How to Style a Cardigan: 31 Handsome Ways to Wear the Fall’s Most Useful Layer
Cardigans have this reputation in the popular imagination of being a little dorky and square—the kind of thing Steve Urkel might wear, say, as he's getting stuffed in a locker. But it's difficult to understand exactly where exactly that cliché came from, given how many iconically cool folks have looked impossibly handsome in cardigans for decades upon decades now. We're talking about movie stars like Steve McQueen and Donald Glover, musicians like Stevie Wonder and Kurt Cobain, athletes like Arnold Palmer and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
With layering season blissfully upon us again, we're paying tribute to arguably the most versatile knit you can own—one that looks killer with a tee or polo in the spring, with shorts and a tank in the summer, and with all manner of coats and blazers and button-downs in the fall and winter. Here are 31 can't-miss ways to style a cardigan right now.
20 Cardigan Outfit Ideas to Stay Cozy All Winter
From the stone-embellished chunky knits spotted at Luisa Spagnoli to Max Mara's sleek pink full-length sweaters, cardigans were seen up and down the runways during the Fall/Winter 2023 fashion week shows. But there is also a vast array of cardigan styles to choose from, meaning the well of fashion inspiration for fall cardigan outfits is deep. To help us translate this fall wardrobe staple from the runway to real life, InStyle tapped expert Samantha Brown.
Meet the expert
Samantha Brown is a fashion expert and celebrity stylist based in New York City.
According to Brown, there's no one cardigan shape or style that's front and center for fall. "Cardigans are having a moment, and there’s something for everyone," she says, adding that everything from "shrunken and cropped styles to oversized and belted" is fair game when it comes to trending cardigan styles.
From left: Miu Miu, Max Mara, Luisa Spagnoli.
Getty Images
Because so many different cardigan styles went down the runways, there's no one cardigan outfit idea that is set to reign supreme. That said, when you've got limitless options, narrowing styling choices can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Brown has some great tips for what shirts pair well with different trending cardigan shapes and silhouettes.
If you're looking for a more polished look, she recommends wearing a fitted tank or silk camisole under your cardigan. In addition, a cardi can "add coverage to crop tops while still exposing some skin, and can be layered over looser T-shirts for a more casual vibe." Wearing a buttoned-up cardigan as a shirt on its own with nothing underneath works too — player's choice.
When it comes to oversized, roomier cardigans, Brown recommends keeping an eye out to make sure you don't get entirely swallowed up. "Slouchy styles can feel a bit sloppy when attention isn’t paid to the proportions of an outfit," she cautions. If you're worried a cardigan outfit is serving more slump than slay, Brown has a helpful layering hack. Simply add a belt and you've got yourself a sleeker silhouette.
With fall fashion trends fresh in our minds and armed with Brown's styling expertise, we've rounded up 20 cardigan outfit ideas that you'll fall in love with come fall.
How To Wear A Cardigan For Date Night & Every Day
Styling a Cardigan
Everyone’s favorite cardigan sweater now comes in the CUTEST shrug. Introducing the Barefoot Dreams shrug sweater! I am styling it a couple of ways below to give you outfit ideas. It is also on SALE!! More info below…
Huge thank you to QVC for compensating me for this post.
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This adorable Barefoot Dreams shrug is much shorter than the typical Barefoot Dreams cardigan, which I love because I think it creates a completely different look. It is made out of the same sumptuous, super soft fabric we’ve all come to love and expect from the brand. It also comes in SEVEN colors! If you want more styling ideas, check out my cardigan outfit posts here and here.
TSV
If you haven’t tried a Barefoot Dreams sweater yet, and don’t know what I am talking about re: fabric… you need to order one STAT. You will want to live in these sweaters. This exact sweater is the TSV on QVC. That is a lot of acronyms so allow me to elaborate. TSV means “Today’s Special Value” it’s a fancy way of saying they are significantly marked down for one day! ($69 from $118)
Shop Barefoot Dreams sweaters here.
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Look #1 | Date Night
This first look is for date night! Yes…you read that correctly…a cardigan on date night! It’s a tricky combo, but looking sexy and feeling comfortable and warm… IS possible!
I paired the shrug with a black cami, but you could also do a nice blouse or any pretty black top you feel good in! I went with the basics and wore some dark wash skinny jeans. These are the most slimming and flattering style. The jeans are also high waisted so the shrug hemline falls below the top of the jeans’ waistband. This is important to your outfit proportionally.
I threw on these sexy black sandals. I love the embellishment details on the heel of these sandals. The heel is also chunky and low. Translation… they are easy to walk in. And, they’re ONLY $35! If you want to be even warmer, swap the sandals for a stiletto or heeled black bootie.
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Look #2 | Casual, Every Day, Cardigan Outfit
If you’re always on the go, this next look is for you. I’d wear this around town, running errands, etc.
I threw the Barefoot Dreams shrug on over a white turtleneck sweater. You could easily substitute this out for a white tee too. Next, I’m wearing some classic dark wash jeans and brown booties. These heeled booties are really comfortable and easy to walk in. And I LOVE the brown color. You can find out more about this color trend here. If you’re worried about the heel, you could also throw on some chic street sneakers like the ones I’m wearing above.
If you want more sweater outfit inspiration, be sure to check out this post.
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A quick reminder that regular shipping with QVC can take about a week and a half, to two weeks, you may want to choose expedited shipping to get your order sooner. For select items, you can also use Easy Pay and split your payments, over a longer period of time at no additional charge.
Shop more Barefoot Dreams sweaters here.
Huge thank you to QVC for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to receive awesome freebies!
