Why long cardigans are exactly what our wardrobes need right now

Who needs central heating? Seriously, long cardigans are the most stylish solution to keeping warm this winter. Over the past year or two, the comfy, button up, sister-to-the-jumper has gone from being a fashion faux pas to a must-have item. Previously only considered appropriate for your nan to wear, all the street style set are clamouring to get their hands on a cool cardigan. And this season? There's a new spin on the humble cardi. *Everyone* is reaching for those of the maxi variety.

We are big fans of comfort when it comes to getting dressed so it makes sense (especially as the temps start dropping) that coziness should reign supreme. And really, can you think of anything more snug than a knitted, long cardigan? We thought not…

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Fortunately, unlike some items that are only appropriate for the house (we all have that one threadbare jumper we can’t bear to part with), long cardigans are perfect for both Netflix binge sessions and for heading out and about. They're ideal teamed with a pair of leather leggings and chunky boots for walks in the park and long pub lunches… Although you will need to keep your height and proportions in mind when you choose your long cardigan.

Tall girls have the advantage here when it comes to styling a maxi cardigan - height makes throwing one on with a pair of jeans a quick and easy style update. That doesn’t mean if you’re petite you need to avoid this style completely – after all, the Olsens loved a long cardigan before they were cool. Instead, layer your cardi over similar colours to create a coherent look and avoid any cardigans that actually sweep the floor - they could overwhelm a smaller frame.

As with any good trend worth buying into, there’s an array of long cardigans to suit your style and your budget. Long seen as the ultimate in luxury knitwear, a cashmere cardigan will be a wise investment buy and Madeleine Thompson's long cardigan is ultra-desirable. If you have a designer sized amount to spend, Dries Van Noten's animal print jacquard cardigan would also be a wise long-term buy. At the other end of the spending spectrum, H&M's long cardigan comes in at a reasonable £17.99 while Next's Barbiecore pink cardigan costs £50. If you want to make a whole fit from your cardi, Reiss's ribbed cardigan comes with a matching skirt too.

Whilst the long cardi is a style that’s trending now, we predict it’ll quickly become a cold season staple – fitting in perfectly with the rest of your capsule wardrobe. Promise once you try one, you’ll wonder why you ever left your lower half out in the cold.

Keep scrolling to discover our picks for the 19 best long cardigans to shop now.