The humble cardigan is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. From summer to winter, it can transform your outfit, no matter where you’re going. As one of the most timeless layers, there are so many ways you can wear it. Celebrities and models all love this knitwear, so here’s how you can wear a cardigan sweater like a street style star.
Cardigans for Women
Long Cardigan
Perfect for in-between seasons, the long cardigan is the right blend of comfy and chic. Worn with jeans, it can tie an entire outfit together, or opt for a short skirt with the outerwear to lengthen your legs. If the temperature is sitting at the threshold of cold and warm, a calf-length light knit piece will keep you feeling snug without overheating. If the temperature starts to drop, choose a chunky knit that secures the heat in your shoulders and arms.
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Shawl Collar Cardigan
Put a unique spin on the classic cardigan by choosing one with a shawl collar. The draping is an easy way to spice up a casual outfit without looking overdressed, and you can wear it almost anywhere. Keep it simple by pairing this outerwear with a plain T-shirt and jeans, or up the ante with leather pants and a black roll neck. This is a versatile piece that works at every age and in any season of the year.
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Button-up Cardigan
Take it back to the classics with a button-up cardigan. Whether you rock the traditional look, or you put a modern spin on the style, this is a timeless piece of clothing that belongs in every wardrobe. For a fresh outfit, wear the outerwear as a top and rock it with jeans, or layer with shirts or rollnecks and skirts for the autumn-ready ensemble. Experiment with patterns and colors like leopard, blues, stripes, and pinks – there are no rules with this fun knitwear.
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Chunky Knit Cardigan
When the mercury drops, take things up a notch in chunky knits. From long to short, and everything in between, this outerwear is a great finishing touch to an outfit, and is an ideal way to keep your body warm. From the classic style to floor-hitting length, you can’t go wrong with this chic layer.
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Short-Sleeve Cardigan Sweater
Who says cardigans are exclusive to the colder months? Show off your arms with a short-sleeve alternative to the knitwear, and watch as the compliments fly in. Turn the layer into a whole outfit by buttoning up the center and finishing the look off with a pair of mom jeans. Keep it flirty by pairing a summery dress or an A-line skirt with the cardi, and you’ll be set for a picnic or a date at the movies.
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Cropped Cardigan Sweater
Take a leaf out of Bella Hadid’s book by buttoning up a cropped cardigan sweater and completing the outfit with a pair of straight-leg jeans and sneakers. As an alternative, a pencil skirt or high-waisted palazzo pants with a tucked-in button-down jumper is an effortless way to look chic and stylish without wearing too much. This is an excellent option for those who are going from work to a party, or who are trying to spice up their wardrobe.
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Wrap Cardigan Sweater
When the chill hits you hard, get comfortable and snug in a wrap cardigan. As a timeless option for outerwear, this is a typical outfit ensemble for dancers, keeping them warm but leaving ample room to move. Choose from long-line knitwear or a cropped sweater – they’re an effortless way to keep the cold at bay.
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Plus Size Cardigan Sweater
Take your outfit to the next level with a sleek cardigan. Whether you prefer something long or short it is up to you, but this knitwear will polish off any look you’re wearing. Don the buttons all the way up with a pair of high-waisted flares, or create a tiny waist by keeping a few fastened in the middle and the rest undone – this will emphasize your waist and create an hourglass shape. Monochrome is an easy way to look instantly stylish, and a shawl collar helps make you look even chicer.
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When to Wear a Cardigan
Casual
There’s no better way to dress casual than in a pair of jeans and a cute top. To tie the look together, add a cardigan that hits your hips or sits just below. This keeps the look exciting and adds an extra layer to the overall ensemble. Opt for a monochrome color scheme, or stand out from the rest in a chunky knit in a bold color. An easy way to make it look glam is by rocking one shoulder bare or wearing a crop top underneath.
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Semi-Formal
For semi-formal occasions, a cardigan is an easy way to go from day into night. If you’re stepping out from the office, pick a pencil skirt and slim-line top – add a cropped jacket, and you’re set. For a corporate event, opt for a pair of high waisted palazzo pants in a color like sand or cream with a button-down.
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Business Casual
Take it from the coffee shop to the office in a cute cardigan. Keep it simple with a pair of black trousers and a shirt, or swap out work pants for jeans and you can quickly head out for drinks afterward. Rather than the traditional work bottoms, why not try a long pleated skirt, and cinch your waist in with a thin belt? There are so many ways to wear this look for work, and you can try a different outfit every day with the same knitwear and look like you’re ready for a promotion.
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Formal
Whether you’re attending a wedding or you’re going to the opera, a cardigan is an easy way to tie an outfit together. From a bolero-style to a long duster, this outerwear is an ideal way to keep warm during the colder months. Add a chic feel with a monochrome look, or go wild in knitwear with oversized sleeves. This is also a quick and classy way to turn semi-formal attire into something fit for a fancy event.
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What to Wear Under a Cardigan
Depending on the weather and the event you’re heading to, there’s a myriad of ways you can dress in a cardigan. A classic idea is jeans and a T-shirt, but you can always mix it up by wearing another sweater or knitwear underneath – it’s a high fashion risk with the ultimate payoff. Make your legs look a mile long by wearing a short dress with long outerwear and thigh-high boots – cinch your waist using a belt, and you’ll look like a star. There are times where you can button up the center of the knit and rock nothing underneath. There are no rules with this layer, have some fun and experiment a bit.
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How Should a Cardigan Fit?
Depending on the design of the outerwear, a cardigan should be comfortable. From oversized to snug styles, it’s best to keep the shoulders appropriately tailored. Aim to make the fit not too tight so you can’t move, but not too loose, so it falls off. When buttoning up the center, opt for a size that doesn’t strain across the chest. If it does, though, keep it undone and wear something underneath.
How to Wear a Cardigan
- Play with contrasting lengths. A short skirt looks fantastic with a long cardigan.
- Cinch your waist with a cropped cardigan, high waisted pants or a belt – it’s a cute way to look put together and stylish.
- Adding a cardigan to a semi-formal dress code is a great way to look on point while staying warm.
- Cardigans aren’t exclusive to one season – wear it throughout the year and experiment a bit.
- Try different patterns and colors when deciding what to wear. Your cardigan can be the statement piece of your outfit.
FAQs
Where can I buy good cardigans?
If you purchase a good-quality cardigan in a neutral color, you will likely be able to wear it over almost everything you own. There are various styles and lengths to choose from, including a wrap cardigan sweater, a long one, or a cropped version. A few sites to be aware of that offer several options include ASOS, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Boohoo, and Matches Fashion.
What do cardigans look good with?
The beauty of cardigans is their versatility, and they can be easily mixed and matched with several garments. A few examples of how to wear them include jeans and a T-shirt or a longer cardigan can be paired with a short dress and thigh-high boots. You can experiment with different layering options and have fun. Cardigans also lend themselves well to a variety of different settings, whether you're opting for a business casual look or simply want something to throw over your outfit while you go about your errands.
What do women wear with cardigans?
A cardigan is a type of knitted garment with an open front, and it is one of the most versatile outerwear options you can own. You can pair it with everything from a smart dress, jeans, a T-shirt, high-waisted pants, or a pencil skirt. The key is to consider proportions and play with contrasting lengths.
Are cardigans back in style?
Cardigans have become a timeless and classic piece of outerwear that is especially popular to wear during transitional months like spring and fall. The wide variety of different options, including all colors, several styles, and varying lengths, make this the perfect item to layer.
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