7 Slouchy Knit Inspired Cardigans by the High-End Trend

Learn how to shop and style the cosy cover-ups for autumn

Posted on

25 September 2019

7 Slouchy Knit Inspired Cardigans by the High-End Trend

All Credits: PA

Alongside all the bike shorts, crop tops, thigh-slit slip dresses and other garments that leave little to the imagination, there was one trend that stood out on the autumn/winter 2019 catwalks because it was so surprisingly sensible: cardigans.

That’s right, the knitted button-downs traditionally beloved by grannies, grandpas and librarians are back, and this time they’ve got the designer seal of approval.

These weren’t just any old cardigans, though. At London Fashion Week, Christopher Kane gave us a diamante-embellished oversized bright pink number worn as a dress, while Matty Bovan’s red and yellow patterned cardi came with a matching woolly skirt.

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UP CLOSE: AW19 FUCHSIA WITH AQUA GEL AND CRYSTAL DETAIL. Watch the full show on IGTV #ChristopherKane #LiquidLadies

A post shared by Christopher Kane (@christopherkane) on Feb 20, 2019 at 6:41am PST

In Milan, Miuccia Prada (who, truth be told, has always loved a bit of librarian chic) showed chunky cardigans in plum, khaki and camouflage pattern worn loose over demure dresses or wool shorts.

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FINALE #miucciaprada @miumiu #MiuMiuAW19 @kegrand, hair by @guidopalau, #makeupbypatmcgrath #regram @saori_vj

A post shared by Pat McGrath (@patmcgrathreal) on Mar 5, 2019 at 6:36am PST

In Paris, the alpine-themed Chanel show was heavy on the knitwear, with Nordic style cardis tucked into midi skirts and teamed with sheepskin boots.

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A palette of winter white, beige, black and navy blue was punctuated with flashes of purple, fuchsia, brick and emerald green at the #CHANELFallWinter show in Paris. #CHANELintheSnow #CHANEL #PFW @yasminwijnaldum @vittoceretti @felicenova @kaiagerber @ninafresneau @elizakallmann @deirdrefirinne @charlotterosehansen @aivita_muze @moiraberntz @sarahdahll @anna_ewers @amandagooge @riannevanrompaey @kat_carter__ @adutakech @selenaforrest @alinchozz @mona_tougaard @victoriia_evseeva @crisherrmann @fransummers @adesuwa @marjanjonkman @gisellenorman1 @alberteemortensen @lea_jul @noraattal @alyssahpaccoud @ninamarker @camhrl @greta_varlese @emm_arruda @walldamort @binxwalton @lexiboling @jingwenll @tamiwilliamsofficial @ola_quetal @anokyai @maudhoevelaken @_lilystewart_ @mathilde_henning

A post shared by CHANEL (@chanelofficial) on Mar 6, 2019 at 10:50am PST

Now, six months on, cardi-cool has arrived on the high street, with a coterie of cover-ups that deliver the catwalk look for a whole lot less.

They’re perfectly timed for early autumn and crisp mornings when throwing something woolly over your favourite floral midi dress will help you get a few weeks more wear out of it.

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When curating her Autumn Edit, Angie was drawn to the Louise Trellis Floral Dress as mustard is an easy colour to wear to lift your wardrobe. @angiesmithstyle #fatfacestylistedit #fatfacemoments #autumnstyle

A post shared by FatFace (@fatface) on Sep 3, 2019 at 11:30pm PDT

Dark florals go well with cardigans in pumpkin and rosewood tones, while off-white and oatmeal shades are ideal for teaming with denim and suede.

You could even, if you dared, go a couple of sizes up and try the cardi-dress look a la Christopher Kane.

However you style yours, here’s our pick of the best cardigans on the high street…

Oliver Bonas Chunky Boyfriend Rust Brown Knitted Cardigan

1. Oliver Bonas Chunky Boyfriend Rust Brown Knitted Cardigan, £65/AED295.64; Winter Blossom Printed Mesh Dress, £59.50/AED270.63 (shoes, stylist’s own)