4 Easy and Elevated Ways to Style A Cardigan

4 Easy and Elevated Ways to Style A Cardigan

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.
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

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.

Blue wide-leg jeans with gray cardigan and scarf coat outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, elevated denim style, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, J.Crew jeans, Mercer Collective coat, M.Gemi heels, J.Crew cardigan, cable knit sweater, black fashion blogger
Blue wide-leg jeans with gray cardigan and scarf coat outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, elevated denim style, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, J.Crew jeans, Mercer Collective coat, J.Crew cardigan, cable knit sweater, black fashion blogger
Blue wide-leg jeans with gray cardigan and scarf coat outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, elevated denim style, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, J.Crew jeans, Mercer Collective coat, Tomoli designer leather bag, J.Crew cardigan, cable knit sweater, black fashion blogger

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.

Oversized longline cardigan with pants outfit, monochrome burgundy red outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, how to style a silk scarf, Express pants, J.Crew cardigan, Michael Kors Colby handbag, black fashion blogger
Oversized longline cardigan with pants outfit, monochrome burgundy red outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, how to style a silk scarf, Express pants, J.Crew cardigan, Michael Kors Colby handbag, black fashion blogger

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.

Gray cropped cardigan with black pleated skirt outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, how to style a pleated skirt, Sézane skirt, J.Crew cardigan, Bvlgari designer handbag, Anthropologie wide leather belt, black fashion blogger, Cole Haan Clarice knee-high boots
Gray cropped cardigan with black pleated skirt outfit, how to style a cardigan, women's Winter outfit ideas, Farotelle, Minneapolis fashion blogger, how to style a pleated skirt, turtleneck sweater outfit, J.Crew cardigan, Bvlgari designer handbag, Anthropologie wide leather belt, black fashion blogger

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!

Women's cardigan outfit ideas, Winter sweater style, how to style a cardigan, oversized sweater look, slip skirt outfit, polka dot look, cropped cardigan, classic workwear looks
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.