Cardigans Excel On Their Own or Used in Layers

Talk about a timeless, versatile, stylish garment, cardigans are a girl's best friend. You can thank the late French fashion designer Coco Chanel for bringing cardigans to the forefront of the post-World War 1 era as part of her chic casual feminine vibe. Coco told friends that she hated ruining her hair by putting on men's turtlenecks and tight crewneck sweaters over her head. She preferred wearing a button-down sweater.

Cardigans aren't just for getting toasty warm during those cold fall and winter months. Instead, the famous knit sweater has become a fashion favorite all-year-round depending on the fabric. Cardigans made of wool, cashmere and cotton are three of the most popular choices because these are all from natural fibers and generally last longer than sweaters made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic or rayon. That's the versatility when adding cardigans to a wardrobe. There is one for every mood and weather moment.

Cardigan Outfits

Celebrities enjoy wearing cardigans as street style and while attending public events because they know that the garment can add an exquisite layer to their ensemble. One can get some great fashion inspiration by watching how stars pair their cardigans. The beauty of a cardigan is not only in its knit but in its length, so there are many options from cropped cardigans to waist and hip-length and to midi and maxi-length sweaters.

Hailey Bieber is a young fashion icon, and one of her best cardi moments was being photographed sporting a long, large, white cardigan with a matching knitted skirt, tube top and white boots to Paris Fashion Week 2020-2021. The layering was very elegant and modern.

Sister models Gigi and Bella Hadid also wear cropped colorful cardigans for casual outfits, and actress Katie Holmes is often seen in boyfriend jeans and a cute cardigan layered over a simple tee-shirt. Cardigans can also be taken to the sophisticated royal level a la Duchess Kate. The global style icon appears to favor cardigans that nip in at the waist coupled with pretty plaid skirts. The late Princess Diana also wore cardigans to public events over dresses and skirts for classic, feminine style.

Taylor Swift needs zero introduction to the cardigan. For years, she's been a fan, pairing her favorite, colorful, thin-knit cardigans with pretty printed dresses. Of course, there is also Taylor's hit song called "Cardigan" from her famous album "Folklore," where she made popular again chunky, oversized varsity cardigans.

Layers not only add another level of warmth but interesting texture to an ensemble as well as balance to the proportions of an outfit. Cardigans can do all that and more.

Best Cardigan Retailers

One can find gorgeous cardigans online from a variety of well-known clothing brands. These sweaters, just like any other garment, will vary in price. Some of the more popular places to buy women's cardigans can be found at the following:

• GAP
• Old Navy
• Windsor Clothing
• Forever 21
• H&M
• Urban Outfitters
• Enza Costa
• Mango
• Other Stores
• Free People

Don't forget to look out for sales. The more expensive a sweater is will usually come down to its quality fabric and construction. However, that doesn't mean that a cardigan made from polyester or another synthetic isn't as cozy and attractive. It may not last as many seasons, but a great-looking, affordable cardigan is hard to pass up. Cardigans will never go out of style. They are timeless garments that can help build a better wardrobe and offer that amazing layered look.