How to Wear a Cardigan: Our Trendy Outfit Ideas!

Do you have a lovely cardigan and you're wondering what to wear it with? Are you looking for inspiration and tips on how to style your cardigan in a trendy way?

You've come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I love sharing my tips on how to stylishly incorporate a piece of clothing into your wardrobe, creating outfits that enhance your figure and reflect your personal style.

Today, we're going to focus on the cardigan, which is, just like the little black dress or a pair of leather ankle boots, an essential piece in any wardrobe.

Also known as a jumper, the cardigan is a women's garment that comes in a variety of styles. To wear it in a trendy way, select a colour that complements the rest of your outfit, creating a gradient or a contrast. If you're pairing it with a dress, avoid choosing one that's the same length: a longer or even maxi style (down to your ankles) will give you a sophisticated look, while a cardigan that falls at the waist will be classic, chic, and feminine. The cardigan pairs particularly well with bohemian clothing (like skirts or dresses) as well as more classic trousers, such as jeans.

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What’s the difference between a cardigan, a vest, and a jumper?
• Tips for enhancing your silhouette with this type of clothing.
• How to wear it with a classic look or even a bohemian style.
• And plenty of ideas for trendy outfits featuring a cardigan, no matter your style!

What is a cardigan? How does it differ from a vest or a jumper?

We’ve all heard the term “cardigan” at least once: however, it can sometimes be tricky to determine what it actually means. This term is often used interchangeably with the word “vest”... but are they really the same thing?

In reality, the vest originally belonged to the men's wardrobe: it is a jacket that stops at the waist and opens at the front. The cardigan also buttons up or zips up at the front, but it doesn’t necessarily have a defined length.

However, due to a misuse of language, today we use both terms to describe the same jacket, which fastens at the front and is worn by both women and men. In conclusion, you can use either term, as well as other terms like sweater or light jacket!

Vest or Cardigan / Knitted Dress / Men's Vest

👉 The cardigan should not be confused with a pullover, which comes from the English phrase “to pull over”, meaning “to pull on over” and refers to how you put this garment on by pulling it over your shoulders. A pullover, by definition, does not have an opening at the front!

How to Properly Wear a Cardigan?

To get started, here’s a quick guide on the key tips you need to know to properly style a cardigan and turn it into a true asset in your wardrobe. 😉

Mistakes to Avoid

When we put on a cardigan in the morning to head to work or go out, it's often the case that we’re in a rush and don’t have time to check if our outfit flatters us. Here are a few common mistakes we can easily make in those moments:

• Wear a plain, non-low-cut top with a long cardigan,
• Choose colours that clash,
• Wear a t-shirt or blouse that is too long with an oversized or long vest,
• Layer fabrics of the same shade and material, making it difficult to tell at first glance how your outfit is structured,
• Wear flat shoes (like sneakers) with a basic long cardigan...

These habits aren't serious, of course, but there are some simple tips to really enhance your silhouette with a jacket!

Wearing a cardigan and staying stylish in every situation

To help you out, I've put together a handy list of easy-to-remember tips for always picking the right type of cardigan to match your outfit.

What to Wear with a Cardigan?

🔸 Pair a long cardigan with shoes that elongate your legs (heels, boots) to avoid making your silhouette appear shorter.

🔸 A V-neckline will enhance your bust when paired with a cardigan,

🔸 An oversized gilet pairs particularly well with fitted clothing, such as jeans or a dress with tights.

How to Adjust Your Clothing

🔹 If you're wearing a blouse under an open cardigan, don't hesitate to tuck it into your pants to give your outfit some structure,

🔹 Similarly, if you’re wearing a dress, you can cinch it at the waist with a belt to accentuate your silhouette,

🔹 If you're wearing a dress, opt for a cardigan that's either longer or cropped to the waist. It's essential to create a layered effect to ensure that your outfit is balanced.

How to Combine Colours and Patterns?

🔸 When it comes to colours, don't hesitate to wear matching and complementary shades: a jumper that contrasts with the colour of the shirt or blouse you’re wearing underneath will stand out much more!

🔸 If the top you're wearing under your cardigan is printed, opt for a plain cardigan in a shade that's present in small amounts in the pattern or completely absent from it, but still complementary.

How to Style a Cardigan?

Now that you know the key golden rules for wearing a cardigan, I’d like to offer you a small selection of outfits featuring this garment, so you can draw inspiration to discover the style that reflects you.

A Classic BCBG Look with a Cardigan

Do you love a look that’s stylish yet simple? If so, I recommend wearing your cardigan with a short skirt and a classic light-coloured top, coordinating your different pieces. This kind of outfit is suitable for all your daily situations: work, study, outings with friends... and it has the added benefit of being both feminine and easy to wear.

It varies with the seasons:

• with sandals and a light top in summer,
• with tights, a beret, and ankle boots in winter.

With a dark dress for a chic and easy-to-wear outfit

Are you on the hunt for an outfit that flatters your figure and has a sexy vibe? You’ll be pleased to know that you can absolutely pair a cardigan with a black or dark dress without making your look seem outdated. To achieve this, simply opt for a lightweight cardigan, possibly with some lace detailing.

👢 Heeled boots or thigh-highs will be perfect to match this outfit!

Dare to go for the boho chic look with a cardigan!

Comfort, the flow of the garments, and natural fabrics are the three key elements that define chic bohemian fashion. Most cardigans also embody these qualities, making them a great option for embracing this style of clothing:

• A very long or rather short cardigan pairs nicely with overalls,
• A lovely oversized vest will perfectly complement a colourful bohemian dress,
• A wool jacket will go perfectly with floral prints.

Feel free to pair your bohemian outfits with all types of jackets, including kimonos. Layering is an essential part of this trend and will keep you warm while flattering your figure.

👉 Looking for jackets and cardigans that match the bohemian style? Check out our collection in our online store, where you'll find many of the styles featured in the images of this article (and plenty more!). 😉

The Long Cardigan, Perfect for Elevating Your Outfit!

If you're tall or often wear heels or ankle boots (even if you're petite), a long cardigan is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can pair it with jeans or even smart trousers: whichever style you choose, it will add a touch of elegance to your outfit!

A cardigan in summer? It’s possible with a short-sleeved style!

Worn over a light dress or a tank top, this type of vest keeps you warm if the wind picks up or clouds roll in. It also helps create a contrast and adds a pop of colour to your outfit when layered over a classic top. It suits most body shapes and adds a delicate and romantic touch to your style.

👉 I recommend wearing it buttoned up, as it will enhance your silhouette and define your waist. If you're worried about looking too conservative, try pairing it with unique accessories (hat, bag...).

Another Summer Cardigan: Give the Crop Top Style a Go!

In recent years, crop tops have become all the rage! These lightweight tops, which reveal your midriff, are both stylish and trendy. There are even knitted cardigans designed in this way: the aim here isn't necessarily to keep warm but rather to add a bit of lightness to your outfit. Worn with a skirt or trousers, the knit of the cardigan will create a contrast of textures and add sophistication to your look!

👉 Contrary to what you might think, crop tops aren't just for slender figures. Curvy women can wear them too, but if that's you, I recommend pairing it with high-waisted trousers or a skirt to enhance your beautiful curves.

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas for pairing your wardrobe with a cardigan and viewing this garment as a genuine way to elevate your style.

As I've mentioned in this article, this type of vest pairs beautifully with the bohemian style. To learn more, I invite you to check out our article titled: “How to Wear a Bohemian Dress in Winter?” and have a look at our online store for your next shopping spree! 😉

Top and blouse