On the Button: Make a Big Statement in a Skater Cardigan

Wardigans can get a bad rap, especially in menswear where they are often labeled boring and nerdy. But the colorful or patterned cardigan is a great vibe changer, outfit hack, and the perfect way to bring a hint of spring into your regular wardrobe. Forget the gray and navy blue school uniform, this is a knit with personality. These cardis come with a cool SoCal skater side; think less serious academic and more Kurt Cobain. But don’t let skater etiquette fool you into thinking this is an under-25-only look. It’s all in the style: The beauty of a standout cardigan is that the rest of your outfit doesn’t need to be overthought – a white T-shirt and jeans or work pants and simple sneakers are all you need. On the runway, Celine’s Hedi Slimane does his best: Californian youth is his favorite work of style. At London Fashion Week, Ahluwalia showed a striking psychedelic style (pictured left).

Ahluwalia SS2 Photography: Tristan Fewings/BFC/Getty Images for BFC

See also Marni for the best striped mohair in juicy color combinations. Get the look for considerably less via a range of US skate brands: the lilac style with red squiggles from Obey Clothing (£110) and the pink/sunset blue design from SNS (£155 ), from sneakersnstuff.com, both get the summary right. Bright, golf-inspired Argyle patterns (3, above) and (4, above) are all over the street. If everything is getting a little too jazzy, try brown prints such as the abstract style from Wax London (5, above) or the leopard print from Pleasures (£140). Alternatively, the entire landscape design of NN07 (3, above) is a conversation starter. Vintage stores are full of similar styles: it’s worth searching online at Rokit or resale sites like Depop to find a retro gem.