The "Boring" Basic I Lowkey Need In My Closet Immediately

With the rise of the comfy wardrobe, we’ve seen the resurgence of some "boring” basics. Among them, button-down tops, slouchy pants, and leggings, which have worked their way back into the outfits of fashion people in a major way throughout 2020 and 2021. Another piece that has been bubbling up more recently? Black cardigans. While the staple might sound anything but exciting, it’s been spotted on the recent runways at Jacquemus and Altuzarra, which always means it's something to keep your eye on. Plus, it's been a key piece in the cool outfits on Instagram that have been on my radar recently.

The trick to pulling one off? It all comes down to the styling. Whether wearing tucked into jeans with a blazer layered on top, or with a pair of micro hot pants, the sky’s the limit. Ahead, I’m highlighting some of the best black cardigan outfit ideas to get you inspired. These are certainly making me rethink how to wear the closet basic.

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Styling tip: Tuck the cardigan into jeans and layer a plaid blazer on top. Then, add a pair of loafers to finish the look.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Styling tip: Dress up bike shorts with a tissue-thin cardigan, polished heels, and a crossbody bag for an outfit that is cozy and incredibly chic.

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(Image credit: @caitlinburkenyc)

Styling tip: Keep only the cardigan's top buttons fastened and the rest undone. Then, pair it with classic jeans and gold jewelry.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Styling tip: Liven up a standard cardigan with a pair of hot shorts and printed tights. This is a look I wouldn't have come up with on my own but can't stop thinking about it.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Styling tip: Looking for a new way to style your sweatpants? Add a cute cardigan, layers of necklaces, and a headband with a pop of color.

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Styling tip: Add a pair of slouchy trousers and mules for an easy look that looks instantly put-together. I love the idea of sticking to neutral tones.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Styling tip: Balance out a pair of bold, printed pants with a black cardigan like our assistant market editor, Yusra Siddiqui is wearing here.

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Styling tip: In my opinion, you can simply never go wrong with a matching set. Right now, there are so many cool takes on elevated loungewear.

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(Image credit: @jjaimeridge)

Styling tip: Try adding an oversize blazer and tailored shorts for a classic, but modern, look. This is the perfect look to try out as we head into spring.

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Styling tip: Add a cropped cardigan with a pair of jeans and a metal belt. I also love the idea of wearing the sweater open with a matching top underneath.

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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.

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Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.