The Cropped Cardigan Trend Comes French-Girl Approved

published 18 February 2024

In my opinion, spring is the perfect time to refresh your knitwear. When it's not hot enough to leave the house bare-shouldered but no longer too chilly to have to hide under seemingly endless layers, light knitwear really gets to shine. With this in mind, I'm looking to add something new to my collection, and I've been focusing my search on the chic cropped cardigans that I've been seeing everywhere recently. Crafted from traditional wool, cotton and cashmere fabrics, cropped cardigans retain a cosy edge yet sometimes style even better with other light layers than their longline counterparts.

A mainstay in the wardrobes of most French women (at least the ones I follow), a cropped cardigan adds a playful touch to even the most basic looks. Style with a cotton vest top and high-waisted jeans for an effortlessly chic outfit that any Parisian would commend you for, or throw on over a light cotton dress and Mary Janes for an easy, spring-ready ensemble.

Whilst the French have been styling this specific knit for years, brands in the UK are finally catching on to its appeal in a significant way. Up and down the high street and throughout designer offerings, the cropped cardigan trend can be found in a multitude of guises and at any price point.

From H&M's melange knit to Marni's vibrant blue style, scroll on to discover my edit of the best cropped cardigans to buy now.

SHOP THE CROPPED CARDIGAN TREND:

Mango

Knitted Cropped Cardigan

Style over a cotton dress or wear with a high-waisted skirt.

MARNI

Cropped Striped Mohair-Blend Cardigan in Blue

This also comes in letterbox red.

Reformation

Millie Cashmere Off-the-Shoulder Cardigan

With an elegant off-the-shoulder design, this cropped cardigan is an easy way to elevate a casual outfit.

H&M

Short Textured-Knit Cardigan

This short khaki cardigan looks chic with jeans or linen trousers.

Almada Label

Lille Cardigan

This cashmere-blend cardigan is delightfully soft.

Theory

Cropped Knitted Cardigan

With a wool, cotton and cashmere composition, this cropped cardigan will keep you cosy until spring.

Sézane

Lenora Cardigan in Pastel Yellow

The butter yellow colour trend is set to take off this spring.

Alaïa

Cropped Wool-Blend Cardigan

This would work with both high and low-waisted bottoms.

Sea

Anna Ruffled Cropped Merino Wool-Jacquard Cardigan

This bib style will look chic worn with a white, cotton dress.

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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.