How to Style a Cardigan: 4 Easy Looks

How to Style a Cardigan, a Fashorio pick

Short answer: a cardigan is the most flexible layer you own. Leave it open over a simple base for an easy day, button it up and wear it as a top, or throw a longline one over a dress. The trick is deciding whether it plays supporting act or takes the lead. Here are four ways to wear one, built from pieces you can shop right now.

Look 1: Open cardigan over a tank and jeans

The everyday formula. A cropped cardigan left open over a fitted tank keeps the shape clean, and wide leg jeans balance it out. Easy, warm, and ready in seconds.

How to style a cardigan: an open front crochet cardigan over a tank with jeans

Layer: Open Front Floral Crochet Cardigan
Top: Cropped Sport Tank Top
Bottom: Floral Print Wide Leg Jeans

Look 2: Longline cardigan over a slip

A long cardigan adds a soft, draped line over almost anything. Layer it over a fitted cami or slip with jeans and it instantly feels considered rather than thrown on.

How to style a longline cardigan over a cami with jeans

Layer: Open Front Floral Crochet Longline Cardigan
Top: Lace Trim Fitted Tank Top
Bottom: Drawstring Elastic Waist Loose Jeans

Look 3: Button the cardigan and wear it as a top

A fitted button down cardigan doubles as a top. Do up the buttons, tuck it into a wide leg jean, and you have a neat, put together look with no shirt needed.

How to style a button down cardigan worn as a top tucked into jeans

Top: Button Down Lightweight Crochet Cardigan
Bottom: Washed Wide Leg Cargo Jeans
Bag: Casual Leather Tote Bag

Look 4: Textured cardigan for a weekend layer

A chunky, textured knit is made for slow weekends. Throw a granny square cardigan over a fitted tank and your comfiest jeans, add a tote, and you are set for coffee and errands.

How to style a textured granny square cardigan over a tank with jeans

Layer: Open Front Granny Square Crochet Cardigan
Top: Cropped Sport Tank Top
Bottom: Floral Print Wide Leg Jeans

Styling tips for a cardigan

Match the weight to the job: a fine knit layers cleanly under a jacket or over a slip, while a chunky one wants to be the star with something simple underneath. Keep the proportions in mind too, so a cropped cardigan suits a high waist, and a longline one balances a slim bottom. Buttoning a fitted cardigan turns it into a top, which is the easiest way to get two outfits from one piece. And when the knit has texture or pattern, let it lead and keep everything else quiet.

Build your own looks from our tops and knits, jeans and dresses.

Editor’s picks

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White Birch One Shoulder Top in Hot Pink

$30.95 ~~Regular price $37.95~~

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Square Neck Racerback Cropped Tank

$35.95 ~~Regular price $44.95~~

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MONO B Micro Ribbed Cropped Athleisure Tee

$17.95 ~~Regular price $22.95~~

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear under a cardigan?

A fitted base keeps the layer clean: a tank, a cami or a slim tee for an open cardigan, or nothing extra if you button a fitted one and wear it as a top.

How do you style a long cardigan?

Keep the layers underneath slim, like a cami and jeans, so the long line drapes cleanly. A longline cardigan balances a slim or straight bottom and adds an easy, elongating shape.

Can you wear a cardigan as a top?

Yes. Choose a fitted button down cardigan, do up the buttons, and tuck it into your jeans or skirt. It reads as a knit top and saves you layering a shirt underneath.

Are cardigans still in style?

Cardigans remain a wardrobe staple, and crochet and chunky knit versions feel especially current. Wear them open as a layer or buttoned as a top depending on the look.

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