Is it possible for a sweater to take over your mind, body, and soul? That's precisely what happened to me once Marni's striped mohair cardigan entered the scene. Deliciously fluffy and appealingly oversize, it was such a breakout star of the Italian label's S/S 21 collection, and celebs have been flocking to it in droves.
A "boring" staple rarely receives so much attention, but maybe that's a testament to how transformative a statement piece can be. Marni's version has been on my wish list since the summer, but with a $1000 price tag, that's likely where it'll stay. For now, I'm scratching the itch by browsing for inexpensive, equally quirky alternatives and window-shopping for ones I dream of wearing. Below, I'm sharing the results of my research by presenting all of the coolest cardigans I've discovered thus far as well as a few of the looks that have inspired my obsession. Scroll down to see what I mean.
How fashion people are wearing statement cardigans:
Enter my holy-grail sweater. As it's fuzzy and striped, I could imagine someone like Kurt Cobain wearing this in the '90s.
The addition of a trucker hat really sets this look off.
This new silhouette has caused quite a stir this season. It's part top, part sweater, so you could easily throw it on with a midi skirt as well as a pair of loose jeans.
Cropped, vibrant, and chunky—what's not to love about this? It's only fitting that it's styled with statement pants.
Shop the cardigans I'm loving:
Should you decide Marni's cardigan is in your budget, I stand by this pink-and-orange colorway.
Oversize cardigans are a fashion-girl staple.
All sweaters should come with pretty landscapes like this.
I love the styling of this.
We're back to diamond patterns.
Nope, I cannot believe this is less than $100.
This is just waiting to be styled with a fun crop top.
The dip-dye feels reminiscent of Marni's version.
Peter Pan collars are an emerging sweater trend to keep your eyes peeled for.
This feels remarkably close to the original.
Do yourself a favor and buy the matching crop top, too.
An unexpected (yet welcomed!) color combo.
We love a little retro flair.
This was practically made for laid-back weekends.
Mohair brings coziness to another dimension.
Pair this with baggy jeans and silver hoops.
So good.
Graphic sweaters make getting dressed so much easier.
Purple zebra, anyone?
This particular Ganni print has been selling out like wildfire.
Yes, I dream about this daily.
I know I've fangirled about Marni enough already, but this cardi also features a different pattern on the back so it's worth it, right?
Another It sweater of the season.
Leave it to Molly Goddard to make a cardigan remarkably fashion-forward.
Yes, yes, and more yes.
Up next: Fashion People Wear Sweater-Vests All the Time—Here Are the Best Styles
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