17 Cropped Cardigans That’ll Instantly Up the Cool Factor on Any Summer Outfit

There are certain closet staples we temporarily bid adieu to during summer. Our heavy coats, leather pants and heat-retaining accessories. Many also place cardigans on that temporarily inappropriate list. Not so fast. There’s a way you can still keep the cover-ups in rotation even in the midst of a heat wave. Just pick up some cropped cardigans.

Kendall Jenner recently demonstrated just how well they translate this time of year. She topped off her belted white pants and matching kitten heel pumps with a fiery version from Miaou. It has summer written all over it. Thanks to the sweater’s cropped nature, she was able to rock the look without breaking a sweat.

Of course we have to address the elephant in the room. Those barely-closed, ultra-revealing options brands like Jacquemus are offering en masse. If you feel confident enough to wear one, go for it. (Although certain takes are better suited to the real world.) But that’s not all that’s available. There are stylish takes that provide more coverage where the closures are placed right under the bust. Then there are the sweaters that allow you to expose just your midriff.

It’s also vital to pay attention to fabric. There’s no tolerance for heavy wool iterations meant for winter layering. Long sleeves are allowed, however. Especially if your cardigan is also off the shoulder.

Read on to see the best picks.