Winter is settling in, and the cardigan is no longer just a warm layer: it’s the piece that adds character to your entire look. Deep shades, cropped cuts and sparkling details refresh your winter wardrobe. 

Below, you’ll find five trends worth investing in.

♥︎ Burgundy shades

Burgundy is the colour that brings warmth to winter: deeper than red and more refined than black, it brightens your complexion without shouting.

It stands out against grey, ecru and denim, while paired with pink, it creates a bold, modern tonal contrast.

A knitted burgundy cardigan instantly refreshes your wardrobe essentials, from a white T-shirt to black trousers.

✔ How to wear it

To the office: Pair the button-up burgundy cardigan with wide-leg grey trousers and black loafers. A black leather shoulder bag keeps the outfit understated and lets the colour take centre stage.

For a stroll: Wear it unbuttoned over an ecru turtleneck, with straight-leg jeans and brown ankle boots. A pink-toned scarf adds a playful touch.

♥︎ Chocolate and deep brown

Chocolate tones are the season’s warmest neutral, an elegant alternative to black that adds depth to any outfit.

They pair harmoniously with camel, beige, and ecru, creating monochromatic looks with an air of understated elegance.

Brown brings out textured knits and details, adding impact even to the simplest design.

✔ How to wear it

To the office: Wear a chocolate-brown cardigan over a beige pleated skirt, with knee-high brown boots. A structured camel handbag completes a tonal outfit for the ultimate quiet luxury look.

For a weekend in the city: Pair it with a white shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. An ecru wool beanie keeps the palette bright and protects you from the cold.

♥︎ Purple and Aubergine

Purple is emerging as the colour of the season, with rich aubergine shades offering the freshest way to add colour to your winter wardrobe.

It pairs beautifully with grey and navy for a subtle look, or with khaki for a bolder contrast.

It works as a modern new neutral: more interesting than black, yet just as easy to style.

✔ How to wear it

To the office: Pair the aubergine cardigan with grey tailored trousers and black pumps. Add silver jewellery to bring out the cool undertones of the colour.

For dinner: Wear it buttoned up as a top, with a black satin midi skirt and pointed ankle boots. A black leather clutch keeps the outfit elegant and lets the colour stand out.

♥︎ Cropped cut

The cropped cardigan takes the place of long, loose-fitting styles, accentuating the waist and visually elongating the silhouette.

It’s ideal with high-waisted trousers, midi skirts and dresses, as it ends at just the right point.

Buttoned up, it works as a knitted top; unbuttoned, as a light layer under a coat.

✔ How to wear it

For the office: Button up an ecru cropped cardigan and pair it with navy wide-leg trousers and ballet flats. A small shoulder bag keeps the proportions balanced.

For a day out: Wear a red cropped cardigan with barrel-leg jeans and black loafers. Add a tan belt to accentuate your waist even more.

♥︎ Rhinestones, pearls and metallic details

Rhinestones, pearls and metallic threads transform a knitted cardigan into a statement piece that transitions effortlessly from day to night.

The sparkle is perfectly balanced with matte textures, such as denim, wool and suede.

It’s the smartest investment ahead of the festive season, instantly elevating even the simplest outfit.

✔ How to wear it

To the office: Pair a cardigan with pearl buttons with black cigarette trousers and loafers. Keep accessories to a minimum with a simple leather bag, letting the detail shine.

For an evening out: Wear a grey metallic cardigan with a black midi skirt and pointed-toe pumps. A silver clutch complements the knit’s shimmer.

This article was created with the help of AI and reviewed and edited by the Skroutz team.