How to Style a Cardigan
Your guide to reworking the classic cardigan for modern wardrobes, from pairing with dresses and jeans, to wearing it as an accessory.
Once considered the uniform of grandads and university professors, the cardigan has quietly made its way back to the top of the fashion hierarchy. It’s versatile, quietly confident, and (when styled right) effortlessly modern. From slouchy oversized knits that double as outerwear to cropped cardigans that rival a good blouse, the piece has evolved beyond its preppy reputation. The cardigan is now a key player across autumn wardrobes, transitional dressing, and even party layering. Whether buttoned up, shrugged on, or worn back to front, it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about this wardrobe essential.
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Published: 14.11.25
Wear it as a Top
Cardigans are no longer confined to the ‘layering’ section of your wardrobe, they are the outfit. Wearing your cardigan as a top transforms it from supporting act to star of the show, and there are more ways to do it than you might expect.
Button it up
Don’t think too much about how to wear a cardigan, start simple. A cropped cardigan buttoned all the way to the top gives the same polish as a blouse but with a softer finish. Pair a ribbed or fine-knit style with high-waisted trousers for that subtly vintage silhouette, a nod to the ‘90s revival dominating street style. For the evening, swap jeans for a satin midi and let a blouse peek through a couple of undone buttons.
If you’re wearing a chunky knitted cardigan, try fastening just the middle button and letting the rest fall open naturally. It creates a flattering hourglass effect, balancing structure with ease.
Wear It in Reverse
A cardigan worn backwards is one of those simple ideas that looks far more intentional than it is. Flip a V-neck cardigan so that the neckline dips along your back, it’s an instant update that gives the illusion of a designer cut-out. It works best with shorter or slim-fit silhouettes; think a fine-gauge knit tucked into tailored trousers or a sleek midi skirt. Add a simple updo or low bun to highlight the back detail, and you’ve turned a classic into a talking point.
Tuck It In
Tucking your cardigan into your jeans or trousers defines the waist and gives structure to an otherwise relaxed piece. Opt for cropped or short cardigans to avoid bulk, a move that’s particularly effective with high-rise denim or pleated trousers. This combination feels clean and intentional, the kind of off-duty styling that looks instinctively put-together. Add a belt to accentuate the shape, or layer a light turtleneck underneath when the temperature drops.
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Cardigan and Skirt
This one’s a timeless duo. The contrast between soft knit and fluid texture adds depth to any outfit. If you’ve ever wondered how to style a cardigan for day-to-night dressing, this is one of the easiest ways. A short sleeve cardigan paired with a midi skirt in satin or wool hits that sweet spot between refined and relaxed.
Try matching tonal shades for a minimalist look: oatmeal on beige, cream on camel, or play with proportion: a cropped cardigan offset by a full A-line skirt feels balanced and contemporary. Long cardigans can also work beautifully here. Belt them at the waist over a mini skirt for a little structure, or let them fall open over a pleated midi for an elongated silhouette.
Chunky knits lend a cosy contrast to delicate skirts, especially in transitional months. Try a black cardigan with a metallic skirt and knee boots for autumn, or swap for white, bare legs, and loafers come spring. However you mix it, the result proves that knowing how to wear a cardigan well is really about balancing texture, proportion, and tone.
Cardigan and Trousers/Pants
The cardigan and trousers combination is where things start to feel elevated, a masterclass in how to wear a cardigan sweater beyond the weekend. This is smart-casual dressing done right: relaxed but still intentional.
Wide-leg trousers balance the softness of an oversized knit, creating a fluid, effortless line. A fitted or short cardigan can add structure on top, especially when tucked in. If you prefer tailoring, layer a fine-knit cardigan under a blazer for a double-layered knitwear effect.
In winter, play with texture. A chunky cardigan with wool trousers or corduroy feels tactile and rich; in warmer months, lightweight linen trousers with a short sleeve knit have a breezy polish. Neutral tones like camel, grey, and off-white always work, but don’t be afraid to experiment; a soft sage cardigan against chocolate-brown trousers is a particularly chic pairing this season.
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Cardigan and Jeans
If there’s one combination that never fails, it’s a cardigan with jeans. If you’re trying to figure out how to wear a cardigan with jeans in different ways: the trick is to get the proportions right. Short styles naturally balance high-waisted jeans, drawing attention to the waistline. Straight or wide-leg jeans keep the look current while adding just the right amount of ease.
For a nod to French-girl minimalism, tuck a short cardigan into vintage-wash denim, add ballet flats, and finish with a red lip. For an easy, street-inspired take, layer an oversized piece (ideally one that borders on outerwear) over a white tee. Wide sleeved cardigans with a little structure pair well with baggy or barrel jeans, especially with a heeled boot underneath.
Dark denim also makes a great base for brighter or patterned cardigans. Think mohair checks, collegiate stripes, or soft pastels against indigo jeans. For something more refined, a cream cardigan with black denim and loafers reads as polished, making it ideal for casual workwear days.
Use it as a Layering Piece
Cardigans are built for layering. Whether you’re after warmth, depth, or a bit of styling interest, they work as the perfect bridge between pieces.
Layer a Bodysuit Under
When temperatures drop, layer a bodysuit under your cardigan for warmth without bulk. It’s a subtle detail that also changes the silhouette, especially when you leave the cardigan partly unbuttoned. A black ribbed bodysuit under a neutral knit with tailored trousers moves easily from office to evening.
Wear Under a Structured Jacket
The cardigan under jacket look has come a long way since school uniform days. Try slipping a black cardigan beneath a tailored blazer or cropped leather jacket of the same hue, letting a little texture peek through. This ‘peekaboo’ layering feels deliberate and directional. A short sleeved cardigan can even replace a blouse altogether, softening sharper silhouettes.
Add a Scarf
Scarves and cardigans naturally belong together, the key is proportion. If you’re wearing an oversized cardigan, go for a lighter, fluid scarf; with a slim or cropped style, a chunky knitted scarf creates contrast. Layering tonal shades or similar textures (think a wool scarf over a ribbed knit) adds subtle depth without overwhelming the look. For a contemporary twist, try a cardigan with a scarf attached or one designed with built-in panels that mimic the effect of layering.
Cardigan and Dress
The dress and cardigan pairing is arguably one of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe go further. It’s the layering formula that transitions your favourite summer dresses straight into autumn, and a perfect example of how to wear a dress with a cardigan without losing shape or style.
A cropped cardigan sits neatly over midi and maxi dresses, drawing attention to the waist while keeping the outfit balanced. Think floral or printed dresses paired with a neutral or pastel knit, feminine without being twee. A long cardigan, on the other hand, can create that elegant ‘robe’ effect, especially when worn open over a slip or bodycon dress.
If your dress is fitted, try an oversized cardigan for contrast. If it’s loose or tiered, balance it with a cropped or slim style to define the shape. A midi dress with a cardigan creates an effortlessly refined look, while a long dress with a cardigan gives that relaxed, bohemian ease that feels right for cooler days.
When temperatures drop, reach for texture. A chunky knit layered over a turtleneck dress, tights, and boots works as a chic alternative to a coat. Mastering how to choose the right cardigan to go with a dress is really about balance: soft meets structured, comfort meets intention.
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Cardigan and Shirt
A crisp shirt layered with a cardigan is a perennial favourite, and for good reason.The combination adds structure without stiffness: sharp lines meeting soft knit. For a modern twist, play with scale: an oversized cardigan over a slightly exaggerated shirt collar gives that sartorial edge.
Try layering a fine knit under a shirt and leaving a few buttons undone, letting the cardigan frame the neckline. Or, go collegiate with a cropped cardigan over a longer shirt, allowing the hem to show. Add tailored trousers or denim depending on how casual you want to go.
For the office, a black cardigan worn over a white or blue Oxford shirt instantly softens the formality of suiting. On weekends, swap for a relaxed flannel or chambray shirt under a chunky knit. Finish with loafers or ankle boots, and you’ve got a formula that works year-round.
Accessorise with It
Cardigans don’t always have to be worn, sometimes they’re best used as accessories in their own right.
Wear It Around Your Neck
It’s a move straight from the preppy playbook but reimagined for 2025. Drape a fine-knit or short cardigan loosely around your neck and tie the sleeves in front, the kind of styling trick you’ll spot in quiet luxury lookbooks. It works as a subtle layer of texture, softening tailored pieces like blazers or trench coats.
Drape It Over Your Shoulders
A cardigan draped over your shoulders signals a certain ease: part Riviera, part modern classic. Use it to break up a monotone outfit or to add warmth without committing to full sleeves. A long cardigan casually knotted at the front over a shirt dress or co-ord set gives a laid-back polish that feels very current.
This styling move is also practical: it allows you to carry a layer through unpredictable weather without losing that sense of composure. Bonus points if you coordinate the knit’s tone with another element in your outfit (shoes, bag, or scarf) to tie everything together.
FAQS
How do you look stylish in a cardigan?
The key to looking stylish in a cardigan is all about proportion and texture. Try pairing a fitted or cropped style with high-waisted jeans or a midi skirt to define your shape, or offset a chunky knit with something sleek underneath like a satin slip or tailored trousers. Keep the rest of your look simple and deliberate: rolled sleeves, layered jewellery, and clean lines make the cardigan feel intentional, not just practical.
How do you wear a cardigan without looking frumpy?
Choose structure and contrast. If your cardigan is oversized, balance it with slim or tucked-in pieces underneath. A belt at the waist instantly adds shape, while pushing up the sleeves gives a relaxed, styled finish. Avoid shapeless layering and instead, treat your cardigan as part of the outfit rather than a cover-up. Think cropped styles with wide-leg trousers, or fine knits under blazers for a more refined edge.
What kind of top to wear with a cardigan?
That depends on the look you’re going for. A simple T-shirt or bodysuit keeps things clean and modern, while a crisp shirt adds polish, especially when layered under a cropped or chunky cardigan. For something softer, try a camisole or fine-knit top underneath. The rule of thumb: lighter layers under heavier cardigans, and vice versa. That balance keeps your outfit looking intentional and styled.