortlessly elevate even the simplest of looks, they no longer deserve to be seen as a back-of-the wardrobe anachronism.

But how to wear your crew-neck cardigan? On the autumn/winter 2024 catwalks, designers have been making bold moves. Tommy Hilfiger offered a fresh take on knitwear, pairing nautical stripe cardigans with preppy, low-waisted school skirts and sleek leather-look boots.

Meanwhile, Chloé elevated the casual basic by draping the model in a head-to-toe slate-grey ensemble. The cardigan was paired with matching ribbed leggings, oversized glasses and a dreamy gold-embellished motif belt that added just the right touch of luxe.

You probably already own a crew-neck cardigan, so scroll on for outfit inspiration, including three crew-neck cardigan tips that will see you from winter through to spring with ease. 

Go bold with bright pops of colour

Give your cardigan a fresh upgrade by pairing it with bright bags and shoes. Take note of Prada’s autumn/winter 2024 catwalk (below) and try colour-blocking with statement-making combinations like red with magenta or pink with green.

For an extra polished look on your morning commute, slip on a wool A-line skirt with pastel kitten heels. This dynamic duo will have you looking and feeling your best, no matter the weather forecast. If Miuccia Prada approves, so do we. 

By embracing vibrant bursts of colour and incorporating them into your cardigan combos, you will brighten up the cold, grey days for yourself in minutes. Try colour-clashing with playful pinks (like Nayomie below), buttery yellows and radiant true blue hues – all of which are vivid enough to instantly lift your mood and, of course, your style game.

Wear buttoned back-to-front as a jumper

To put a different spin on your look, try wearing your cardigan back-to-front. This styling trick works with any crew-neck cardigan, and it’s my favourite way to wear it for a relaxed, work-appropriate and winter-ready style.

When worn back-to-front, your knit takes on a new lease of life. I always rely on this trick to keep me warm in the office when the air conditioning is blasting or when I’m travelling and need to pack light.

For an alternative to a jumper or sweatshirt, simply put your cardigan on backwards and button it up over tailored shirts and T-shirts. In winter, try pairing it with wool trousers and sleek, sporty trainers. For spring, switch to a mini skirt and chunky lug-sole loafers. 

Turn it into a going-out top for dressier affairs

If anyone knows how to make a cardigan effortless yet stylish, it’s Alexa Chung. The model has been a firm fan of this wardrobe staple for years, whether she’s at a muddy outdoor festival, cruising in a bikini or having a dinner with friends. 

This styling tip may seem bold, but it’s undeniably chic. Just leave a few buttons undone to reveal a hint of midriff, then pair your cardigan with a sleek slip skirt, heels and gold hoops. The look is fresh and modern, and channels the cool aloofness of an It girl. Effortless yet elegant.

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands