Short Sleeve Cardigans are Late-Summer’s On-Trend Top—You Can Wear Zara’s $40 Into Fall

Some may see the changing of the seasons as a major wardrobe challenge, but there's a lot of sartorial fun to be had in the transition from summer to fall. That in-between stage allows for light layering, and those not-quite-high-summer items that suffered under the heatwave we’ve had to live through, like a three-quarter-sleeve top or thicker-denim Bermuda shorts, can finally come into their own.While I'm not ready to throw in the towel and dive back into cable-knit jumpers or commit to carrying a just-in-case lightweight jacket, now that the weather has cooled down a bit and we're facing our usual tepid temps, a thin knit cardigan is a must. In particular, I'm currently eyeing up short-sleeve cardigans.The short-sleeve iteration is having a bit of a moment. They bring effortless ease to transitional dressing, offering just the right amount of insulation for late summer while also providing highly versatile styling opps. You can wear a short-sleeve cardigan in the way you would a basic white T-shirt, with a billowing maxi skirt for boho vibes or a pair of slouchy jeans for off-duty cool.Vintage fans will be keen to note that the style was first introduced in the 1930s. By the 1950s, it was a mainstream hit beloved by style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, which explains the item's retro-chic, preppy aesthetic. For tips on how to adapt this summer knit into your autumnal wardrobe, whether you're embracing its ultra-feminine origins or want a more boyish, boxy look, Gigi Hadid's knitwear brand Guest in Residence is a constant source of inspiration. They give masterclasses in how to layer knitwear.One style that's caught my attention this week is Zara’s short-sleeve cardigan.ZaraThis lightweight polo cardigan is perfect for those late-summer days when it’s warm in the afternoon but chilly at night—and even better for early fall, making it the ultimate transitional buy. Plus, it comes in the most gorgeous light blue shade.Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.With fall just weeks away, I’d style it layered over a simple cotton tank, half-unbuttoned and paired with lots of chain necklaces for a fun, fresh look that can serve as an everyday uniform right through September. Treating the cardigan like a cropped jacket works well, as the short-sleeve length creates a boxy, structured silhouette. Or, if it’s more of a cap-sleeve style, wear it buttoned all the way up for a dose of preppy cuteness.Scroll on to discover more styles we’re loving:Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.