From Paris to London—Everyone With Taste Is Wearing This One Wardrobe Staple

If there’s one wardrobe item I’ve learnt not to underestimate, it’s a red cardigan. I’m not usually one for policing personal style—if anything, I’m very much in the camp of wear what you love, ignore the noise—but even I, a committed neutral dresser who lives in black, grey, white and the occasional navy, have quietly succumbed to the pull of a scarlet knit. It crept in slowly at first: spotted on French women tying one over their shoulders, then again on the runway, then suddenly in my own wardrobe, worn far more often than I ever expected. And judging by how often I see them on my feed, I know I’m not alone.

There’s something about a red cardigan that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s not a trend piece in the throwaway sense, but it does have the power to completely shift an outfit. I think that’s why red cardigan outfits have become such a reliable fashion editor shortcut: they add interest without requiring a full rethink of your wardrobe. Throw one over pieces you already own—jeans, skirts, tailoring—and suddenly everything looks more considered. More intentional. More like you meant it.

I’d go as far as to say the ongoing obsession with the French-girl aesthetic has played a major role here. For years now, we’ve been collectively trying to crack that elusive formula of looking pulled-together without appearing overdone, and the red cardigan has long been part of that visual language. Worn buttoned-up as a top, slung over the shoulders, or layered under a coat, it’s a staple that Parisian women seem to instinctively understand. It’s not loud, but it’s not shy either—and that confidence is exactly what makes red cardigan outfits so appealing.

Practicality helps, too. At this time of year especially, when the calendar fills up with festive dinners, parties and everything in between, a crimson knit just makes sense. It’s red—so it already does half the work for you. All it needs is the right supporting cast: a good shoe, a strong accessory, perhaps a contrasting texture. I can think of so many occasions where a ruby-toned cardigan feels just right, from evening plans to casual weekends, without tipping into anything too try-hard.

The runways certainly backed this up. On the Autumn and Winter 2025 catwalks, designers leaned into knitwear as a styling tool rather than an afterthought. We saw richly coloured cardigans at brands like Miu Miu and Prada, often worn buttoned-up with sleek skirts or layered under sharp outerwear, while more relaxed iterations appeared at the likes of Loewe, styled with denim and flats in a way that felt very now. What I liked most was how wearable it all felt—proof that red cardigan outfits aren’t just a street-style phenomenon but something designers are actively investing in.