Over 10 000 people are on a waiting list for this soft Instagram-famous cardigan that costs R1.7K

I think we can all comfortably concede to the fact that Instagram is that one app that conjures feelings of some form of FOMO - whether it be travel, relationship, or fashion FOMO, even if for that duration of double-tapping on an image.

Sometimes, however, the need to be part of an Instagram trend outlives the 2-second double tap and results in certain trendy items like the Barry Cardigan by French clothing brand Sézane being in such high demand that it now has a 10 000-person waiting list. Yep, wool-blend cardies and sweaters just became the 'it' item for all seasons again. 

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Remember when Rihanna once said "Instagram is where trends go to die"?

Well, as much we love to welcome everything the Barbadian multi-threat superstar says as gospel truth, it seems that just this one time she may have been wrong. Because there's just no avoiding French-girl chic prowess, soft cardigans are having a moment.

The Barry Cardigan first gained its Instagram clout in September 2017, flying off shelves faster than you can say 'Oui', and by February this year, Sézane had 50 000 shoppers on their waiting list for this reversible soft knitwear, which is available in over eight colours.

This highly coveted cardigan will set its buyers back $120 (approximately R1700); not too bad for an investment piece that may still be in your wardrobe five years from now. Plus, because it's neither too light nor too cosy, you can wear it throughout the year.

To keep up with overwhelming demand reminiscent of the Meghan Markle effect, the clothing brand has set up a nifty email alert system, which notifies you when your size and preferred style have been restocked. According to Who What Wear, this typically takes about two months, making ownership of the Barry Cardigan a game for the incredibly determined and patient.

However, seeing as we're flirting with summer this side of the equator, perhaps it might be worth getting your name on that waiting list now just in time for Autumn '19. Well, hypothetically speaking that is, as they don't ship to South Africa... yet. Fret not, though, Barry has some cousins you can shop locally and sling over your shoulders on crisp summer evenings.

You could always just kinda-sorta wear your cardie like so

Or pair it perfectly with your handbag.

Here are our top picks:

Buttoned cardigan

Zara, R459

Knitted wool-blend jumper

H&M, R899

Maxhosa by Laduma cardigan

And of course, South Africa's very own quintessential, aspirational knitwear buy. Available for purchase online.

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