From coastal granny to chic l’artiste, the cardigan you choose can convey your aesthetic to a T. This season, the long cardigan has emerged as a quiet hero of transitional dressing. Here in the Middle East, we're wearing them sparingly during autumn and then more frequently during winter when temperatures drop further. It’s the ultimate versatile knit, polished enough to pair with high-waisted trousers and a tank at the office, and still soft enough to slip into on the weekend with loungewear.
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo: Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty ImagesWhat constitutes a “long” cardigan, you might wonder. A hemline that reaches just below the bum, and can extend down to the floor. For autumn/winter 2025, texture and proportion are key: From brushed mohair knits in neutral tones to ribbed wool adorned with hardware and crochet dusters that evoke images of breezy island life, the options are endless.
The best part is, a single long cardigan can transform pieces from your wardrobe in different ways. Wear yours with leather mules and a structured tote for a business-first look, or change into jeans and sporty trainers for an effortless, on-the-go ensemble. An oversized argyle print (perhaps borrowed from your dad’s closet) can embody the dark academia trend with black trousers and a turtleneck – or, can provide interesting contrast when worn over a white dress. The same long grey cardigan you wear at home over sweatpants can look entirely different when worn with a lace or sequinned skirt.
Photo: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesIf you have a terrace dinner on the calendar or gallery opening to swing by in the evening, take a sartorial risk and throw your long cardigan over a slip dress and layered necklaces, for a surprisingly stylish twist. Or, keep it casual and comfortable with a knee-length or blanket-style cardigan – one that embodies model-off-duty style.
10 long cardigans to shop now
Don’t judge a woman by her cardigan is like saying don’t judge a book by its cover – we all do it, so put some thought into the long cardigan you’re investing in this season. Here are some styles we’re eyeing:
Brunello Cucinelli striped cotton cardigan
AED 7,930
Mytheresa
Extreme Cashmere cardigan
AED 3,190
Mytheresa
La DoubleJ crochet wool-blend cardigan
AED 3,530
Mytheresa
Mango long knitted cardigan
AED 499
Shop Now
Massimo Dutti long knit cardigan
AED 600
Shop Now
Blumarine feather-trimmed wool cardigan
AED 5,000
Mytheresa
Gucci wool bouclé jacquard cardigan
AED 10,050
Shop Now
Marella oversized jersey cardigan
AED 1,050
Shop Now
J'amemme long wool cardigan
AED 2,510
Shop Now
Max Mara cashmere cardigan
AED 3,460
Max Mara
Select your favourite, add to cart and await delivery. In the meantime, start brainstorming outfits for your long cardigan. When it arrives, take it for a spin to the office if outdoor temperatures are not yet low enough – because the AC certainly will be.
