Trends

A Sexy Cardigan Is the Winter Holy Grail Product

November 20, 2024

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RB/Bauer-Griffin

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As someone who lived in California until relatively recently, seasons are kind of new for me. Surely you can imagine my surprise when I learned that, sometimes, it’s too cold to wear a T-shirt and a light jacket. All that said, my time in the Midwest and East Coast broadened my horizons, and has given me a newfound appreciation for sweaters.

As I’ve learned to adapt for colder weather, I’ve been pleased to discover that almost no other item of clothing is as fun—and, dare I say, sexy—than a little cardigan. They’re so versatile! Wear it over a white tee or with nothing underneath at all, buttoned up to the top or totally open. You’re never locked into one style.

katieholmes in khaite sweater
Katie Holmes.

Photo: Backgrid

“But what’s so sexy about a sweater?” you may be asking. I’d reckon that a cardigan begets confidence like almost no other item of clothing. It’s customizable to the wearer’s comfort and what, after all, is hotter than being secure in yourself? And if you aren’t buying that platitude, may I just remind you of Katie Holmes’s Khaite cardigan and bralette set?

HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA  NOVEMBER 18 Paul Mescal attends the Gladiator II Los Angeles Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre...
Jesse Grant/Getty Images
Los Angeles CA  EXCLUSIVE  Model Kaia Gerber was spotted enjoying coffee with a friend in Los Angeles. The fashion icon...
BACKGRID USA

Just this week alone, Kaia Gerber and Paul Mescal both showed us just how hot the button-up sweater can be. Gerber demonstrated the cardigan for warmer climates, wearing a red sweater left mostly unbuttoned, sleeves pushed up above her elbows. Mescal, meanwhile, added a gray cardi to his Gladiator II premiere look, wearing it over a white tee and under a structured black blazer for a casual-cozy touch.

They’re not the only ones. Of course, with her knitwear brand Guest In Residence, we can count on Gigi Hadid to rock a cardigan, like the tomato-hued sweater(s) she wore out in the streets of New York, or her sister Bella Hadid, who once sported a mustard cardigan with just the top button clasped. Jennifer Lopez gave a new meaning to the sweater set, wearing a brown Gucci knit with a matching pair of shorts. Any way you spin it, you really can’t go wrong. So if you’re planning a special occasion this coming winter and want to feel your best self, grab your favorite cardigan and button up.

PARIS FRANCE  SEPTEMBER 18 Model Bella Hadid is seen on September 18 2018 in Paris France.
Marc Piasecki
NEW YORK NY  NOVEMBER 03 Gigi Hadid is seen on November 03 2023 in New York City.
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin
NEW YORK NEW YORK  NOVEMBER 03 Jennifer Lopez is seen in Chelsea on November 03 2024 in New York City.
Photo: Getty Images
LOS ANGELES CA  OCTOBER 31 Gwyneth Paltrow is seen at Jimmy Kimmel Live on October 31 2022 in Los Angeles California.
RB/Bauer-Griffin

Shop a selection of celeb-approved cardigans, below.

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, Sweater, and Cardigan

Everlane

crew cardigan

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Polo Ralph Lauren

wool and cashmere cardigan

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Gap

CashSoft cardigan

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Khaite

Ambre cardigan

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Dôen

Petra knitted cardigan

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Guest in Residence

Cloud cardigan

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Reformation

Clara cashmere cardigan

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Dôen

Clarke Cardigan

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Alex Mill

Reese cardigan in donegal

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Madewell

cashmere cardigan sweater

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Lou Lou Studio

arsen brushed alpaca-blend cardigan

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Prada

boxy cable cashmere cardigan