My Waisted Cardigan Earns Me the Most Compliments—I Found Another 12 That Are Just as Good

Over the past few years, fashion has become decidedly subtle. Where once layered embellishments and definitive logos reigned supreme, there's been a shift as the focus is no longer on declaring who made your piece, but rather on the design itself.

Think The Row's Margaux bag, void of any indication of its origin but identifiable by those in the know via its silhouette and quality. Nowadays, cut, shape and feel hold the most importance, and these elements can make any piece—regardless of its price tag—feel like a high-end buy. As a minimalist, I'm always looking for those discreet nods to elegance, and form is my current focus when considering any new buy. I'm talking the ease of an oversized blazer, the contemporary appeal of a barrel-leg jean, or the item I'm most intrigued by right now: the waisted cardigan.

The waisted cardigan, defined by its fitted silhouette around the waist and often flaring into a looser hemline, has already spent years proving just how elegant it is. Think of the Khaite Scarlet cardigan, a beloved investment piece owned by celebrities and stylish people alike. Taking a wardrobe staple and redefining it with a silhouette adjustment shouldn't be so impactful, but it is. And when applied to the humble cardigan, this piece goes from easy light layer to centre stage in an instant.

I can personally vouch for the understated appeal of a waisted cardigan, as in wearing my recently purchased Nobody's Child cardigan, I was inundated with questions about where it was from. Rarely has a simple knit induced so many compliments for me, and my Saved folders are filled with stylish people in various waisted cardigans, whilst my fellow editors have also added this updated knit to their collections. Suffice it to say, the waisted cardigan is a hit.

What's more, the innate high-end feel means there's an array of options to suit all budgets. If you're looking to invest in a truly high-quality piece, Khaite often uses this silhouette play in its refined designs; or for those looking for more affordable options, brands like H&M and ASOS bring a refined approach in soft neutral shades. Better still, I've put them all together in a concise edit, making finding your most elevated knit that much easier.

Keep scrolling to explore the best waisted cardigans.

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