How to Style a Cardigan: Our Trendy Outfit Ideas!

You have a nice cardigan and are wondering what outfits to pair it with? Are you looking for inspiration and tips on how to wear your cardigan stylishly?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I love sharing my tips on how to style an outfit in a way that enhances your wardrobe, creating looks that flatter you and reflect your personal style.

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

Sometimes referred to as a vest, the cardigan is a women's garment that comes in a variety of styles. To wear it in a trendy way, choose a colour that matches the rest of your outfit, which can create a gradient or contrast. If you're pairing it with a dress, avoid selecting one that is the same length; a longer or even maxi cut (to the ankles) will give you a lot of flair, while a cardigan that falls at the waist will look classic, chic, and feminine. Cardigans pair particularly well with bohemian clothing (skirts, dresses) and more traditional pants like jeans.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover:

• What is the difference between a cardigan, a vest, and a sweater?
• Tips to enhance your silhouette with this type of clothing,
• How to wear it with a classic look or a bohemian vibe,
• And plenty of ideas for trendy outfits with a cardigan, no matter your style!

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

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

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

However, due to common usage, both terms are now used 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, and even other terms like sweater or light jacket!

Vest or Cardigan / Pullover Dress / Men's Vest

👉 The cardigan should not be confused with a sweater, which gets its name from the English phrase “to pull over,” meaning “to pull over your head,” referring to the way this garment is worn by slipping it over your shoulders. A sweater, by definition, does not have an opening at the front!

How to Wear a Cardigan Properly?

To start, I’d like to share a brief guide on the key tips for properly coordinating a cardigan and making it a true asset in your wardrobe. 😉

Mistakes to Avoid

When you throw on a sweater in the morning to head to work or go out, it often happens that you're in a rush and don't have time to check if your outfit is flattering. Here are a few small mistakes that can easily be made in those moments:

• Wear a solid top that isn't low-cut with a long cardigan,
• Choose colours that clash,
• Wear a t-shirt or blouse that is too long with an oversized or long cardigan,
• Layer fabrics of the same shade and material that make it hard to see how your outfit is structured at first glance,
• Wear flat shoes (like sneakers) with a basic long cardigan...

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

How to Wear a Cardigan and Look Stylish in Any Situation

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

What to Wear with a Cardigan?

🔸 When wearing a long cardigan, choose footwear that elongates your legs (like heels or boots) to avoid shortening your silhouette.

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

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

How to Tailor Your Clothing?

🔹 If you're wearing a blouse under an open cardigan, feel free to tuck it into your pants to add structure to your outfit,

🔹 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 is either longer or short enough to hit at the waist. It's essential to create a layering effect so that your outfit looks balanced.

How to Combine Colours and Patterns?

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

🔸 If the garment you’re wearing under your cardigan has a pattern, opt for a solid-coloured cardigan in a shade that appears in small amounts in the print or one that completely matches it.

How to Style a Cardigan?

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

A classic and polished look with a cardigan

Do you appreciate an outfit that is elegant yet simple? If so, I recommend pairing your cardigan with a short skirt and a classic, light-coloured top while coordinating your clothing. This type of look is suitable for all of life's everyday situations: work, school, outings with friends... and it has the added advantage of being both feminine and easy to wear.

It varies with the seasons:

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

With a Dark Dress for a Chic and Effortless Look

Are you looking for an outfit that flatters your figure and is sexy? You can definitely pair a cardigan with a little black dress or a darker dress without making your look feel outdated. To achieve this, just choose a lightweight cardigan, possibly with some cut-out details.

👢 Heeled boots or over-the-knee boots would be perfect to pair with this outfit!

Dare to embrace the boho chic look with a cardigan!

Comfort, the fluidity of clothing, and natural materials are the three key elements that define bohemian chic fashion. Most cardigans also embody these qualities, making them an excellent choice for embracing this style of dress:

• A very long or rather short cardigan pairs well with a jumpsuit,
• A lovely oversized vest perfectly complements a colourful bohemian dress,
• A wool jacket goes wonderfully with floral patterns.

Don't hesitate to combine your bohemian outfits with all types of jackets, including kimonos. Layering is an essential part of this trend, keeping you warm while also shaping your silhouette.

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

The Long Cardigan: Perfect for Adding Style to Your Outfit!

If you are tall or often wear heels or ankle boots (even if you're petite), a long cardigan will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can pair it with jeans or dress pants: no matter which style you choose, it will add a lot of flair to your outfit!

A cardigan in summer? It's possible with a short-sleeve style!

With a light dress or over a tank top, this type of vest helps keep you warm on breezy or cloudy days. It also creates a contrast and adds a splash of colour to your outfit when layered over a classic top. It suits most body types and brings a delicate and romantic touch to your style.

👉 I recommend wearing it buttoned up to define your silhouette and accentuate your waist. If you're concerned about looking too conservative, you can try pairing it with unique accessories (hat, bag, etc.).

Another Summer Cardigan: Try the Cropped Fit!

In recent years, crop tops have become everywhere! These light tops that reveal your midriff are both sexy and stylish. There are also knit cardigans designed in this style: the goal here isn't necessarily to stay warm, but rather to add some lightness to your outfit. Worn with a skirt or pants, the texture of the cardigan will create a material contrast and bring sophistication to your look!

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

I hope this article has provided you with plenty of ideas on how to pair your wardrobe with a cardigan and recognize this garment as a true way to elevate your style.

As I mentioned in this article, this type of vest pairs perfectly 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 take a look at our online store for your next shopping session! 😉

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