This '90s Wardrobe Staple Is Back, and It Guarantees to Be a Compliment Magnet This Season
The cropped cardigan comes cool girl-approved
I know it currently feels a little early to be talking about knitwear, but before you grow weary, hear us out.
What if we told you there's a wardrobe basic you should have on your radar that isn't just perfect for the cold weather but also incredibly functional during the warmer months? Not only that, but it's a nostalgic '90s wardrobe basic you will probably remember well (and hopefully fondly).
Indeed, we're talking about the cropped cardigan. The humble piece, which was often spotted on the likes of Cameron Diaz and Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy, has become more popular in recent seasons.
Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2025
Jacquemus showcased the cropped cardigan as far back as their Autumn/Winter 2021 collection, while this season saw brands like Chanel and Michael Kors tap into the cropped cardi resurgence, styling it alongside lace slips and midi skirts.
Editors and influencers alike continue to wear the cropped style this summer, pairing it with ladylike pleated midi skirts and denim alike. While a little closer to home, Marie Claire’s fashion director Lily Russo-Bah pairs her favourite Alemais summer dress with a pink micro cardi and sandals for a sunny day in the office.
If you’re looking to invest in your own cropped cardigan, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re bringing the look into 2025. First of all, when it comes to shape, long-sleeved styles are the way to go as these create an interesting contrast against the cropped cardigan length.
You also want the fit to be snug to your shape, especially on the body, to keep things simple and streamlined. When it comes to colour, however, there really are no rules; everything from primary brights to muted neutrals can work, so don’t be afraid to have some fun.
To help make shopping for the perfect cropped cardigan a little bit easier, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best styles available now across both the high street and designer brands. Think of this as a shortlist of the best short and sweet cardi styles…
Shop the best cropped cardigans
Use this cropped cardigan to accentuate your occasionwear or as an everyday layering piece.
Wear Serena Bute's cropped cardigan alone or leave unbuttoned and layer over your favourite summer dress.
Practical and chic, this investment piece will be one of your hardest-working capsule wardrobe pieces.
Pair this cropped cardigan with matching bubble skirt for a top-to-toe matching look.
Style this purple cropped cardigan on its own or layer it over a white tank top and jeans.
While block coloured styles are one way to go, prints don't need to be totally off the table as this striped cardigan proves.
For those averse to cropped cardigans, this Whistles option features an oversized cut that finishes above the belly button rather than at the ribcage for an entry-level approach.
For a more refined approach to the trend, this Frame cardigan features a shirt-inspired neckline in a sleek chestnut colour.
