Button-Up Cardigans Are On Trend for Winter 2025: Honest & Unsponsored Best Buys

Yes, button-up cardigans are absolutely having a moment this winter—and honestly, I couldn't be happier about it. After seasons of oversized hoodies and shapeless knits, the humble cardigan has reclaimed its spot as the most versatile layering piece in your wardrobe. From cropped styles with chunky buttons to waist-defining silhouettes and classic grandpa cardigans, there's a button-up for every body type and budget right now.

Why Cardigans Are Everywhere Right Now

I've noticed something interesting happening on the high street and in my styling sessions lately. Women are gravitating towards pieces that feel both polished and comfortable—and cardigans tick both boxes beautifully. They're the antidote to the overly casual loungewear we've been living in, yet they don't demand the commitment of a structured blazer.

The cardigan trend for winter 2025 isn't just one silhouette either. We're seeing cropped versions that hit just at the ribcage, perfect for creating shape with high-waisted trousers. Then there are the waist-defined styles that give you an hourglass silhouette without trying. And let's not forget the oversized grandpa cardigans that look effortlessly chic thrown over a slip dress or paired with wide-leg jeans.

The Three Key Styles You Need to Know

The Cropped Cardigan with Oversized Buttons

This is the style I'm recommending to nearly every client right now. It typically features 3-4 substantial buttons (often in a horn or wood finish) and hits anywhere from your ribcage to high hip. The proportions are genius—it creates the illusion of longer legs whilst still giving you coverage. Style it buttoned up like a shirt with midi skirts, or leave it open over a fitted tank and loose trousers.

The Waist-Defined Cardigan

Remember Katie Holmes's viral Khaite moment? Well, that cinched-waist cardigan is back and better than ever. These feature either built-in belts or strategically placed ribbing that nips in at your natural waist. They're brilliant for creating structure and work beautifully as an alternative to blazers for smart-casual dressing. I'm styling these with everything from tailored trousers for work to denim for weekends.

The Classic Grandpa Cardigan

V-neck, mid-hip to thigh length, with patch pockets and a relaxed fit—this is the cardigan your grandfather would have worn, but make it fashion. The trick to wearing these in 2025 is all in the styling. Try buttoning them up completely and tucking or half-tucking into high-waisted bottoms for a fresh take. They're also perfect for layering under structured coats.

My Honest Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes

COS – Consistently excellent quality with minimalist Scandi design that never dates. Their cardigans are investment pieces at high street prices, with beautiful fabrications that don't pill.

Arket – Another Swedish brand doing cardigans brilliantly. Their cropped styles are particularly good, and the fits are generous without being boxy. Great for petites and plus sizes alike.

Zara – Fast to pick up on trends, so perfect if you want that waist-defined style or bold colours like burgundy and forest green. Quality varies, so feel the fabric before buying.

Mango – Underrated for knitwear! Their cardigans have a more European fit (slightly slimmer) and the colour palette is always spot-on. The price point is very reasonable too.

M&S – Don't sleep on Marks & Spencer for classic cardigans. Their cashmere blends punch well above their weight, and the fits are reliably good for UK body shapes.

Reiss – Sitting at the top end of the high street, Reiss does sophisticated cardigans in luxe fabrics. Their waist-defined styles are particularly chic.

Whistles – Excellent for modern classics. Their cropped cardigans in neutral tones are wardrobe workhorses, and the quality justifies the slightly higher price tag.

& Other Stories – Fashion-forward without being trendy, with interesting details like contrast buttons or unexpected colour combinations. Their sizing runs slightly small.

Premium Picks

Me&Em – British brand beloved by stylists for their impeccable fits. Their cardigans are designed to flatter real women's bodies, with thoughtful details like longer sleeves and proportions that work.

Reformation – If you want something a bit different, Reformation's knitwear collection features vintage-inspired cardigans in beautiful colours. Sustainably made, which is a bonus.

Luxury & Designer

Max Mara – Italian excellence in knitwear. Their cardigans are heirloom pieces that will last decades. The cashmere is divine, and the cuts are timelessly elegant.

Loewe – If you're going to invest in one designer cardigan, make it Loewe. Their house colours and relaxed-yet-refined aesthetic make these pieces you'll reach for season after season.

Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Aligne – This London-based brand creates elevated basics with a focus on sustainability. Their waist-cinching cardigans have gained a cult following, and prices are surprisingly accessible.

& Daughter – Irish knitwear brand producing beautiful Aran-inspired pieces with a modern twist. Their Ava crewneck cardigan is iconic, and quality is exceptional. These are true investment pieces from an independent maker.

Styling Tips from a Stylist

The trick with cardigans this season is all about proportion and intention. Don't just throw one on—style it purposefully. Cropped cardigans need high-waisted bottoms to balance the silhouette. Longer cardigans work brilliantly with slimmer-fitting trousers or midi skirts. And if you're petite, stick to cropped or hip-length styles to avoid overwhelming your frame.

Colour-wise, I'm seeing burgundy, forest green, and cream dominating, but classic navy never fails. And here's a styling secret: cardigans look infinitely more expensive when you button the bottom two buttons only and leave the top open. Try it.

For more style advice on creating a versatile winter wardrobe, check out the Ultimate Guide to Jackets to see what works with your new cardigan.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar

Here's the thing about buying cardigans online—sizing is a nightmare. What's a 'medium' in COS feels nothing like a 'medium' in Zara. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. Seriously, you'll never need to squint at another confusing size guide again.

How It Works:

Measure once – Just your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing brand size as a reference.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether that's COS, Reiss, Arket, Mango, or hundreds more.
Always free – No app downloads, no subscriptions. It works directly in your browser.

As a stylist, I cannot tell you how much time this saves. Instead of ordering three sizes and dealing with returns, you order once and get it right. Plus, Tellar's Fashion Hub is stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query you could have. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free.

Want to dive deeper into seasonal dressing? Check out these guides:

Happy cardigan shopping—and remember, the best cardigan is the one that fits you perfectly. That's where Tellar comes i