Every time a new season rolls around, I’m struck by how the most familiar pieces in our wardrobes are quietly reworked to feel fresh again. A subtle tweak here, a new proportion there. Suddenly the staples we rely on most feel relevant for another year. Few items demonstrate this better than the cardigan, which seems to undergo a thoughtful reinvention season after season.

Last year, it was all about the waist-defining cinch. A simple adjustment that transformed the cardigan from a cosy layering piece into something you could legitimately wear with tailored trousers and heels for dinner. This year, however, it’s the funnel neck that’s giving the cardigan its modern update. What began with funnel-neck jackets gradually filtered into coats, then jumpers, and now cardigans, emerging as one of the defining details of 2026.

The appeal lies in both form and function. A higher, structured neckline instantly lends a sleek, Scandi-leaning edge, sharpening the silhouette and making even the simplest outfit feel sophisticated. It’s also quietly practical: the raised neck offers warmth without the need for a scarf, streamlining winter dressing in a way that feels very now.