This site contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure for more information. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.
Wear it with a dress
Layering is an easy way to add dimension to any outfit. Wearing a cardigan over a dress is almost as classic as wearing a sweater over jeans and can also be extremely polished if you add the right accessories. Add a thin belt, slip into some flats, and you have yourself an outfit that’s both put together but also casual enough for everyday wear. You can also layer a cardigan over pinafore-style dresses, which are especially popular at the moment. If you prefer skirts, try it with your favorite A-line skirt or pencil skirt for that same feminine look or opt for something more casual like a corduroy A-line skirt and sneakers if you want to put your own spin on the trend.
As mentioned before, classic doesn’t mean boring when it comes to cardigans and this applies double when you wear one with a dress — particularly if your dress has lace detailing or is made of leather. Make sure your cardigan isn’t too bulky so that it doesn’t overwhelm your look but does give it that extra bit of flair. You could even wear your cardigan backwards, with the buttons up the back instead of in front, and take advantage of its open neckline to show off any collared shirts underneath!
Pair a cardigan with a flowy skirt
For a soft look, pair your cardigan with a flowy skirt. This is an easy way to give your outfit a feminine vibe. You can also add a belt for more definition in the waist, or leave it out for an unfitted silhouette.
Flowy skirts are good for any body type, but especially if you’re looking to lengthen your legs. A high-waisted, flowy skirt will heighten this effect even more!
If you have shorter legs, you may prefer to go with a shorter skirt length so you don’t end up overloading your frame with too much fabric. The top half of your body is already covered by the cardigan, and wearing something voluminous on the bottom could make it look like too much is going on at once. So consider pairing it with a slimmer skirt instead.
Button up with a skirt
You can choose a tight fitting cardigan and button it all the way to the top. To accentuate your waist, choose a cardigan that reaches to the waist, then pair it with a skirt that also reaches the waist (or choose a fitted pencil skirt). Make sure the cardigan buttons at the waist; otherwise, you risk looking boxy.
Layer over denim jeans
Another great way to style a cardigan is to wear it over denim jeans. This look is incredibly versatile, and you can wear this combination of pieces in a myriad of ways. For example, you can layer your cardigan over a button-down shirt for a classic look with an added bit of warmth and texture. Or, you can belt the cardigan over your shirt for an easy way to add some shape without tucking it into anything. Lastly, you can tuck the cardigan into your jeans for another way of adding some interesting visual elements to your outfit. Of course, if you really want to go all out with this option (and why wouldn’t you?), try belting both the jeans and the cardigan at the same time!
No matter how many ways there are to wear it, however, one thing is clear: The best way to wear a long cardigan is over plain old blue jeans. With these two pieces working together in tandem, it’s hard not to feel timelessly fashionable–and warm too!
Mix it with leather, fringe, and lace
A cardigan is a versatile item that can be worn casually or formally, and can be dressed up or down. There are so many ways to wear a cardigan, but one of the most popular looks is to pair it with leather. This creates an edgy look that is perfect for when you want to make a statement. Fringe adds a bohemian feel that is reminiscent of the 70s, and lace adds femininity to your outfit.
The key to making these cardigans work together is contrast. Leather pants are extremely tight fitting and can be worn with heels or flats. Lace dresses are usually long, flowing pieces that create contrast with the tight leather pants. To create even more contrast, add fringe sandals or boots with your outfits!
By putting together contrasting fabrics like this in one outfit, you will have created visual interest without looking too busy or cluttered on top of it all!
Lace and leather
If you’re looking to dress up your cardigan, pair it with leather skirts and lace-up flats or booties. It may sound like an odd mix of materials, but trust us, it’s going to be a game changer. You can also try pairing a cardigan with a leather skirt and lace-up booties. If you’re feeling more daring, add in a maxi skirt instead of a mini skirt! The possibilities are endless!
How to wear a cardigan with a dress
- Wear a cardigan with a dress as a jacket, open or buttoned.
- Wear your cardigan with a belt.
- Wear your cardigan over a t-shirt, blouse, tank top, cami or turtleneck.
- Wear your cardigan with a scarf.
The best way to wear a cardigan
The best way to wear a cardigan the right way? Layer it over denim jeans! A pair of classic dark wash jeans are the perfect pair to match with this timeless piece. Not only will your outfit look great, but you’ll also be able to roll up the top and keep that comfortable feeling in your stomach. You’re going to love how you feel in this ensemble—and how you look.
How to wear a cardigan as a shirt
A cardigan is a wardrobe staple and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. While most people know how to wear it as a light outerwear garment, few know how to turn this button-up garment into a chic top. Follow these tips from menswear expert Mark-Evan Blackman to learn some new ways to wear your cardigan.
Wear it with skinny jeans and a scarf: A lightweight cashmere cardigan can easily act as a shirt, especially when paired with the right accessories. For example, you could pair the cardigan with slim fit pants or jeans and then add an accessory like a scarf to create that layered look that is so popular among menswear experts. Blackman recommends choosing colors in complementary tones so they will not clash. In addition, focus on mixing textures rather than colors since you don’t want to go overboard and risk looking overly busy or sloppy.
Try it with a skirt: If you are looking for something more feminine, consider wearing your favorite cardigan over your favorite skirt. “The best thing about this casual look is that it combines the comfort of your boyfriend’s sweater with the style of skirts,” says Blackman. “It’s also ideal for those days when you want to be comfortable at work but still maintain some sense of professionalism in your dress code.”
How to wear a cardigan as a top
- Wear a cardigan as a top.
- Wear it as a shirt or blouse.
- Wear it with a pair of skinny jeans.
- Wear it with a skirt and tights.
- Wear it with a dress.
How to pair a cardigan with a dress
Pairing a cardigan with a dress is an excellent way to revive tired pieces in your wardrobe. It’s also the perfect way to wear summer dresses into the fall. Layering dresses over pants or leggings can sometimes look frumpy, so instead of wearing that floral maxi dress as a skirt, throw on a cozy cardigan and treat it like you would any other sweater. This is especially effective when paired with t-shirt dresses that are traditionally worn in the warmer months. All you need is a pair of booties and opaque tights underneath to take this look seamlessly into the fall and winter seasons.
How to wear a cardigan with a belt
Belting a cardigan is a classic and easy way to define your waistline, especially if you’re wearing a dress or top with a straight silhouette. If you want to take this route, opt for a thin leather belt that won’t be too bulky. Don’t make the belt the focal point here; instead, choose one that matches your shoes for an elegant effect.
If you’re going out at night, consider belting an open-front cardi over a slip dress (here are 15 slip dresses worth checking out) for another chic and easy look. You can also wrap the bottom of your cardi around your waist like a scarf and let it hang in front of you or down the back to add interest to an otherwise simple ensemble.
Cardigans can be worn so many ways.
Cardigans are amazing. They’re the perfect way to stay warm and look stylish at the same time.
There are so many different ways to wear them, and they can be paired with so many different outfits. Women can wear cardigans over a formal dress or with a pair of jeans and sneakers. The possibilities are endless!
When worn correctly, cardigans can enhance just about any outfit you already have in your closet.
