Best Cardigans to Wear as Tops This Fall

For a few seasons now, the cardigans have become the best ally for those of us who seek an in-between piece that is versatile, elegant, and perfect for day-to-day wear. Especially in autumn.

Although this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, we used to associate them with a naïve, schoolgirl image (and often tacky). However, street style and the growing rise of French style have led us to give them a new opportunity, a second reading where they adapt to any style and blend into both simple looks and more urban ones.

We wear them over jeans, skirts, and tailored pants as tops, or over dresses. Moreover, their wide range of options runs from minimalist proposals that are the clear definition of less is more to other patterned models that pursue a different touch and with more presence. Be that as it may, you’ll wear them more than you imagine.

The best cardigans for Autumn 2026

Black fitted Stradivarius sweater, €22.99. It is one of the easiest to wear. It will pair well with high-waisted straight-cut jeans, or with pencil skirts that bring out your more office-ready side. Moreover, it is very soft and comfortable.

White crew-neck cardigan from Massimo Dutti, €89.95. I think it has the best of both worlds. On one hand, its color is very wearable and versatile, making it easy to integrate into any wardrobe, and on the other, its neck gives it a different and modern touch that will make you look very current.

Terracotta cardigan from Sézane, €149. I’ve seen it on thousands of French content creators and I think it’s a wonderful autumn piece. It looks great styled with mid-blue denim, but also with creams, beiges, khaki, greys, and even browns. Its wearability is guaranteed.

Striped cardigan from Lefties, €17.99. Its pattern is one of the most wearable and versatile. The stripes add that French touch to wear with jeans, tailored trousers, or with short pleated skirts that enhance its preppy effect.

White cardigan from ba&sh, €325. It’s one of my favorites because I find it distinctive, thanks to its sleeves and its neck closure with a single button. That said, it’s meant to be worn with a T-shirt or shirt underneath. My advice is to go for a monochrome effect.

Grey cardigan from Ralph Lauren, €345. Since it’s a chunkier piece, my suggestion is to wear it over another layer, whether a top, shirt, or blouse. The best part is that it never goes out of style, so you won’t look dated as the seasons pass. It’s a good investment for any capsule wardrobe.