How to Style a Cardigan: Our Trendy Outfit Ideas!

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

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I love sharing my tips on how to incorporate a garment into your wardrobe stylishly, creating outfits that enhance your features and reflect your personality.

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

Sometimes also referred to as a sleeveless jacket, the cardigan is a women's garment that comes in most fashion styles. To wear it in a trendy manner, opt for a colour that complements the rest of your outfit, creating either a gradient or a contrast. If you're pairing it with a dress, avoid choosing one that is the same length: a long or even maxi cut (down to the 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 (such as skirts or dresses) as well as more classic trousers like jeans.

Would you like to know more? Continue reading to discover:

• What is the difference between a cardigan, a waistcoat, and a jumper?
• Tips to enhance your silhouette with this type of clothing,
• How to wear it with a classic look or even a bohemian style,
• Plus plenty of ideas for stylish outfits with a cardigan, no matter your style!

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

We have all heard the term “cardigan” at least once, yet it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly what it refers to. This term is often used interchangeably with the word “waistcoat”... but are they really the same thing?

In reality, the waistcoat was originally part of the male 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 does not necessarily have a defined length.

However, due to a misuse of terminology, both terms are currently used to describe a similar 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 such as sweater or light jacket!

Gilet or Cardigan / Jumper Dress / Men's Gilet

👉 The cardigan should not be confused with a jumper, which derives its name from the English phrase “to pull over,” meaning “to pull over the head,” and refers to how this garment is worn, being pulled over the shoulders. A jumper, by definition, does not have an opening at the front!

How to Wear a Cardigan Well?

To begin with, I’d like to offer you a brief guide on the key tips to know for properly coordinating a cardigan and making it a genuine asset in your wardrobe. 😉

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you put on a cardigan in the morning to go to work or for a day out, it often happens that you're in a rush and don't have time to check if your outfit is flattering. Here are some common mistakes that can easily be made in those moments:

• Wear a plain top without a low neckline paired with a long cardigan,
• Choose colours that clash with each other,
• Sport a t-shirt or blouse that is too long with an oversized or lengthy cardigan,
• Layer fabrics of the same shade and material that make it difficult to discern the structure of your outfit at first glance,
• Wear flat shoes (like trainers) with a basic long cardigan...

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

Wearing a Cardigan and Staying Stylish in Any Situation

To assist you, I’ve compiled a handy list of easy-to-remember tips for always choosing 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 (such as heels or boots) to avoid shortening your silhouette.

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

🔸 An oversized gilet pairs particularly well with a fitted garment, 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 trousers 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 the shape of your figure,

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

How to Pair Colours and Patterns?

🔸 When it comes to colours, feel free to wear matching and complementary shades: a jumper that contrasts with the colour of the shirt or blouse you're wearing underneath will be much more noticeable!

🔸 If the garment you're wearing under your cardigan is patterned, opt for a plain cardigan in a shade that is present in small amounts in the print, or one that is completely absent from it, but 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 fashion style that suits you.

A classic and smart-casual look with a cardigan

Do you love an outfit that is elegant yet simple? If so, I recommend pairing your cardigan with a short skirt and a classic, light-coloured top, coordinating your different pieces. This kind of look is suitable for all everyday situations: work, studying, 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 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 lookout for an outfit that flatters your figure while still being sexy? You can easily pair a cardigan with a black or dark dress without making your outfit look outdated. To achieve this, simply opt for a lightweight cardigan, preferably with lace detailing.

👢 Heeled boots or thigh-high boots would be perfect to complement this outfit!

Dare to embrace the boho chic look with a cardigan!

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

• A long cardigan or a shorter one pairs nicely with overalls,
• An attractive oversized cardigan will beautifully complement a colourful bohemian dress,
• A wool jacket will go perfectly with floral prints.

Don't hesitate 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 defining your silhouette.

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

The long cardigan, perfect for adding style to your outfit!

If you are tall or if you often wear heels or ankle boots (even if you are petite), a long cardigan will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can wear it with jeans or with 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!

With a lightweight dress or over a sleeveless top, this type of cardigan keeps you warm if there's a bit of wind or cloud cover. It also adds contrast and a splash of colour to your outfit when layered over a classic top. It suits most body shapes and brings a delicate and romantic touch to your style.

👉 I recommend wearing it buttoned up, as this will enhance your silhouette and define your waist. If you're concerned about looking too formal, you might want to try pairing it with unique accessories (hat, bag, etc.).

Another Summer Cardigan: Try the Cropped Fit!

In recent years, crop tops have become ubiquitous! These lightweight tops that reveal your midriff are both sexy and on-trend. There are also knitted cardigans designed in this style: the aim here is not necessarily to keep warm, but rather to add a sense of lightness to your outfit. Worn with a skirt or trousers, the knit of the cardigan will create a contrast in texture and bring sophistication to your look!

👉 Contrary to what one 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 that will enhance your lovely curves.

I hope this article has provided you with plenty of ideas on how to coordinate your wardrobe with a cardigan and view this garment as a genuine way to refine 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! 😉

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