Styling Cardigans 101
If you're a cardigan enthusiast, you probably already know all the ways you can style them. Long, loose, open, cropped—there are endless ways to turn this simple layering piece into a whole different top altogether. But what about how to dress it up or down? In this list, we've compiled the 10 best ways to spruce up your cardigan outfits and 10 ways to keep them fun and casual.
1. Wear a Belt
To accentuate your waist, cinch your cardigan in with a belt. This works best on cardigans that might be too long or oversized, which can look frumpy even when worn over a tailored outfit. Adding a belt is a simple way to create some shape and dimension.
2. Tuck It In
This works best on cardigans that hit your body at the hip or regular length. Tuck it into your bottoms fully, or leave one side untucked. Styling it this way not only adds shape but complements your overall outfit, making it more sleek and chic.
3. Layer Over a Dress
Cardigans look wonderful paired with dresses, and they make a great layering piece when the weather leans chilly but not too cold to warrant a coat. Pick out your favorite dress from your closet and shrug on your cardigan to add some sophistication to your outfit. Both long and short cardigans work—it just depends on which style you prefer most.
4. Off-the-Shoulder
For an off-the-shoulder look, undo the first few buttons of your cardigan until it comfortably rests past your shoulders. This style is great paired with both dresses or blouses, and you can also choose to wear cardigans this way with a turtleneck.
5. Add Accessories
To give your outfit some depth (and sparkle), add a few accessories to bring the whole look together. With your cardigan as the base, you can dress it up by adding minimalistic statement pieces like a necklace, watch, bracelet, earrings, or rings.
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6. Wear with Heels
When in doubt, pair your cardigan with some nice polished kicks or, better yet, with heels. These can be heeled Chelsea boots or your favorite stilettos. You can also choose to wear your cardigan layered under a blazer or tucked into pleated pants for a business casual look.
7. Wear Upside Down
This might sound like an odd tip, but for regular-length cardigans (meaning ones that aren't too long), flip them upside down and drape the excess over your shoulders. This transforms your cardigan into a shawl for a whole new look and feel.
8. Wear Backwards
Now that you know you can wear cardigans upside down, what about backwards? That's right—simply flip your cardigan so that the front (where the buttons are) rests over your back instead, then pull it over your head to wear it like a sweater. If this isn't chic enough for you, feel free to tuck it in or give it additional styling.
9. Over the Shoulders
Did you know that not wearing your cardigan at all is also another way to style it? You read that right; you can simply drape your cardigan over your back. This gives your neck and shoulders some extra warmth and can make your outfit look more chic and upscaled.
10. Add a Scarf
Another way to dress up your cardigan (or any outfit) is to tie a handkerchief scarf around your neck. Choose one with a minimalistic pattern and a color that matches your overall fit. We wouldn't recommend longer scarves for this style idea as it can add too much bulk and weight around your neck.
Now that we've covered 10 ways you can dress up your cardigan, let's jump into the 10 ways you can dress it down.
1. Tie it Around Your Waist
Instead of adding a belt to dress up your cardigan, simply tie it around your waist for a simple, relaxed look. This can also help add shape and dimension to your overall outfit, but it's a great style tip for days when you just want to keep it casual yet still chic.
2. Layer Over Another Cardigan
For an extra layer of warmth, layer your two favorite cardigans together and pair them with some comfortable bottoms and a loose shirt. Another tip is to pick complementary colors for your cardigans to give them some contrast.
3. Choose Oversized
Wear a loose, oversized cardigan over a simple tee and your favorite pair of bottoms for a sleek, clean look. You might think that bigger cardigans won't accentuate your natural shape or curves, but you can always choose to wear something more fitted on the inside before throwing an oversized layer on top.
4. Crop It
Instead of buttoning your cardigans the regular way, you can crop them by doing up every other button, then tucking the excess into your bottoms. This cinches in at the waist, which accentuates your curves, and you can wear your cardigans this way with shorts, jeans, or skirts.
5. Leave Unbuttoned
Similar to wearing an oversized cardigan, leave yours unbuttoned for a relaxed look. On the inside, wear muscle tees or other shirts to keep it fun, loose, and simple. This works best during warmer weather, where your cardigan can be a light layering piece.
6. Pair with Shorts
Another style tip for warmer weather is to pair your cardigan with shorts. Denim, cargo, distressed, you name it. They'll all look great. Any type of cardigan will work for this outfit, but a longer one creates contrast and can shield your legs from the occasional breeze.
7. Layer Over a Hoodie
When a hoodie or sweater isn't enough, wear a cardigan over it. This is especially useful for overcast weather when you need that second layering piece. Plus, since cardigans don't typically have hoods, wearing it with a hoodie means you're protected if it rains.
8. Wear with Sneakers
The opposite of dressing up your cardigans with heeled shoes is to dress it down with sneakers. Pair them with a graphic tee, some baggy jeans, and, of course, your favorite kicks, and you're good to go.
9. Wear with Joggers
The ultimate lounge material: joggers. You can't get more casual than wearing a cardigan and sweatpants. This dress-down fit is a dream to wear at home, but since it's so comfy, it's great for wearing out on strolls and grocery runs as well.
10. Roll Up the Sleeves
What is the simplest way to dress down your cardigan? Roll up the sleeves. It hardly sounds like a tip at all, but pushing up your sleeves instantly makes any outfit look more loose and casual. (Plus, it's a must when it's warm out.)
