Life

Fashion: Cardigans back on the catwalk and they're more swish than ever

After years in the fashion wilderness, the humble cardi is making a comeback. And you should be shopping for one

White Stuff Tribe Pattern Cardi £79.95; Folklonic Embroidered Top £55; Smart City Trouser £49.95; January Pointed Velvet Shoes, £75, available from White Stuff
White Stuff Tribe Pattern Cardi £79.95; Folklonic Embroidered Top £55; Smart City Trouser £49.95; January Pointed Velvet Shoes, £75, available from White Stuff White Stuff Tribe Pattern Cardi £79.95; Folklonic Embroidered Top £55; Smart City Trouser £49.95; January Pointed Velvet Shoes, £75, available from White Stuff

IN THE fashion world, when Scottish designer Christopher Kane declares something is cool, you'd better believe it is – the darling of London Fashion Week even had us rethinking Crocs when he sent them down the runway two seasons in row.

For AW17, the Kane has decreed that cardigans are cool again, and you know what? When we saw the oversized, preppy knits in candy pink, sky blue and emerald green on the catwalk, we were in total agreement.

Christopher Kane wasn't the only one. Chanel and Missoni showed longline cardigans, and now woolly button-downs and wraps are all over the high street. As we're on the brink of truly wintry weather, now's the perfect time to embrace the cardi comeback. Here are three ways to wear yours.

1. Oversized cardigans

Forget those skinny twinset and pearls-style cardigans of yore, this time 'round, it's got to be chunky and oversized.

Make like Christopher Kane's models and team a cardi in a bright pink or peach shade with a midi dress, or double up a la the Missoni catwalk by layering over a jumper in a tonal hue (only on the coldest days obviously, because two layers of wool makes for serious warmth).

:: Zara Cardigan with Jewel Appliques, £49.99

:: MiH Alice Bomber Oversized Cardigan, £295

2. Long cardigans

Tap into this season's Seventies trend by choosing a longline cardigan. Create a nipped-in silhouette by belting a buttonless knit over a midi skirt, and adding suede boots for a mix of textures.

Rich red and brown hues work well for this look, as do cream or beige, with brown leather accessories.

:: Damart Red Fluffy Cardigan, £39

:: White Stuff Tribe Pattern Cardi, £79.95; Folklonic Embroidered Top, £55; Smart City Trousers, £49.95; January Pointed Loafers, £75

:: Paisie Long Cardigan with Graphic Stripes in White and Grey, £120

Damart Red Fluffy Cardigan, £39
Damart Red Fluffy Cardigan, £39 Damart Red Fluffy Cardigan, £39

3. Short cardigans

For more of an Eighties feel, a cropped cardi is what you're looking for – but it still should still be voluminous rather than snug-fitting.

Sugary shades work well for this look too. Team with acid wash jeans (skinny or boyfriend fit, it's up to you), spike heels and big, bejewelled earrings for dressed-up retro vibes.

:: Hansine Cropped Mohair cardigan in Nude, £255

:: River Island Dusty Pink Fluffy Frill Sleeve Cardigan, £48