With the official arrival of Fall here, it’s time to consider those transitional pieces that allow us to make the move from one season to the next more easily. Happily, this year we have even more options for how do that, since there’s a new twist on a tried and true favorite. The classic knit many of us use for layering at this time of year is the cardigan. This season the luxury fashion designers have reinvented this wardrobe essential in wild new colors and prints. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy shares her edit of 12 of the best new luxury fashion designer cardigan sweaters for women perfect for the transition into fall 2022.
the cardigan is our go-to for layering and dressing for the transition from summer to fall
When sweater weather is upon us – whether it’s in the actual temperature or just a September state of mind – the perfect transitional piece is a trusty cardigan.
The best new luxury fashion designer cardigan sweaters for women perfect for the transition into fall 2022.
They’ve come a long way from being associated with grandmother’s holiday novelty knits or itchy wool uniforms. From slouchy boyfriend silhouettes to playful cropped styles, they’re a layering essential that can also stand on their own.
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Ahead, we’re featuring 5 categories of our favorite cardigans for women from luxury fashion designers sure to suit any style or mood. They’re everything sweater weather should be: cozy, effortless, and luxurious.
12 new luxury designer cardigan sweaters for women best for fall 2022
cardigan sweaters for women: The Boyfriend Cardigan
These oversized fits are essential for exuding a laidback vibe. Endlessly versatile, we use them in lieu of jackets as the temps dip or as a softer and more relaxed version of a blazer at work. For dinners out, they look chic dressed up with a half-tuck into a skirt or over this summer’s slinky slip dress.
1. Apiece Apart
It doesn’t get more sumptuous than this cashmere and silk blend cardigan. The camel color has a timeless appeal that exudes quiet luxury – even if you’re throwing it on over workout leggings.
BUY NOW – $425.
2. Alessandra Rich
Checks instantly conjure a scholarly fall mood but we love how this knit is a little subversive in an unexpected yellow with crystal embellished buttons. Knit in a fuzzy mohair and wool blend, it’s one of our warmest picks.
3. Gentle Herd
A marled effect and textured rib give this cardigan that super cozy, reading-in-front-of-a-fireplace mood. Crafted from cashmere and wool, it’s one of those high-quality pieces that will become a wardrobe staple.
BUY NOW – $249.
cardigan sweaters for women: The Cropped Cardigan
Playful and full of personality, there’s something about the cropped cardigan that looks fresh. It’s made to complement those high-waisted pants but also adds an elegant dimension when layered unbuttoned over a dress. Play with those 1/3 to 2/3 ratios and you’ll never look frumpy in this sweater.
4. Proenza Schouler
Crafted from recycled cashmere yarns, this sweater balances the cropped silhouette with a boxy, oversized fit so it looks cool and modern. The sunny color is all you need for a burst of dopamine when getting dressed in the increasingly dark mornings.
BUY NOW – $990.
5. Parrish LA
Everyone needs a gray cardigan but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Bishop sleeves lend this wool sweater an air of whimsy and romance.
BUY NOW – $228.
6. Alice & Olivia
Featuring a two-tone crochet tied up with a ribbon, this layer has a pretty flair that makes you feel polished and put-together. Coordinate with a tank and jeans for a more casual look or style over a LBD to look seasonally appropriate.
Chic luxury cardigan sweater to transition into Fall. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $595.
cardigan sweaters for women: The Nostalgic Cardigan
We have a soft spot for the retro cardigan. From heritage fair isles to the 50s era pastel knits found in every vintage boutique, each one has a one-of-a-kind feeling. These statements pieces make dressing easy because they do all the talking.
7. The Great
With a nostalgic après-ski vibe, this fair isle cardigan evokes instant coziness and alpine good looks. Made with cotton and designed with a chunky collar and ribbed cuffs and hem, it’s easy to style as you would a bomber jacket or just leave it buttoned up with a pair of cords.
BUY NOW – $350.
8. LoveShackFancy
This powder pink cardigan combines all our favorite patterns: cable, pointelle, and scalloping, for a truly sweet and feminine top. Lean into the mood with a floral skirt or toughen it up with black leather pants.
BUY NOW – $395.
9. Batsheva
Hand-embroidered flowers and wood buttons give an artisanal touch to this alpaca cardigan that’s totally grandma-chic. It’s elegant and a little quirky – just like her.
BUY NOW – $575.
cardigan sweaters for women: The Wrap Cardigan
Unfortunately, one cannot walk around enveloped in a robe all day. That’s where long, wrap cardigans come in. They strike an elongated silhouette while giving you that toasty, hugged feeling. Of course, you can and should also wear it open like a flowing cape to make an entrance at any brunch or a party.
10. Faherty
You’ll find us wrapped in this cabin-chic duster on every fall weekend getaway – from roasting s’mores by the fire to walking around the woods picking up pine cones for arts and crafts. Knit in a naturally textured 100% organic cotton, it’s unbelievably soft and cozy.
BUY NOW – $348.
11. Saint Laurent
This maxi cardigan delivers the glam. Trimmed with lush faux fur, the metallic knit has a subtle shimmer that elevates and transitions an outfit from day to night.
BUY NOW – $2,490.
12. R13
We close our list of the best fashion designer cardigans for women this fall with a statement piece. Though it’s knit from whisper-soft cashmere, this leopard print cardigan makes a loud statement. For effortless mornings, pair over all black or have fun and experiment with layering it over other patterns.
BUY NOW – $995.
12 chic luxury fashion cardigan sweaters for women for fall 2022
That’s our edit of the current season’s best luxury fashion designer cardigan sweaters for women to wear to ease the transition from summer to fall. Here’s to the start of a cozy new season!
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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
