It Girls in Paris and New York Agree—This Elegant Knitwear Trend Matters Most Right Now

Grown-up and graceful, this comfortable knitwear trend will be everywhere this season.

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Collage of influencers wearing wrap cardigans.
(Image credit: @haileybieber, @sylviemus_, @vivianyrl)
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It’s mid-January, and the urge to cocoon myself in something soft and sumptuous has never been stronger. Somewhat inconveniently, this peak craving for comfort has coincided with a mild spell, meaning my thickest cashmere knits are staying folded away for now. Instead, I’ve been reaching for a lighter—but no less comforting—alternative: the wrap cardigan.

Draping the body in a generous sweep of fabric, the wrap cardigan has all the makings of a perfect January purchase. It’s little wonder that so many of the chicest people I follow are currently backing the trend.

Influencer @sylviemus_ wears a white wrap cardigan with cigarette jeans and black mules.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

With its wrap silhouette long associated with ballet uniforms, the style subtly channels the poised elegance of a ballerina, as such, lending an effortless grace to its outfit pairings. Compared to classic button-up cardigans—which, while timeless, can occasionally feel a touch dowdy—these wrap designs feel decidedly sleeker and at once more modern.

Influencer @vivianyrl wears a wrap cardigan with a wool pencil skirt and red socks.

(Image credit: @vivianyrl)

This revival hasn’t come out of nowhere. For several seasons now, runways have been nodding to the wrap cardigan, drawing on its dancewear roots to deliver looks imbued with softness, fluidity and elegance.

Model walks the Ferragamo spring/summer 2025 runway wearing a warp cardigan with a leotard and tights.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics / Spotlight)

Model walks the Ferragamo spring/summer 2025 runway wearing a warp cardigan with a leotard and tights.

Now filtering into the wardrobes of celebrities and fashion people in Paris and New York, the trend is making waves both on and off the high street. From elegant takes at Reformation and H&M to luxurious iterations by Soft Goat and Almada Label, there’s no shortage of compelling options to choose from.

Influencer @haileybieber lies on a bed wearing a light grey wrap cardigan.

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Read on to discover my edit of the best wrap cardigans to invest in now.

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Natalie Munro
Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.