4 Easy and Elevated Ways to Style A Cardigan

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Sweater season can also be dubbed cardigan season; the reason being that cardigans are for the most part just sweaters with a button placket. And that feature makes them a super versatile option for layering. Just like sweaters, cardigans come in many styles including cropped and boxy silhouettes, oversized longline cuts, and classic fitted designs. Cardigans also come in many different materials ranging from light and streamlined to chunky and cozy. When building your cardigan collection, it's key to incorporate multiple styles that will effortlessly complement your different looks, whether they're for work, weekend errands, or meeting up with friends.

My cardigan collection has grown and evolved over the years. Way back then, I was a die-hard aficionada of the classic, fitted cardi. I bought it in all colors I could find it in, and loved pairing it with pencil skirts or dressy slacks for work. And as trends shifted to looser styles, I expanded my collection to longline, oversized cardigans. Those quickly became my favorite thanks to their wearability and cozy factor. Longline cardigans perfectly complement a turtleneck sweater tucked in a skinny pair of pants or jeans. They also make a stylish layering piece for a casual look such as a tee paired with leggings and sneakers. And the cherry on top for those of us who love a belted look is that a longline cardi is very belt-friendly! And you know how I feel about belts! But whether you're into the longline style or the shorter options, cardigans are definitely a closet staple and here are some ways that I have styled a couple of my cardigans:

1.Longline Cardigan with Slip Skirt

First of all, let me say that I love this cardigan so much, I bought it in two colors: this rich burgundy one, as well as the deep gray version. The selling points for me were the longline length, kimono sleeves, and large buttons. For this look, I went for a chic and modern outfit that I could wear to work. I started with a polka dot slip skirt and a sleeveless mock neck sweater. The cardigan added a nice cozy and colorful touch to the look.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a polka dot slip skirt with an oversized burgundy cardigan, Winter outfit ideas, how to style a slip skirt, Minneapolis blogger, black fashion blogger, classy fashion, opera gloves style

Check out this blog post for some polka dot skirt outfit inspiration.

Style tip: for an unexpected and cool touch, offset the buttons to create a bit of an asymmetrical detail.

Shop this polka dot skirt and oversized cardigan outfit.

2. Boxy Cardigan with Blue Jeans

Anything goes with blue jeans, IMO. For this look, I styled a fitted white crew neck tee with a gray boxy cable knit cardigan and super wide-leg blue jeans. The boxy fit and gold buttons combination give this cardi a lady jacket vibe, which I absolutely love. Gold buttons really elevate a look and give it a polished and classic touch. I finished the outfit with my wool scarf coat and ecru pointy pumps.

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Shop this wide-leg jeans and cropped cardigan outfit.

3. Longline Cardigan with Pants

As you probably know, I'm partial to a belted look. And longline cardigans lend themselves very well to a belted look. Burgundy has been a favorite color of mine for Fall and Winter, hence why I decided to go monochromatic with my burgundy longline cardigan and wine pants. To accessorize the look, I opted for a matching leather belt, a silk scarf, and a small blue leather bag for a little pop of color. I put this outfit in the workwear category for days when you just don't want to do the typical black or neutral colors.

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Shop this monochrome pants and cardigan outfit.

4. Boxy Cardigan with a Pleated Skirt

Some days, you just want to double down on cozy. And that's when pairing a more substantial knit cardigan with a merino wool turtleneck is perfectly appropriate! For this business casual outfit, I paired a black midi pleated skirt with a black turtleneck sweater and my favorite boxy cardigan. I added a wide belt with a gold buckle to match the gold buttons. And I left the cardi unbuttoned for more of a jacket spin. I love that the look has structure without feeling too rigid.

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Shop this pleated skirt and cropped cardigan outfit.

Of course there are many more ways to don a cardigan and these looks are just a few, simple ones that anyone can pull off! How do you like to style your cardigans? Make sure you bookmark this post so you can easily find your way back to some cardigan styling inspo.

Check out this Instagram reel for more!

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Up Next

How to Style a Printed Slip Skirt in the Winter

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a burgundy oversized cardigan with a gold crossbody handbag and black opera leather gloves, Winter outfit ideas, how to style an oversized cardigan, how to style a slip skirt, Minneapolis blogger

Just because it's freezing outside doesn't mean you can't rock your lighter closet staples! Slip skirts have earned their staple status thanks to being super versatile and comfortable. I consider slip skirts the new pencil skirt in some way: they're smart-looking, streamlined, and appropriate for both work and play. In fact, slip skirts are typically made of satin or silk material which used to be more formal-occasion wear but has evolved to more everyday status.

I recently purchased my first slip skirt. Hard to believe, but yes! It's not that I hadn't taken a shot at it before; it's just that I couldn't find the right fit. They were either not the midi length I wanted, or looked bunched up around the waist, or were made of a fabric that I didn't care for. What attracted me to this polka dot slip skirt is the print! Black and white (or in this case black and cream) polka dots are a classic print that easily pairs with a variety of colors and clothing pieces. Other selling points were the material quality (not overly thin), the fit (the waist and hips fit me perfectly), as well as the price point. This versatile skirt was only $28. Now that's hard to beat!

There's no shortage of options when it comes to creating an outfit with a slip skirt. You can opt for a sweater, a light blouse, a blazer, a vest and many more pieces in your closet. In the Winter, I like to keep it cozy and go for sweaters, cardigans, or even blazers. Here are 3 outfits I created with my polka dot slip skirt.

1. Polka Dot Slip Skirt with a Striped Sweater

Mixing prints is an easy way to add a touch of whimsy to an outfit and shake up the humdrum. For this elevated casual look, I paired the polka dot skirt with a matching striped sweater. Keeping the different patterns in the same color palette makes for a more toned down combination that almost feels like a neutral monochrome look. I added a belt for a more polished vibe and also went for sheer black tights and suede ballet flats for ultimate comfort. This is a look that can be worn to the office and also checks the box for casual outings.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a polka dot slip skirt with a striped sweater outfit, Winter outfit ideas, how to style a slip skirt, Minneapolis blogger, black fashion blogger, classy outfit ideas, red handbag

Shop this polka dot slip skirt and striped sweater outfit.

2. Polka Dot Slip Skirt with a Blazer

Blazers go with everything. Jeans, dressy trousers, full skirts, dresses, tailored shorts, slip skirts, all make the perfect basis for a blazer. This tailored, long-line black blazer works beautifully with the polka dot skirt. It gives it more of a business professional vibe which showcases just how versatile it is. I finished the look with knee-high boots and a wide leather belt to dial up the dressy factor.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a polka dot slip skirt with a longline black blazer, Winter outfit ideas, how to style a slip skirt, Minneapolis blogger, black fashion blogger, classy outfit ideas, metallic gold handbag

Shop this polka dot slip skirt and belted blazer outfit

3. Polka Dot Slip Skirt with an Oversized Cardigan

One of the benefits of black and white is how well it works with color. I love the contrast of burgundy and the polka dot print of this skirt. It's bold without being too flashy and accentuates both the print and the color. I added opera leather gloves to zhuzh up the cardigan and create a color flow throughout the outfit. I put this look in the workwear category (the gloves would come off, of course!) It's the perfect combination to change up from the typical monochrome, tonal, or color-blocked work attire.

Shop this polka dot slip skirt and oversized cardigan look.

There are many more ways to wear a slip skirt. These ideas are just a start and I hope they inspire you to incorporate this piece in your wardrobe. I will update this blog post as I wear this skirt more and more. What do you think of slip skirts, and this one in particular? Chime in in the comments!

Up Next

5 Must-Have Accessories Every Fashionista Needs in Her Wardrobe

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing fashion accessories, oversized reading glasses, sterling silver hoop earrings, Hermes leather bracelet, stacked rings, women accessories, classic style, how to accessorize outfits

As someone who loves to incorporate accessories in my looks, I can confidently say: the right accessories make a world of difference. They elevate even the simplest outfits, add character to your wardrobe, and make your style uniquely yours. Here are five must-have accessories that every woman needs in her wardrobe—plus how to style them effortlessly.

Shop my accessory picks

1. A Timeless Watch

Nothing says sophistication like a classic and streamlined watch. My go-to? Movado. Their sleek, minimalist designs add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, dressy or casual. Watches come in all shapes, colors, materials, and sizes. I'm partial to bolder designs with wider straps and larger faces. Though those were traditionally meant for men, they make a perfect statement piece for fashionistas who prefer heftier details.

Style Tip: Pair a bold watch with a stack of gold or silver bangles for a polished look. If you’re wearing a blazer or a long-sleeve knit, let your watch peek out for an understated touch of elegance. You can also wear your watch over your long-sleeve knit top for more of an avant-garde vibe.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a Blue Sweater with a luxury jewelry watch from Movado, a camel coat, dark blue outfit, blue handbag Nordstrom style, elevated casual look

2. A Wide Leather Belt

Wide belts are a game-changer. Whether cinching a flowy dress or adding definition to a long blazer, they instantly elevate your look. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know how I feel about this accessory!

Style Tip: To give your flowy dresses or oversized blazers a more tailored look, layer them with a wide leather belt. You can go for one in the same color palette as your outfit for a monochrome vibe, or you can opt for a bold, colorful option to create some contrast.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a pleated skirt with a striped tee, denim jacket and a wide leather belt, brown outfit, neutral style, Sézane pleated skirt, Nordstrom Rack style, elevated casual look

3. A Unique Handbag

Forget the typical black and brown bags. Unique shapes and bold colors are where it’s at! My favorites are medium-sized handbags in oblong shapes and vibrant colorways —think bright red or mustard yellow.

Style Tip: Use your handbag to complement or contrast your outfit. A bright red bag works beautifully with a neutral ensemble, while a pastel bag can soften a bold look. Don’t be afraid to let your handbag steal the show!

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a mixed print black and beige outfit with a red leather handbag, striped sweater, polka dot slip skirt, belted sweater look, black and white style, how to style a red handbag, Tomoli Fitini handbag, elevated casual outfit

4. Standout Jewelry

Whether it’s earrings, bracelets, or necklaces, unique jewelry is the ultimate finishing touch. I’m all about a good pair of oversized earrings to elevate a minimalistic look. Layering chunky bangle bracelets is another styling option to add extra flair to an outfit.

Style Tip: Pair chunky bangles with a clean, minimalist outfit to make your jewelry the focal point. You can mix metals or add a pop of color to keep things fresh and fun.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing a chunky necklace with a chunky chain link bracelet, women's accessories, sterling silver jewelry, statement jewelry, how to wear chunky jewelry, fashion accessories, oversized glasses, wide leather waistbelt style

5. A Luxurious Silk Scarf

A silk scarf is the epitome of elegance and versatility in women's accessories. This luxurious piece not only adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit, it also brings a dose of French style to your day-to-day. In fact, in France, the silk scarf is more than just an accessory, it's a cultural symbol of chic refinement. Whether draped around the neck, tied to a handbag, or worn as a headscarf, the silk scarf embodies the understated glamour that defines French fashion.

Style Tip: Elevate your Fall and Winter cardigans by pairing them with a silk scarf tied around the neck.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing blue jeans with white tee, neutral sweater, and silk scarf, how to style a scarf, elevated casual style, classy jeans outfits, Minneapolis fashion blogger