How To Wear A Cardigan Sweater This Winter
What do you think of when you hear the words “cardigan sweater”? Frumpy? Cozy? Chic? The cardigan is said to have made a “comeback” in fashion over the past couple of years, but for some of us, it has always been a wardrobe staple. Here are some styles that you’ll find in-store right now, and how you can wear them (without looking frumpy of course)…
The Open-Front Cardigan Sweater
For a casual look, an open-front piece makes a cozy top layer. This is Madewell’s Kent Striped Cardigan Sweater In Coziest Yarn. It currently comes in two colorways.
If neither color works for you, take a look at Banana Republic’s Colorblack Long Cardigan Sweater which is very similar. It’s selling out quickly online, so if you don’t see your size you may be able to find it at your local store.
Wear your open-front cardigan with a fitted t-shirt, jeans, booties, and a belt in a fun color or print.
My t-shirt is the Whisper Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt from Madewell. They also have a Whisper Cotton Turtleneck for colder days. The Corduroy Suede belt is also from Madewell.
My jeans are the Sweet Straight style from Lucky Brand. You could wear bootcut jeans, skinny jeans, boy-jeans or really any style, in this outfit.
You can also wear a leather or suede belt over your open-front cardigan to cinch in and show off your waist. Just wear a fitted dress, skirt or pants underneath so that you have smooth lines (no belt buckle bumps!)
Duster Cardigan Sweater
I’m wearing Banana Republic’s Wool Blend Duster Cardigan (in XS Petite). I usually wear this longer style with pants, ankle boots, and a t-shirt, so I thought I’d try a skirt for a change. My denim button-front mini skirt is from J.Crew Factory and currently on sale.
Halogen’s Wool & Cashmere Long Cardigan is similar and comes in 5 neutral colors.
I always have a hard time finding the right coat to wear over a duster style, so as it gets cooler, I wear more layers underneath. I often wear my Uniqlo Heattech Crew Neck T-shirt under tops and sweaters to stay warm without a coat. A cashmere or oversized scarf will also keep you cozy.
The Short V-Neck Cardigan
For button-front styles, I find that a v-neck is a little more versatile than a rounded neck. A rounded neck cardigan looks good on its own or over a turtleneck top, but any other neckline can create some funny lines around your neck.
Mine is an older Banana Republic silk-cashmere piece. The Washable Merino Cardigan is very similar. The blouse is the Japan Exclusive Pin-Tuck Top in XS (my usual size). Unfortunately, it ran small so I had to return it.
A short or cropped cardigan is perfect for work, over a dress, skirt or tailored pants.
The Sweater Blazer
The sweater blazer is exactly as it sounds, a blazer made in a knit (i.e. stretchy, warm and comfortable)! I don’t have one yet but I’m looking at J.Crew’s Sophie Open-Front Sweater Blazer and Ella Open-Front Long Sweater Blazer.
Banana Republic also has a sweater blazer in classic colors.
Do you have a favorite cardigan style? Leave me a comment and let me know how you style it!
You may also enjoy these posts:
Why You Need A Little Black Skirt (hint; it’s another closet staple!)
How To Wear Bootcut Jeans (my guest post at cupsofcoco.com)
I love cardigans! They are perfect for layering. Your choices are so cute!
Thanks so much, Cindy! xo Nipa
I love the striped cardigan! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
Hi Amanda, It really is! Our kitchen stays warm all morning while we cook, but at night, I love having an extra layer for snuggling up on the couch! xo Nipa
As someone who gets cold easily, I love wearing cardigans. They’re cute and functional. The Madewell Kent cardigan is such a favorite.
Hi Christa, Me too! My husband and kids tease me as I pile on the layers, and they run around in shorts! xo Nipa
Hi Rachel, Thanks for stopping by! xo Nipa
You can’t beat cardigans in this weather! I love the longer ones like the one you are wearing in the picture. I have a really thick one that I wear almost like a jacket when it’s a bit warmer. They’re just so versatile, you can’t beat them.
Cardigans are old school fashion and one much beloved by my mother’s generation and I am so happy to see it making a comeback. She and her sisters all had a selection of cardigans that they wore if the weather required an extra layer. Even my dad was a sucker for a cardigan and had his own collection 🙂 Your curated list is awesome and I already have a few I’d love including the duster cardigan and the blazer.
Hi Razena, I love that cardigans give us so many more styling options (than sweaters). So glad you found my list helpful. Thanks so much for leaving me such a thoughtful comment. xo Nipa
Absolutely love cardigans and love the one you’re wearing. That striped cardigan is so cute too, the colors are so perfect for Fall!
Kileen
cute & little
Hi Kileen, It’s super warm and cozy! Thanks so much for reading my post. xo Nipa
I LOVE cardigans! They are perfect for every weather and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Hi Courtney, Thanks for stopping by! xo Nipa
Yesssss I absolutely love cardigans! I think they are great all-weather items, actually.
Hi Melissa, So true! I even wear them in the summer as I’m always cold when the air conditioner is on! xo Nipa
Love cardigan sweaters – flattering to everyone and really never go out of style. I am trying to find some more interesting sweaters so might try one on those large color stripe sweaters. All my sweaters seem so plain and they look casual and fun. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hi Chris, Let me know what you find! I try to wear cardigans as my outer layer for as long as I can. Our winters are so cold, I feel like I live in my heavy coats from January until April! xo Nipa