How to Style a Cardigan

There’s something undeniably timeless about a cardigan. It’s a wardrobe staple that can lean preppy, minimalist, romantic, or even edgy, depending on how you style it. But let’s be honest — some cardigans can feel a little…frumpy. You won’t find me in a long, drapey cardigan (those feel sloppy and outdated to me), and I typically skip shawl-collar styles too. I prefer a classic, clean-cut cardigan and like to play around with textures, colors, and how I style it.

Whether you’re heading into the office, out for a casual weekend, or dressing for date night, here are my favorite ways to style a cardigan, along with outfit pairings that keep it feeling current.

How to Style a Cardigan: 

The beauty of a cardigan is its versatility. It can feel polished, cozy, or even unexpectedly chic. Think of your cardigan as more than just a layer for warmth and instead, treat it as a key player in your outfit.

Let’s break down my go-to ways to wear one.

Buttoned All the Way Up

Wearing your cardigan fully buttoned, almost like a shirt or sweater, gives it a more structured, intentional look. This works best with a fitted or slightly cropped cardigan, and is a fun way to incorporate a textured knit or a cardigan with pretty buttons. This pointelle cardigan covers all the bases!

Pair with:

• High-waisted jeans and leather loafers for a classic feel
  
• Wide-leg trousers and a block heel for a business casual look
  
• A pencil skirt for a feminine silhouette

Looking for great office-appropriate pairings? I’ve rounded up my favorite work shoes and work totes here.

Unbuttoned and Open Over a Tank

This is probably the easiest and most casual way to wear a cardigan. Just toss it over a fitted white tank or basic tee, and let it drape open. It’s the perfect weekend look and adds a little warmth without the bulk of a jacket.

Pair with:

• Straight-leg jeans and sneakers for errands
  
• Tailored shorts and sandals for a transitional weather outfit
  
• A classic white tank and wide-leg pants for a simple, elevated look

If you’re building a wardrobe of basics, a great pair of jeans and classic white sneakers are a must.

Partially Buttoned

Leave the top and bottom buttons undone to create a flattering shape at the waist and give a little visual interest. This works well over high-rise bottoms or even a slip skirt. I often style this detail cotton blend cardigan with high-rise, dark wash jeans and classic mules or ballet flats.

Style tip: Tuck just the front hem into your waistband for a defined shape.

Buttoned Just at the Top

This one’s for my preppy girls. Fasten just the top button and let the rest hang open, sort of like a soft jacket. It feels fresh and intentionally undone. This cable knit cardigan is the perfect blend of preppy and cozy for this style.

This looks great over:

• Straight-leg jeans and classic loafers
  
• A simple dress that needs a lightweight layer
  
• A midi skirt and boots or ballet flats combo

Cardigans like this are a fun nod to preppy style but with a modern twist.

As a Shawl Over Your Shoulders

While I don’t gravitate toward actual shawl-collar cardigans since they swallow my petite frame, I do love wearing a classic cardigan like a shawl. Just drape it over your shoulders and tie the sleeves in front or let them hang. It’s more of an accessory at this point, but adds dimension and color to your outfit.

This feels chic if layered over:

• A shirt dress (this is one of my favorite dresses that actually works for mom life)
  
• A cropped boyfriend polo and wide-leg jeans

A monochromatic outfit that needs a pop of contrast.

With Any Type of Bottoms

If you’re unsure what to pair your cardigan with, the answer is pretty much anything. But here are my favorite combos that always work:

With Trousers

A fitted or cropped cardigan tucked into trousers is one of my go-to’s for work or lunch dates. It hits that business casual sweet spot while still feeling soft and comfortable.

• Add heels or loafers
  
• Choose a cardigan in a neutral tone like navy or camel for maximum versatility
  
• A cotton or wool knit works best to hold shape

With Jeans

You can’t go wrong here. Jeans and a cardigan are as classic as it gets, but the trick is in the styling.

Try:

• Buttoning up the cardigan and adding a leather belt
  
• French-tucking into high-rise denim
  
• Layering over a tee with a cropped cardigan

Add your favorite sneakers or boots, and you’re good to go. My favorite jeans are rounded up here.

With Shorts

This combo is underrated. I love pairing a cardigan with shorts in the spring and summer especially, since it’s warm on top, breezy on the bottom making it perfect for chilly mornings or air-conditioned buildings (You can find my summer to fall transition outfits here).

Try:

• A chunky knit cardigan with denim shorts and sandals (those are some of my very favorites in this roundup of my favorite sandals)
  
• A fine-knit cardigan over a tank and linen shorts
  
• Buttoned-up with white tailored shorts and espadrilles

With a Midi Skirt

Soft meets structured. A cardigan adds the perfect balance to a feminine midi skirt. Depending on the season, you can wear this look with:

• Sneakers for everyday
  
• Boots in colder months
  
• Heels or pumps (or these leather mules) for a dressier feel

Opt for a cardigan with some texture. Ones made of ribbed cotton, pointelle, or lightweight cashmere to keep things interesting.

With a Mini Skirt and Tights

For cooler months, pairing a cardigan with a mini skirt and tights is one of my favorite ways to look put-together and stay warm. It’s polished and playful, especially if you keep the rest of the outfit simple.

Try this combo:

• A waist-length cardigan buttoned all the way up (or just at the top)
  
• A wool, tweed, or cotton mini skirt
  
• Opaque black tights and loafers or boots

You can also layer a white tee underneath and leave the cardigan unbuttoned for a more relaxed feel. Add a structured coat or blazer over the top for extra warmth and that elevated finish. This look leans slightly preppy, slightly French, and always feels current.

Final Thoughts: Cardigans That Feel Fresh, Not Frumpy

If cardigans have ever felt boring to you, try switching up how you wear them. The key is in the styling: tuck it, crop it, layer it, or treat it like a top instead of just a sweater you’re layering over a basic camisole.

I personally stay away from long cardigans because they often feel sloppy or dated, but a well-fitted classic style in a beautiful knit? That’s a forever piece I’m willing to invest in.

Whether you’re dressing up for the office or throwing something on over a tee for carpool, there’s a cardigan outfit that works. Stick with classic shapes, and don’t be afraid to play with proportion or pair it with unexpected pieces.

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