Monochrome

Simon Rocha

As a jacket

A sharp belted cardigan can be an excellent way of elevating an outfit to business lunch level without actually adding formal wear. Gucci, Miu Miu and Brock Collection all sent models down the runway wearing tailored cardigans that nipped in at the waist for a more formal silhouette.

As a jacket

Alexander McQueen

Under a suit

Alternatively, you could opt to throw on a cardigan under a formal suit jacket for a fresh take on three-piece formal wear as seen on the catwalks of Nina Ricci and Thom Browne. In Nina Ricci's case, a thin cardigan–which was left open for a glimpse of lingerie replaced the shirt in the suit line-up.

Under a suit

Bottega Veneta

Cropped

Crop tops and bra tops continue to rule the streetwear scene, so it comes as no surprise that cardigans are shortening their hemlines too. Dolce and Gabbana, Sibling, Agnès B. and Véronique Leroy were just some of the labels championing the mini-cardigan for this season.

Cropped

 Thom Browne

Statement

As well as simply complementing outfits, cardigans make great solo statement pieces. No one understands this better than Sonia Rykiel, a house whose reputation was built on killer knitwear and sent designs like structured cardigans with fluted sleeves and geometric hemlines down the runway. Jeremy Scott also sent models down the catwalk in nothing but outsized cardigans and tiny shorts, proving that it really is one of the most hard-working pieces you can have in your wardrobe.

Statement

Missoni

Additional reporting: Cheryl Chan