Qalmost like a dressing gown. For a few seasons the cardigan followed precise rules: maxi, soft, equipped with loops and a sash to close it at the waist. A comfortable piece, sure, but also predictable.
Forget about the built-in knitted accessory. In Winter 2025/2026 the cardigan is worn closed and tightened at the waist by a leather belt. Simple or jewel, tall or thin, which from a simple accessory increasingly turns into the protagonist of the outfit. A simple detail that redesigns the silhouette of the usual cardigan with buttons and opens up new, unprecedented styling possibilities: here are the outfit ideas to try now that rewrite the great classic with style.
The belt on the bon ton cardigan
It is the most elegant combination, not surprisingly also spotted on the catwalk for the season. The cardigan, cinched at the waist by a thin smooth leather belt with metal buckle, converse with full or pencil skirtscreating a rigorous but very current silhouette. The perfect match to try in the office.
Cardigan and studded belt
A solid color buttoned sweater can change your personality in an instant. Just add a belt with trendy studs to break the linearity of knitwear and introduce a bold note. The contrast works especially with minimal cardigans, neutral colors and clean cuts: the accessory becomes the protagonist and makes the look less predictable, more contemporary.
The belt with studs to enhance the minimal black cardigan (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images).
The belt on the jacquard cardigan
When the cardigan is decorated with jacquard motifs, from the flagship Fair Isle in Winter 2025/2026 to animalier print, the belt at the waist serves to give a note of rigor to the look. It can be maxi and structuredto tame the volume, or thinalmost graphic, to enhance the design without weighing it down. The result? A new balance between pattern and proportions.
A belt is enough to give rigor to the jacquard cardigan: minimal on the Norwegian sweater (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).
Belt and cardigan mini dress version
Worn closed and cinched at the waist, the cardigan almost looks like a short dress. Below, shorts or culottes, coordinated or contrasting, complete the layering game. It is a practical but studied solution, which works with knee-high boots or cuissardes. AND allows you to use the cardigan also as a unique piece.
Long cardigan, wool shorts and thin waist belt (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Gucci).
The jewel belt on the knitted set
On knitted cardigan and trouser suits, the jewel belt is the element that makes the difference. It inserts light, movement and visually lightens the whole, often perceived as “heavy”.
On the knitted set, nothing better than a jeweled belt to brighten up the look (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage).
Worn at the waist, it defines the silhouette and shifts attention to the details. The look thus immediately acquires a more refined, almost couture allure.
A precious detail that transforms the softest set there is into an original evening or special occasion lookwithout losing even a shred of comfort. Straight to the point… waist.