A few years ago, if you had mentioned the words cardigan set, the phrase would have conjured up images of a preppy, Charlotte York-esque character in pastel-shaded cashmere with a matching headband and pearl necklace to boot. Though last year, Katie Holmes came along and single-handedly blew that notion completely out of the water.
Spotted on the streets of New York wearing a matching cashmere cardigan and knitted bra top by of-the-moment label Khaite, Holmes started a movement. With one image, the concept of the bradigan was born, altering the perception of a sweater set forever.
Since this pop-culture moment, cardigan sets have had a resurgence, shedding their formerly preppy persona and garnering a fan base of influencers and It girls. Of course, high-street retailers have since started creating their own iterations, and now the cardigan set seems to be one of autumn's most in-demand knitwear styles.
In an update to the original look, many of this season's sets contain a knitted crop top, rather than the bra which accompanied Holmes's original outfit. This makes the look a lot more versatile and wearable for real-world occasions. From Other Stories to Mango, Zara, and more, keep scrolling to see how influencers are styling cardigan sets and to shop the in-demand knit below.
How influencers are styling the trend:
Style Notes: In true Zeena style, the influencer opts for a playful cardigan set featuring floral embellishments.
Style Notes: Francesca Carolina styles Nasty Gal's mustard cardigan set alongside black shorts and boots.
Style Notes: One of Zara's earlier sets, this exact item is now sold out, though the retailer has released several similar options.
Style Notes: Taking the cardigan set to another level, here Rachael Clifton styles hers alongside matching knit shorts.
Style Notes: Taking a minimalist approach, here Claire Most pairs a white cardigan set with a pair of faded blue jeans.
Shop cardigan sets:
Next up, The Biggest Autumn/Winter 2020 Fashion Trends You Need to Know
-
Don't Make Me Say I Told You So—42 Zara Studio F/W 25 Items That'll Be Sold Out by Next WeekYou've had fair warning.
-
If You Want Your Clothes Mistaken for Designer, Try These 7 Zara OutfitsExpensive-looking styles ahead.
-
30 Things I'm Buying From Zara to Dress Like Ayo Edebiri This FallShe's my style inspiration.
-
Live From Madrid: 31 Zara and Mango Finds That I Guarantee Will Soon Sell Out StatesideStraight from the motherland.
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall OutfitsDid I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
Hello, 5-Star Wardrobe: Meet 30 Stylish New Zara ItemsFrom stunning jackets to cool knits.
-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your CartThese will elevate your fall outfits.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara andReplica Store Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through FallPlus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.
