Who said cardigans are just for keeping warm? This classic wardrobe staple is your secret weapon for creating versatile, stylish looks that can effortlessly transition from season to season. These knitted garments, which often button down the front, are incredibly adaptable. This guide showcases 13 ways to wear a cardigan that will inspire you to see this comfy classic in a whole new light!
1. Preppy Day Out
One of the most versatile ways to wear a cardigan is to pair it with your best everyday leggings and a V-neck shirt. Wear this outfit with your favorite flats while running errands around town. For a preppy look, wear Mary Janes and accessorize with elegant jewelry.
2. Sophisticated Layered Look
Start with a round-neck knit top paired with high-waisted dress pants for this layered look. Layer a cropped cardigan over the top, ensuring it ends just at the waistline of your pants to keep their stylish features visible. Complete this chic ensemble with a stylish trench coat, and add kitten heels for even more subtle sophistication.
3. Playful Day Dress
Put on an A-line dress and layer it with a cardigan that falls past the waistline for a relaxed, casual look. Finish this playful outfit with your favorite pair of sneakers. This look is great for running errands!
4. Chic Night Out
Choose a lightweight cardigan to pair with a strapless dress, especially if the dress shows more skin than you’d like or it’s too cold to wear the dress on its own. Opt for a ¾-sleeve cardigan to avoid adding bulkiness to your elegant outfit.
5. Boho Breeze
For a Bohemian flair, pair a lightweight cardigan with a sundress. Wear the cardigan if you feel chilly, or stylishly drape it around your neck, letting it hang down your back for a more relaxed vibe. This look is perfect for outdoor gatherings or music festivals.
6. Polished Power Look
For a refined office outfit, pair a cardigan with a pencil skirt and a button-up blouse. For a harmonious look, choose complementary colors for two of the items, such as a navy blue pencil skirt and a light blue blouse, and opt for a neutral color for the third, like a beige cardigan. Complete this ensemble with your favorite pumps.
7. Retro Cool Vibes
Go retro by wearing a cardigan over a graphic tee. Then, add your favorite jeans. If the jeans have a slim cut, choose a cardigan with a loose fit for balance. Alternatively, if your jeans are loose or baggy, wear a more form-fitting cardigan. A pair of saddle shoes adds a nostalgic vibe to this outfit.
8. Chic Midi Magic
Start this outfit by putting on a spaghetti-strap tank top, then top it with a form-fitting cardigan. Button the cardigan up the front, and wear it like a shirt. On the bottom, wear a midi skirt; one with a little ruffle at the bottom is an ideal choice for a semi-casual look. On the other hand, a sleek and structured midi skirt will impart a more formal appearance.
9. Rebel Rocker
If you want to go punk rock, don’t leave your cardigan at home! It will it will look great over your favorite band’s concert tee. Pair it with ripped jeans and leather boots, then complete the look with a beanie. Think about creating a monochromatic black outfit. This edgy and iconic ensemble is perfect for a rock concert or hanging out with friends.
10. Relaxed Elegance
Consider wearing one of your lace bralettes under a cardigan that is buttoned up most of the way so the bralette peeks out at the top. If you want to look more dressed up, choose a silky bralette and cover it with a structured cardigan. In contrast, you can don a slouchy cardigan for a casual vibe. Canvas sneakers are an ideal footwear choice.
11. Summer Serenity
A halter dress can be an exemplary choice for warm weather. Underneath the dress, be sure to wear a strapless bra. Consider wearing a lightweight cardigan across your shoulders to add visual interest to your outfit. You can slip it on when temperatures fall in the evening, and sandals will look outstanding in this outfit. The versatility of the cardigan also allows you to tie it around your waist for a laid-back look during the hotter parts of the day.
12. Romantic Refined
Get ready for a night on the town or a semi-formal occasion by pairing a lace dress with a lightweight cardigan. Since a lace dress has a lot of texture, stick with a plain-woven cardigan to add contrast to your outfit. Slip into ballet flats to complete this romantic look.
13. Football Ready
Show your team spirit by wearing a team shirt on game day. Then, layer on a chunky cardigan that ends about mid-thigh. A cardigan in a color that contrasts with the shirt’s color is ideal to make both stand out. You can accessorize with a team scarf or a hat to elevate your sporty fit further. Finish the look with jeans and slip-on sneakers, and go cheer on your favorite team!
Conclusion
Cardigans are incredibly versatile, and you can style them in various ways. They’re perfect for layering and can be paired with both casual and formal outfits, so you’ll always have the right cardigan for any occasion. Whether it’s a chunky knit for a cozy winter look or a lightweight, open-front cardigan for a breezy summer evening, you can rely on them to complete your outfits.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
