Comment porter un cardigan ? Nos conseils pour des tenues tendance !

You have a nice cardigan and you’re wondering what outfits to pair it with? Are you looking for inspiration and tips on how to wear your cardigan in a stylish 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 by creating outfits that highlight your best features and reflect your personal style.

Today, we are going to talk about the cardigan, which is, much like the little black dress or a pair of leather ankle boots, an essential piece in any wardrobe.

Often referred to as a vest, the cardigan is a women’s garment available in a wide range of styles. To wear it in a trendy way, choose a color that complements the rest of your outfit, creating either a gradient or a contrast. If you’re pairing it with a dress, avoid selecting one that is the same length: a long or even maxi cut (reaching your ankles) will add a touch of elegance, while a cardigan that falls at the waist will be classic, chic, and feminine. Cardigans pair particularly well with bohemian clothing (skirts, dresses) and more traditional pants, such as jeans.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• What is the difference between a cardigan, a vest, and a sweater?
• Tips for enhancing your figure with this type of clothing,
• How to wear it with a classic look or a bohemian style,
• 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 tricky to figure out exactly what it means. This term is often used interchangeably with the word “sweater vest“… but are they really the same thing?

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

However, due to common misuse of language, both terms are now used to describe the same jacket, which fastens in 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 / Sweater Dress / Men’s Vest

👉 The cardigan should not be confused with a sweater, a term that comes from English “to pull over,” meaning “to pull on over” and refers to how this garment is worn, by pulling it over the shoulders. By definition, a sweater does not have an opening in the front!

How to Properly Wear a Cardigan?

To get started, I’d like to share a helpful guide on the key tips you need to know for properly matching a cardigan and making it a true asset in your wardrobe. 😉

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you slip on a sweater in the morning to head to work or go out, it’s common to be in a rush and not have time to check if your outfit looks good on you. Here are a few small mistakes that can easily happen in those moments:

• Wear a solid top that isn’t low-cut with a long cardigan,
• Choose colors 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, making it hard to quickly understand the structure of your outfit,
• Pair basic low and flat shoes (like sneakers) with a long cardigan…

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

How to Wear a Cardigan and Stay Stylish in Any Situation

To assist you, I’ve put together a simple list of easy-to-remember tips for always choosing the right type of cardigan for your outfit.

What to Wear with a Cardigan?

🔸 Pair a long cardigan with shoes that elongate 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 vest pairs particularly well with fitted clothing, like jeans or a dress with tights.

How to Adjust Your Clothing?

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

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

🔹 If you’re wearing a dress, opt for a cardigan that is either long or cropped at the waist. This will help create a layered look to ensure that your outfit is well-balanced.

How to Combine Colors and Patterns?

🔸 When it comes to colors, feel free to wear coordinated and complementary shades: a sweater that contrasts with the color of the shirt or blouse you’re wearing underneath will stand out much better!

🔸 If the top you’re wearing under your cardigan has a pattern, opt for a solid cardigan in a color that appears in small amounts in the design or is completely absent, but still matches well.

How to Style a Cardigan?

Now that you know the essential 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 find a style that reflects you.

A Classic and Chic Look with a Cardigan

Do you like outfits that are elegant yet simple? If so, I recommend pairing your cardigan with a short skirt and a classic light-colored top, coordinating your various pieces. This type of look is suitable for all daily situations: work, school, outings with friends… and it has the advantage of being both feminine and easy to wear.

It changes 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 Easy-to-Wear Outfit

Are you looking for an outfit that flatters your figure and is sexy? You can definitely pair a cardigan with a black or dark dress without making your outfit look outdated. To achieve this, simply choose a lightweight cardigan, possibly with some lace details.

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

Embrace the Boho Chic Look with a Cardigan!

Comfort, the ease of wearing clothes, and natural materials are the three elements that define boho-chic fashion. Most cardigans also share these qualities, making them an ideal choice for embracing this style:

• A very long or rather short cardigan pairs well with overalls,
• A nice oversized vest perfectly complements a colorful bohemian dress,
• A wool jacket will go beautifully with floral prints.

Feel free to mix your bohemian outfits with all kinds of jackets, including kimonos. Layering is an essential part of this trend and will keep you warm while defining your silhouette.

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

The Long Cardigan: Perfect for Elevating Your Style!

If you are tall or if you often wear heels or ankle boots (even if you are short), a long cardigan will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can wear it with jeans or dress pants: no matter the style you choose, it will elevate your outfit!

A cardigan in summer? It’s possible with a short-sleeve design!

Whether paired with a light dress or worn over a tank top, this type of cardigan helps keep you warm when there’s a bit of wind or clouds. It also adds contrast and a pop of color to your outfit by layering it over a classic top. It flatters most body types and brings a delicate and romantic touch to your style.

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

Another Summer Cardigan: Try the Crop Top Style!

In recent years, crop tops have become all the rage! These light tops that reveal your midriff are both sexy and stylish. There are also knit cardigans designed in this way: the idea here isn’t necessarily to keep warm, but to add a touch of lightness to your outfit. Worn with a skirt or pants, the knit of the cardigan creates a nice contrast and brings sophistication to your look!

👉 Contrary to what one might think, crop tops aren’t just for slim figures. Curvy women can wear them too! If that describes you, I recommend pairing it with high-waisted pants or a skirt, which will beautifully highlight your generous curves.

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

As I mentioned in this article, this type of vest pairs particularly well 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 spree! 😉

Tunics and Blouses