Sweaters, Cardigans & Knits... 2026 Trend Book

Long considered simply basic and comfortable essentials, sweaters, cardigans, and knits are set to become the statement pieces in your wardrobe for 2026.

Knitwear is being reinvented, bringing a fresh take to a dress code that’s both bold and sophisticated, always focused on quality and comfort.

From breezy summer styles to cozy winter knits, Elora deciphers the trends that will shape each new collection throughout the year. Whether at a private sale or a home gathering, you’ll love discovering a stunning selection of fashion pieces and outfits for every size and style—all at the best value!

Spring-Summer 2026: Lightness, Volume, and Openwork Knit

Sweaters and cardigans break free from winter and shine even in the sun, thanks to ultra-light fabrics and looser, oversized, or even XXL cuts.

Trending Pieces

• The Cropped Cardigan, Buttoned Like a Top: The latest twist: the short cardigan is worn closed, on its own, as a true top. Choose it in a fine knit for a chic vibe, often with jeweled buttons or refined details, like a playful little collar.

• The Return of the Openwork Sweater: The new must-have trend! Ultra-fine, openwork knits or lightweight jacquards that let your skin breathe. This updated style is the perfect layering piece for cool evenings or to add texture to any outfit.

• The Men's Vest (“Blending the genres”): While men’s fashion is moving away from it, designers love to reinvent and reinterpret this piece for women: the structured sleeveless vest is worn over a flowy shirt or even directly on the skin, for a chic pirate or relaxed preppy look.

Colors and Materials

Autumn-Winter 2026: The Art of Structure

Gone are the days of the cozy sweater hidden under your coat!

The Elora woman steps out of her cocoon and knows how to use knitwear as a signature element to shape her silhouette, choosing beautiful, quality fabrics.

Key Pieces

• The Structured Oversized Sweater: The volume is XXL, but the cut is perfectly controlled. Look for a flawless shoulder drop and a high neckline (like a funnel neck) to elongate the silhouette. Wear it half-tucked into a satin skirt for a striking contrast.

• The Chunky Textured Knit: Cables, thick ribbing, and retro patterns (chevrons, diamonds) are making a strong comeback. It’s the essence of chic cocooning and a tribute to the artisanal craft of wool.

• The Long Belted Cardigan: Whether in chunky knit or fine cashmere, the long cardigan is always belted at the waist to sculpt the figure and replace a fitted light jacket.

Colors and Materials

Wool, Cashmere, and Softness: The Essentials

For the Elora woman, seeking a wardrobe that’s both durable and stylish, the choice of materials is essential.

Wool in all its forms (merino, alpaca, mohair) remains the heart of a true favorite: plush, flexible, and ready to elevate every look from the new collection. 

Cashmere, the perfect ally for styles that call for softness and lightness, is ideal for fine sweaters or luxurious scarves. If you’re still hesitating—which is understandable, since it’s a significant purchase—you can of course keep an eye out for discounts and great deals. But choose a classic, timeless piece... you’ll always come out on top!

Don’t forget about technical blends and recycled wools, which offer excellent thermal performance while being more sustainable and eco-friendly, with unbeatable value for money.

Trend Focus: The 3 Must-Have Styles for 2026

1. The Mock Neck (Spring/Autumn/Winter)

   The mock neck or high collar (less loose and lower than a turtleneck) is THE detail that instantly makes a sweater chic. It’s perfect for an ideal “office” dress code. You want to look professional but not stiff, comfortable but never sloppy, stylish without overdoing it...

   • The Look: Fine mock-neck sweater under an oversized blazer or paired with tailored pleated pants.

   • The Bonus: It elongates the neck, flatters the silhouette, and comes in a wide range of colors.

2. The Statement Sweater & Vintage Prints (Autumn/Winter)

   The sweater becomes your canvas for self-expression!

   • Patterns: Dare to wear geometric prints inspired by the '70s (mustard yellow, teal blue) and Nordic Jacquard patterns, but reimagined in subtle tones (ecru, light gray, navy, black and white).

   • The Message: Embroidered or printed message, arty typography. The message is often a playful nod or a statement that personalizes your outfits.

3. Monochrome Knitwear (All Year Round)

   True elegance lies in color harmony, with a preference for classic shades.

   • The Look: Match your sweater/cardigan and bottoms in the same color family.

   • Example: Cropped cream cardigan + Wide-leg beige pants + Camel trench. The guarantee of an effortless, luxurious look.

Playful & Fun: Dare to Add a Whimsical Touch

Winter often inspires a palette of darker shades. Black, in particular, is always a safe bet... So easy to wear anywhere, in any weather, for a look that’s both understated and chic! 

To brighten up an outfit that feels a bit dull, sometimes all you need is to inject a dose of fun and color!

Don’t be afraid to try something new—add a few more audacious pieces to your wardrobe to switch up your style, even if it means picking up some original items and standout accessories at a lower price if you won’t wear them often. Their originality will elevate your everyday looks and give you a fresh new vibe!

This could mean falling for a statement pattern on a sweater (animals, geometric shapes, arty prints), vibrant colors like fuchsia or emerald green, or adding unique accessories. Why not try a textured pompom beanie, a bold necklace, or playful patterned socks?

Fashion should be fun: use it to express your personality!

Knitwear Classics: Still On Trend, but Reinvented

Classic sweaters and cardigans are timeless wardrobe staples, always featured in both haute couture collections and street style. The new twist comes from their cut and design, which are updated to match current trends (like oversized fits, textured knits, or creative layering).

The secret to all these classics is to play with volume and texture:

• The Cardigan: Whether it’s short, long, or oversized, with more or less detail (cable knit, ribbed, openwork...), it remains a must-have! Don’t hesitate to add statement buttons to suit your mood and turn a simple basic into a little work of art.

• Layering: This is the trendiest way to style vests and sleeveless sweaters, for a “comfy chic” effect where you mix fine and chunky knits with a shirt or a turtleneck.

These types of outfits are true fashion staples, as long as they’re styled with a modern silhouette (by balancing cuts and playing with asymmetrical volume: loose on top = straight on the bottom, or vice versa / One bare shoulder, the other more voluminous...

Every Elora woman can express her style, according to her shape and her desires!

Nights Out & Party Looks: Shine Without Freezing

Sweaters and cardigans aren’t just for cozy nights in! For nights out and parties, the key is finding the right dress code—one that blends elegance and comfort, effortlessly.

Dare to try standout fabrics like velvet or satin, and add elements that catch the light: a metallic pleated skirt, a sequin tunic, or gold accessories.

The secret is layering: a maxi dress can be worn with a structured long sweater, all year round. 

Cover your shoulders with a stole, a well-tailored blazer, and more. Remember, a sweater with subtle sequins or rhinestones, or a cardigan with statement buttons, can transform a basic piece into a stunning evening look—without breaking the bank.

Finishing Touches That Make All the Difference in 2026

The visual impact of a sweater or cardigan now lies in its finishing details, turning it into a true statement piece.

• Ribbed knits are being reinvented, appearing in fine, vertical stitches for a shaping, structured effect (perfect for bodycon), or in chunky ribbed knits (ribbing) for a more rustic, handcrafted volume.

• When it comes to buttons, the trend is opulence on cardigans: think jewelry-inspired (pearl, subtle rhinestone, or colored stone), contrasting enamel, or oversized mother-of-pearl for a luxurious, vintage vibe.

• Prints are moving away from strict graphics to embrace softer patterns, like abstract jacquard, faded florals, or subtle tie-dye, bringing texture without overwhelming the silhouette.

• Finally, sparkle and sequins are used sparingly: you’ll find them as subtle touches on sweater edges or cuffs, or highlighting a neckline, adding a hint of glamour without going overboard. It’s the art of detail that elevates the whole look!

Every Woman Has Her Sweater!

The secret to a trendy sweater or cardigan in 2026 is all about balancing proportions.

If you’re more of a laid-back woman, choose oversized sweaters, define your waist with high-waisted pants or a skirt, or tuck in part of your sweater to give your look structure.

If you’re feeling more bohemian, go for a cropped cardigan and pair it with a long, flowy piece (midi skirt, maxi dress). Play with layering to add depth to your outfits.