3 WAYS TO WEAR THIS COOL-GUY ESSENTIAL, ACCORDING TO THE FASHION TEAM

Paul Mescal’s art-student-core and the shrunken button-ups featured in Prada's SS25 show have put the cardigan firmly in the spotlight – but truthfully, it’s never been out. From school uniforms to your grandpa’s eclectic wardrobe, decades of exposure in high fashion and the streets have elevated this knit to must-have status. If you’re not already sitting on a pile of cardies for the season, look below for your new go-tos and the pieces our Fashion Team will be pairing them with.

Straight out of the Mescal/Pascal fashion playbook, this ‘fit goes heavy on soft skater style with a splash of prep. The striped green cardigan over a white vest is a fresh colour choice for spring, topped off with light-wash baggy jeans. Any choice of shoes will complement this versatile combo, but loafers are unmatched for adding that elevated touch. The cap is optional, but the silver chains aren’t – they’re the art-student uniform, after all.

 

GET THE LOOK:

Topman oversized cardigan in green & yellow stripe, £46

Obey pigment bold 6 panel strapback logo cap in black wash, £45

Levi's 578 baggy fit jeans in bleach wash, £80

SEQWL Hero loafers in PU black, £25

The best cardigans are the ones made by streetwear brands – like this pink AAPE hero. Its structured, boxier silhouette akin to a sweatshirt lends itself well to jorts and techy shoes, forming an A$AP Rocky-approved look we’d wear everywhere. If daytime activities call for trainers instead of futuristic sandals, opt for Nike P-6000s or V2Ks.

 

GET THE LOOK:

COLLUSION denim skater jorts in midwash blue, £29.99

Merrell Hydro Moc sandals in black, £65

Dickies denim tote bag in dark blue, £50

Aape By A Bathing Ape logo button up cardigan in pink, £149

The easiest way to step up your spring style? Colour theory. A blue cardigan + gold adi Sambas are a perfect match in practice, not just according to the colour wheel. Smart trousers and a basic white tee give these statement styles their main-character moment, and you’ll feel the effects once you step into any room. Head turns and jaw drops, incoming.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN faux mother of pearl pendant necklace in gold tone, £12

adidas Originals Samba LT trainers in metallic gold and black, £100

ASOS DESIGN co-ord horseshoe fit linen look smart trousers in black, £35

Weekday Konrad oversized boxy fit cardigan in blue, £55