Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 25 finds on their current wish list.
I’ve been a social media editor and writer for quite some time. Still, there are two things I don’t necessarily love to share: the first being my screen-time report, and the second being how easily influenced I am by the internet. As embarrassing as it is to admit that just a few posts can sway me to try a trend, I must say I’m equally grateful for all the great fashion brands and jewelry brands I stumbled upon thanks to the ’gram. In truth, social media allows us to discover both ideas (and items) we may have never otherwise stumbled upon. And while there’s an endless wave of content and micro-trends as of late, the only thing that catches my attention in the explore feed these days is cardigans.
Yes, cardigans are not a new thing—the style has been around since the 1800s—but a few specific cardigan trends seem as if they’ve gone viral as of 2020. So ahead, I’m sharing both the posts I’ve saved and the best cardigans I’ve spotted on my Instagram feed.
From influencers in Australia to London, women worldwide have been seriously making me want to buy a colorful cardigan with faux-fur trim. Whether you opt for the original version from the sustainable U.K.-based brand, House of Sunny, or a similar piece from elsewhere, you can’t go wrong with this global favorite.
I’m a sucker for any piece that feels remotely unique. Time and time again, I’ve stopped mid-scroll when I’ve found a cardigan that has unusual buttons. From pearls to animal-shaped clasps, my inner school girl can’t stop thinking about all the beautiful buttons.
It seems that extended quarantine has not only rebooted our love for crafts but also DIY-inspired looks, including chunky knit cardigan sweaters. With so many great handmade knitwear brands on Instagram (not to mention brands where you can even make your own cardigan), it makes perfect sense that chunky knit styles have bubbled up everywhere.
I promise I’m not a cardigan fiend—it’s just that how could anyone not be mildly obsessed with ruffle cardigans? It’s basically the perfect trend because it’s one part Carrie Bradshaw and one part grandma-inspired.
Whether a duster cardigan or cropped, the one thing that lives in my mind rent-free is two-toned cardigans. It’s like color-blocking but in knit form, and I’m honestly loving it.
We’ve seen knit sets bubbling up across social platforms for the past year, but I’m particularly obsessed with the cardigan and matching tank and bralette versions. It feels like an homage to early ’00s fashion but way more polished.
Another cardigan trend I’ve seen all over social and feel susceptible to buying into is collared versions. It’s an homage to prep school uniforms, which automatically earns an A+ in my books.
If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking, “Why is this woman stanning cardigans so hard?” Well, it’s because the newest iterations of this wardrobe staple are by far the best yet. With details like asymmetrical buttons, to cropped cuts and cutouts, the cardigan has found new life both in the Instagram feed and beyond.
Next: And Now, The 18 Best Cropped Cardigans of Fall 2020