Why the Cardigan Is the New House Dress For Fall 2020

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I was a big fan of the breezy, lightweight house dress this past summer, but sadly, we're nearing September, and I'm ready to rotate back to sweaters. I may not be the only one. It seems as though celebrities we regularly take style influence from — Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, just to name two major contenders — are team cardigan for fall 2020. Here I am following in their footsteps, making the case for a cardigan that takes the place of your "throw-on-and-go" look this season.

Here's what I love about the cardigan: 1. It comes in a range of colors and materials, so you're taken care of whether you prefer ribbing or a wooly knit. 2. You can unbutton down to there to enjoy a sexier moment in your lingerie or loungewear, or you can bare a hint of your lacy bra to make a statement. 3. It's usually thick enough to take the place of a light jacket for the first couple months of fall, so running out to the corner store requires no additional layering. 4. These are cozier than blazers, while still being a bit more fitted than a hoodie, allowing you to comfortably straddle the line between overly polished and lazy.

A browse through some of my favorite cardigan moments on Instagram, plus the pieces I have my eye on, should convince you to join the squad in no time at all. It'd be a shame to keep Taylor and Harry waiting.

Pull up the sleeves of your cardigan and wear it tucked into your silk maxi skirt.

Stick to neutrals and coordinate it with some slouchy jeans and a necklace.

Mix and match prints of the same hue.

Throw it over a printed pair of pants with slides.

Button it all the way up and add extra polish with a glam earring.

Try a feel-good, work-from-home look with a scrunchie and nothing underneath.