Everywhere I Look, Stylish Londoners Are Wearing the Subtly Chic Cardigan Trend That Screams "Expensive"
The quietly chic knitwear style elegant women rely on to elevate everyday outfits.
Cardigans, once regarded as a fusty, frumpy item your grandmother might have worn in a thick cable-knit, have undergone a decidedly elegant revival over the past few years. Re-entering the fashion conversation at the same time as preppy dressing made its return (thank you, Miu Miu), the cardigan has quietly reclaimed its place as a cornerstone of chic, modern wardrobes.
As last year’s cinched silhouettes and this season’s funnel-neck styles have proven, the cardigan is a category with real room to evolve. But the most refined iteration on my radar right now? The collared cardigan. I know what you’re thinking, collared cardigans aren’t exactly new, but that’s precisely the point. They’re timeless, quietly polished, and every stylish woman I know has at least one tucked into her wardrobe rotation.
What makes the collared cardigan feel so relevant in 2026 is its versatility. It sits comfortably between knitwear and tailoring, offering the ease of a jumper with the structure of a shirt or polo. Whether it’s a soft merino style worn buttoned-up with straight-leg jeans, or a slightly boxier silhouette layered over tailored trousers, a collar instantly elevates the look, lending outfits that effortless, considered feel French women do so well. It’s no surprise, then, that brands across the high street and beyond have leaned into the silhouette, from COS’s impeccably cut merino styles to softer, cashmere-blend options at Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti and H&M.
If you’re looking to invest in a knit that will see you through now and well into the warmer months, a collared cardigan is a smart place to start. Easy to layer, endlessly wearable and immune to fleeting trends, it’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for on repeat, and wonder how you ever dressed without.
Keep scrolling to shop the best collared cardigans worth adding to your wardrobe now.
The Best Collared Cardigans
A refined take on the classic knit, this collared merino cardigan feels elevated and effortless.
With its relaxed yet considered shape, this style channels effortless Parisian chic, perfect for layering over light knits or shirts as the season transitions.
Easy to throw on with denim or tailoring, the simplicity of this knit makes it a great base layer for spring and beyond.
Collared, waisted with a chic toggle-fastening, COS' newly launched knit ticks every single box.
A playful yet polished cardigan with a Peter Pan collar that feels both nostalgic and modern.
A great expensive-looking staple. Layer it over simple tees or shirts to inject a subtle design detail into everyday outfits.
The relaxed silhouette and fine texture give it a quiet luxury feel, making it a wardrobe staple you’ll return to season after season.
The colour is everything. This bold-hued cardigan combines a classic knitted body with a standout collar for a slightly more fashion-forward feel.
A modern, sculptural take on the classic cardigan.
From the soft-knit texture to the slight cinch at the waist, this cardigan is perfect for bridging smart and casual. It pairs effortlessly with wide-leg trousers or tailoring.
The merino-wool and cashmere blend brings a refined tactile feel, while the relaxed silhouette and subtle collar make this piece feel effortlessly sophisticated.
The definition of timeless knit with a softly tailored feel. Its neutral hue and classic design lend themselves perfectly to capsule dressing; think smart trousers, crisp shirts and polished flats.
The wool construction gives this knit depth, while the simple design ensures it won’t date; it's a piece that elevates even the simplest outfits.
This hybrid cardigan-jacket blurs the lines between knitwear and outerwear, with a structured collar and rich navy hue that feel quietly polished.
