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How to Style a Cardigan: 5 Easy Ways for Fall and Winter

Learn how to style a cardigan 5 easy ways: buttoned as a top, open over a tee, draped on your shoulders, with a mini skirt and with a long skirt.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 3 min read

How to Style a Cardigan: 5 Easy Ways for Fall and Winter

A cardigan is one of the most useful pieces in your closet, but it can look plain if you always wear it the same way. This guide shows you how to style a cardigan in 5 easy ways, using real photos from women in the US and the UK. Each photo has numbered labels so you can copy the look.

Quick answer: Button a fitted cardigan and wear it as a top tucked into jeans, wear it open over a tee, or drape it over your shoulders. Pair it with jeans, a mini skirt or a long skirt and add boots or sneakers.

Step 1: Button It Up and Wear It as a Top

Woman in a black buttoned cardigan tucked into wide leg jeans1Buttoned cardigan as a top2Tucked into high waist jeans3Wide leg jeans
Photo: Gosuamii on Instagram

A fitted cardigan can be your top. Button it all the way, tuck it into high waist jeans and you get a neat, simple look that works for errands, work and dinner.

Quick tip: Thin knit cardigans tuck better than chunky ones.

Step 2: Wear It Open Over a Tee and Jeans

Woman in an open red cardigan, white top and dark jeans on a boat1Open red cardigan over a tee2Dark jeans and sneakers
Photo: Angelica on Instagram

The classic way is to wear a cardigan open over a plain tee. A bold color like red makes a simple jeans outfit look fun.

Quick tip: Push the sleeves up a little so the cardigan does not swallow your arms.

Step 3: Drape It Over Your Shoulders

Woman with an orange cardigan draped over her shoulders and a brown knit dress1Cardigan draped on the shoulders2Knit dress underneath3Brown suede boots
Photo: Daily Kongfidence on Instagram

Do not want to wear it? Drape it over your shoulders. It adds color and looks very chic over a knit dress, and you can pull it on when it gets cold.

Quick tip: Tie the sleeves loosely in front if you want it to stay in place.

Step 4: Pair It With a Matching Mini Skirt

Woman in a cream cardigan worn as a top with a matching mini skirt1Cardigan buttoned as a top2Matching mini skirt
Photo: Katherine Bond on Instagram

A cardigan and mini skirt in the same color looks like a set, even if they are not. It is a sweet look for sunny fall days.

Quick tip: Add tights and knee high boots to wear this look in winter.

Step 5: Try a Cropped Cardigan With a Long Skirt

Woman in a white cropped cardigan and long pale pink skirt1Cropped cardigan2Long flowy skirt
Photo: Liz Style Diary on Instagram

A short cropped cardigan looks great with a long skirt. The short top shows your waist and the long skirt keeps it elegant. Perfect for holiday events.

Quick tip: Pick one soft color for both pieces for a clean, elegant look.

Cardigan Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing a long cardigan with long baggy pants. Your shape gets lost.
  • Picking a cardigan with stretched out or pilled knit.
  • Buttoning a chunky cardigan and tucking it in. It looks bulky.
  • Letting the sleeves cover your hands all day.

FAQs

How do you style a cardigan for fall?

Wear it buttoned as a top with jeans, open over a tee, or draped on your shoulders over a dress. Add boots.

Can you wear a cardigan as a top?

Yes. Pick a fitted cardigan, button it up and tuck it into high waist jeans or a skirt.

What pants go with a cardigan?

High waist jeans are the easiest. Wide leg trousers and leggings also look good.

How do you style a long cardigan?

Wear it open over a fitted top and slim jeans or leggings so the outfit stays balanced.

Now You Know How to Style a Cardigan

Button it, wear it open, drape it or pair it with a skirt. With these 5 easy ideas, one cardigan can give you lots of different outfits this fall and winter.

More ideas: how to style a sweater, how to style knee high boots and how to wear a scarf.

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