Move over novelty jumpers, this year fashion editors everywhere are buying Christmas cardigans. Both cutesy and chic at the same time, this versatile knit is defined by its button fastenings, which allow for myriad styling options.
In fact, buy one playful iteration now and you won’t have to invest in any festive one-hit-wonders come December. It will look good worn open over a slip dress on evenings out, tucked into a midi skirt during family lunches, thrown over pair of jeans on lazy days or layered up on winter walks.
The cardigans comeback has been slow but sure. Back in AW18, designers threw off its frumpy connotations by nodding to the ’50s with cropped hemlines and figure-fitting ribbing. Then, when AW19’s bourgeoisie trend hit, we started to embrace preppy, longline shapes, underpinning them with turtleneck tops or belting the waist. Finally, in September, Katie Holmes was spotted in a ’90-inspired cashmere number by Khaite, unbuttoned to reveal much midriff and a matching bra underneath, and the knit reached icon status.
Best Fair Isle cardigans

The stuff of ’30 ski slopes and retro knitting patterns, Fair Isle is a Christmas signifier. But it’s also a big trend for AW19. LoveShackFancy tones down the novelty on this cropped cardigan with light pastel tones and subtler motifs. So it’ll work beyond December.
Best folk-inspired

Where Fair Isle feels too festive, folk-inspired designs will suffice. Detailed with floral embroidery, this longline cardigan has a red ruffled yoke and bow-engraved buttons running through the front. It feels girlish and playful enough for Christmas events, but can also be layered over bohemian dresses at summer festivals.
Best for evenings

If you’re looking for something slightly more grown up, however, Marks & Spencer’s Lurex version is ideal. Woven with sparkling silver threads and cut for a slim-fit. This cropped style can be worn as a top on festive evenings out. The colour palette is also perfect for New Year’s Eve looks.
source: harpers bazaar