Make way for the balloon sleeve cardigan.
If you haven't been paying attention, cardigans are trending in a big way. Some might call it the Miu Miu effect: the brand has been doing its nerdy brand of librarian chic meets office siren for some seasons now. For every Miu Miu runway, an army of preppy, bespectacled fashion girlies in cardigans and knee-high socks descend upon the streets of Paris.
But there's a type of cardigan that's really caught our eye recently: the balloon sleeve cardigan. When it comes to the length of the sleeve, you can opt for whatever your prefer – full-length, wide sleeves or short, puffed sleeves. They both have their merits. The cropped variety might make more sense as we move into the warmer months, but the long sleeves could be a much-needed evening layer over a summer dress.
Either way, we can confirm that cardigans are the perfect garment to tread the line between cosy and chic. Here are 5 ways to style a balloon sleeve cardigan for spring 2026.
With jeans and a blouse
A cropped, puff-sleeved variety in a fun colour will do particularly well here, but you can also swap it out with whatever cardi you have in your closet! Electric blue in particular is very on-trend this year, although any bright hue will be impactful as the sun comes out. Jeans are a great companion as they give the look a laidback edge and make it feel more cool, rather than preppy. A lingerie-style blouse or camisole is the perfect focal point – don't be afraid to mix fun colours or textures. The lacy top and cute cardigan will inject the look with hyper-femininity, while the jeans and unexpected colours balance it out.
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With a maxi skirt
A trusty maxi skirt will come in handy for a variety of occasions – so why not this one? The maxi skirt is a great piece for spring as it gives you some coverage for when the sun disappears behind a cloud, but is breezy enough that you won't risk overheating. What sort of skirt you go for is a matter of preference. A simple silk or satin model in a neutral colour is a fail-safe option and will adapt to pretty much any outfit. But if you want to make a bit of a statement, opt for something with a fun texture (like the fringed style above!) or a tiered silhouette.
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With a mini skirt
Maxi skirts not your thing? No worries. A mini skirt will add a flirty, fun touch to the outfit. It doesn't matter whether you prefer a short sleeve or full-length: both pair beautifully with a mini. Knee high boots are the classic companion for a short skirt, and for good reason: it's a combo that never disappoints. But, if the latest shoe trends are calling your name, you might prefer to finish off the look with one of the most popular styles at the moment: a hybrid between sneakers and ballet pumps, known as a sneakerina.
With nothing underneath
Let the cardi do all the talking! If you decide to wear the cardigan on its own, style it off the shoulder for maximum romance. The beauty of this look is that it can be dressed up for a more formal event with a matching knit skirt or a silk maxi, statement earrings and a chic hat. But, it can also be worn in a more lowkey way with jeans, sunglasses and an oversized leather bag. Spring-friendly colours like light blue, cream and pale yellow will be particularly successful this season.
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Balloon trousers
If you're going for a puffy silhouette on top, your instinct says to go narrow on the bottom… right? While that formula certainly works, the most daring among you might choose to style balloon sleeves with balloon trousers. Bulbous, wide trousers have been trending for a minute now. Since the silhouette makes such a statement, the accessories should be relatively simple and clean. You might even want to opt for platform pumps to give you some extra height! If not, uncomplicated shoes like slim-soled trainers or ballet flats will pair perfectly.
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