Nothing defines easy fall dressing quite like a cropped cardigan. If putting together a cute outfit seems like too much to handle right now, a shrunken knit with your favorite jeans are the perfect answer. Styles range from basic button-ups to embroidered, embellished, or printed knits so there's pretty much something for everyone. (I, for one, am quite partial to the ones I can also wear as a top.)
For some inspiration on the best cropped cardigans for 2025, I turned to some of Instagram's best-dressed ladies like Ellie Nes, Pia Baroncini, and Imani Randolph. During the autumnal months, I love wearing these shrunken knits with slip skirts and a leather jacket if I need another layer. Of course, jeans and boots are also great accompaniments for a cropped cardigan. However you style it, it's safe to say you'll be super comfortable all day long. Scroll down to shop my favorites.
I've had this in my shopping cart ever since I first laid eyes on it in the summer. It's just that good.
Possibly the easiest way to wear fall's big color trend, chocolate brown.
This is a stunner, for obvious reasons.
Meet the cardigan It girls adore.
This is maybe the prettiest sweater I've ever seen.
Seeing this in my shopping research actually made my jaw drop.
Grab this while it's on sale.
Fashionable celebrities love the elevated essentials brand, Eterne.
So pretty.
Side effects of wearing this may include compliments and "where did you get that?" inquiries.
This also comes in chocolate brown and sky blue.
Short-sleeve cardigans are the micro-trend I'm seeing everywhere right now.
While you're at it, but the ivory style, too.
This ribbed texture looks so elevated.
This screams "I'm the main character."
Madewell's selection of sweaters is seriously underrated.
In one word: fun.
This dark green looks so luxe.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy StylesTrust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
-
If You Have Great Taste, You Don't Want to Miss These 30 Chic J.Crew and Madewell Sale PicksSo many gems. So little time.
-
Mikey Madison Just Wore the Reformation Basic Every Smart Shopper OwnsIncluding this editor.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Gap and Banana Republic Sales, These 30 Chic Picks Would Catch Her EyeOui, merci!
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on RepeatA modern-day style expert.
-
This $45 Waisted Cardigan From H&M Is a Compliment MachineEvery elegant person needs one.
-
I Wear Cashmere Year-Round Thanks to This Genius Sweater AlternativeSo simple but so good.
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This SpringHere's your outfit inspiration.
