Revived '90s Fashion Essential: Set to Steal the Spotlight as a Flattery Enhancer This Upcoming Season
The cropped cardigan, a popular fashion item from the '90s, is making a significant comeback in today's fashion scene. This versatile piece is not only suitable for occasionwear but also perfect for everyday layering, making it a must-have addition to any wardrobe.
In the Autumn/Winter 2021 collection, French fashion house Jacquemus showcased the cropped cardigan, signalling its return to the forefront of fashion. The long-sleeved styles of the cropped cardigan create an interesting contrast against the cropped cardigan length, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Pairing the cropped cardigan with a matching bubble skirt creates a top-to-toe matching look, perfect for a stylish and cohesive ensemble. The fit of the cropped cardigan should be snug to the shape, especially on the body, to keep things simple and streamlined.
For those seeking stylish and versatile cropped cardigans for the 2025 wardrobe, both high street and designer brands offer a variety of options.
High Street Recommendations
Windsor offers a range of cropped cardigans priced between $29.90 and $39.90, featuring cozy knits, bolero styles, and unique details like faux fur cuffs or crochet textures. Their designs emphasize flattering cropped cuts that highlight the waist and complement high-waisted jeans or dresses, making them a great affordable choice for everyday chic.
Old Navy is another popular choice, noted for relaxed, button-up cardigans with collegiate stripes and cable-knit textures that work well for layering and can be dressed up or down.
Designer & Elevated Picks
For those looking to invest in a luxury cropped cardigan, Altuzarra’s Cammie Fair Isle Crop Cardigan ($795) stands out as a stylish option, merging classic knitwear with a modern cropped silhouette perfect for fall 2025 layering.
Other designer cardigans with boho or nautical influences are gaining attention, including The Great. Cavern Cardigan ($450), Cinq à Sept Ione Cardigan ($495), Chloé Ruffled Cardigan ($1,950), Cara Cara Ila Cardigan ($425), and Dôen Bonaventure Cardigan ($498) with a sailor-collar, reflecting the nautical trend. These designs often feature decorative patterns, ruffles, or sculptural silhouettes that elevate the cropped cardigan beyond basics.
Style Insights for 2025
Cropped cardigans remain a wardrobe staple to add polished layering over both casual denim and sleek dresses. The trend favors shapes that highlight the waist and embrace fitted yet comfortable cuts with button closures, knit textures, and sometimes embellishments like faux fur. The combination of boho detailing and nautical motifs aligns with the 2025 fashion narrative emphasizing coastal chic and vintage-inspired aesthetics.
In summary, the cropped cardigan is a versatile and fashionable piece that can be found in various styles and price ranges. Whether you opt for affordable high street options or designer pieces, the cropped cardigan is a wardrobe basic that is perfect for both cold and warmer months. This season, editors and influencers are wearing the cropped cardigan with ladylike pleated midi skirts and denim, demonstrating its versatility and timeless appeal.
- In the Autumn/Winter 2021 collection, designer brands like Altuzarra and The Great have adopted the cropped cardigan, signaling a shift in home-and-garden lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty trends, emphasizing the versatility of the style.
- Old Navy's relaxed, button-up cardigans can be a great addition to your shopping spree, offering a variety of styles suitable for both shopping and lifestyle, providing a stylish yet affordable option.
- To elevate your lifestyle and fashion, consider investing in designer pieces like the Cavern Cardigan from The Great or the Ruffled Cardigan from Chloé, which bridge the gap between home-and-garden and fashion-and-beauty, embodying the nautical trend and offering unique designs for shopping in 2025.
