You can wear a cardigan year-round as a versatile knitwear layer. Learn how to style a cardigan, and discover a few styling tips and cardigan outfit ideas.
A girl’s best friend is a cardigan, really. I’ve had a wide range of favorites over the years. Here is a list of (some of) the various cardigan styles, along with some outfit suggestions! I want to do justice to my cherished cardigans.
Table of Contents
What is a Cardigan?
A cardigan is a sweater that is open in the front, usually featuring buttons that can close the garment. You just tuck your arms into the sleeves of a cardigan instead of pulling it over your head.
Cardigans frequently have a thin, light feel from the extremely fine knit that makes them ideal for layering.
How to Style a Cardigan?
Consider these outfit suggestions for cardigans.
Monochromatic Luxe
You are not seeing things: cardigans can look chic. Using a light, neutral-colored cardigan and a pair of bottoms that are the same color, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe creates a chic, monochromatic look.
Use your imagination when wearing the knit by tying the hem in a chic mid-waist knot. You are dressed to command attention at an evening engagement or uptown dinner when accessorized with simple jewelry, like a gold necklace or bangle.
Cropped Up Top
Midriffs and striking pops of color have also returned because the 1990s are back. Start with the cropped version of a brightly colored cardigan to create the ideal day-to-night look.
To create a colorful fashion narrative a la stylish Emili Sindlev, pair it with a printed midi skirt and a metallic mule. Keep the moment going by carrying a silver clutch or, to go even more retro, an anklet made of silver.
Casually Collegiate
Going to a picnic or a botanical garden? A white tank top can be worn with a good pair of bootcut or culotte-style jeans for a casual look.
For the ideal scholarly accent, tie a loose cardigan around your neck or across your chest like Viviane Audi did. Put on your favorite sandals in a neutral color to complete the look.
Sundressed for the Ocassion
A sundress and matching cardigan are necessary for the ideal spring day, which is primarily sunny with a gentle breeze. Choose your favorite mini: one with daisies, roses, or a variety of floral decorations.
Next, cover it with a cream-colored cardigan, either draped perfectly over your forearms like Chrissy Rutherford did, or worn over your shoulders. Finish off your fashionable day in the sunshine with a strappy heeled sandal.
It’s a Long Story
One of our favorite trends right now is the extra-long cardigan, which simultaneously evokes the 1970s and the 1990s. Keep the first few buttons closed when wearing it as a knit top; the remaining fabric will flare over a miniskirt.
Keep the skirt in a neutral tone, and team it with a matching knee-high boot to channel Lauren Wolfe’s psychedelic decade. For one last homage to the illustrious eras, add a slouchy shoulder bag to the ensemble.
Flair for Dramatics
Are you still unsure of cardigan styling? Start with an eye-catching, zany knit sweater to pay homage to its quilted roots. Your outfit is already anything but forgettable when worn with an electric midi skirt.
Lean into the chromatic fantasy like Karoline Dall and put on a vibrant pair of leather pumps in a shade resembling lime or magenta. Add your favorite oversized sunglasses to the eye-catching ensemble for extra points if they have a square frame and yellow lenses.
Read More:
4 Types of Cardigans
Cardigans come in a variety of shapes and fits and are knit from merino wool, cashmere, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Four common cardigan styles include:
- 1. Cropped: A cropped cardigan, which is a short cardigan style that falls around the mid-torso, is also referred to as a shrug. When worn over a dress or tank top to keep the shoulders and arms warm, cropped cardigans are similar to shawls.
- 2. Hooded: To add additional warmth, hooded cardigans are sweaters with hoods attached to the back. They work well as a layer underneath jackets or blazers when worn with fall outfits.
- 3. Long: Long cardigans add extra warmth to your legs by falling anywhere from mid-thigh to the ankle. Long cardigans come in a variety of lengths; maxi cardigans are the longest, falling to the ankles, while dusters or longlines fall below the knee.
- 4. V-neck: A distinctive V-shaped neckline forms on these cardigans as they sag down. The V-neck has a slimming effect that draws attention to the body’s natural shape when compared to a rounded or crewneck collar. A button-down front is a common feature of V-neck cardigans, allowing you to wear the garment open or closed.
Final Words: How to Style a Cardigan
Cardigans are so classic. And when you have something that’s been around this long, you know they’re never going out of style.
Zipped cardigans, cardigan sweaters, open cardigans, cardigan vests, and a plethora of other variations are available in addition to the styles I mentioned today. How about the next cardigan you wear?
I’d love to hear from you, so please share in the comments section below.
