27 Cardigans That Are—Dare I Say It—Sexy?
Bet you never thought you'd read the words "sexy" and "cardigan" together in the same sentence, but according to pretty much every retailer at this given time, sexy cardigans are the It going-out top of 2020. When we say "sexy," we are referring to a more revealing take on the classic buttoned-up knitwear staple. Instead of crew-necks and minimal designs, we're now seeing plunging necklines, barely there closures, and crops so high, they almost look like bra tops.
To be clear, a cardigan can be sexy even if it's oversize, shows zero skin, and goes down to your knees. However, the 27 cute cardigans ahead are objectively living a little bit on the edge, pushing the boundaries of what a traditional cardigan looks like. These cardigans have big sexy energy. You'll see.
Cutouts are the trend to watch, and this cardigan is the easiest way to wear it right now.
Next up, discover which denim trend celebrities can't stop wearing right now.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
There You Have It: This Is the Flat-Shoe Trend to Wear With Winter 2025's Most Popular Legging ColorPerfect for the Pilates-loving fashion person.
-
The Bridal Dress Trends You're About to See Everywhere in Fall 2026Whether you're getting married in a chateau in France or a farmhouse in New York, find all of your inspiration here.
-
You Want a Chic Handbag for Under $500? Say Less—I Love These 35 StylesTo gift or keep for yourself? The choice is yours.
-
I'm a Stylist Who Travels Constantly—This Is All I Want to Wear After a Long TripFirst-class comfort.
-
Writer and Store Owner Laurel Pantin Told Me Her Incredibly Chic Holiday Gift PicksInspiring and whimsical, as always.
-
Not Snakeskin, Not Croc—These Two Underrated Animal Prints Are Quietly Staging a Fashion CoupFrom J.Crew to Khaite.
-
These $50 Old Navy Zipped Boots Are Just as Chic as the $1500 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last WinterThey're on sale for $30 right now.
-
25 Elevated Basics Worthy of a Fashion Person's Closet From Gap, Banana Republic, and Old NavyWho's in need of closet refresh?
-
My Friends Love Reformation—I Sent Them 31 Gorgeous Picks I'm Eyeing Right NowOne of each, please.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-Looking Nordstrom FindsEverything is under $150.