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 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 integrate a garment into your wardrobe, creating outfits that flatter you and reflect your personal style.

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

Sometimes referred to as a waistcoat, 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 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 longer or even maxi cut (down to the ankles) will give you a stylish look, 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 classic trousers like jeans.

Want to know more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What is the difference between a cardigan, a sleeveless sweater, and a jumper?
• Tips to enhance your silhouette 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 gilet or a jumper?

We have 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 “jacket” ... but are they really the same thing?

In reality, the waistcoat originally formed 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 usage, both terms are currently used to describe the same jacket, which fastens at the front and is worn by both women and men. In conclusion, you can use both terms, as well as other terms like sweater or light jacket!

Gilet or Cardigan / Pullover Dress / Men's Gilet

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

How to Wear a Cardigan Properly?

To get started, I've put together a brief guide on the key tips you should know to properly style a cardigan and make it a true asset in your wardrobe. 😉

Mistakes to Avoid

When putting on a jacket in the morning to head to work or go out, it often happens that we're in a rush and don’t have the time to check if our outfit flatters us. Here are a few small mistakes that are easy to make in those moments:

• Wear a plain top with a long cardigan,
• Choose colours that clash,
• Wear an overly long t-shirt or blouse with an oversized or long gilet,
• Layer fabrics in the same shade and material that make it hard to immediately understand the structure of your outfit,
• Wear low, flat shoes (like sneakers) with a basic long cardigan…

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

Wearing a cardigan and looking stylish in any situation

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

What to Pair with a Cardigan?

🔸 With a long cardigan, wear shoes that elongate your legs (heels, boots) to avoid shortening your silhouette.

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

🔸 An oversized gilet pairs particularly well with a fitted piece, 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 give your outfit some structure,

🔹 Similarly, if you're wearing a dress, you can cinch it in 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 one that stops at the waist. It’s important 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 jumper that contrasts with the colour of the blouse or shirt you’re wearing underneath will stand out much more!

🔸 If the top 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 is completely absent from it, but coordinates well.

How to Style a Cardigan?

Now that you’re familiar with 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 find the clothing style that resonates with you.

A classic and sophisticated look with a cardigan

Do you love an outfit that is stylish yet simple? If so, I recommend pairing your cardigan with a short skirt and a classic, light-coloured top, coordinating your different pieces. This type of look is suitable for all everyday situations: work, studies, 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 looking for an outfit that flatters your figure and looks sexy? You can definitely pair a cardigan with a black or dark dress without giving your outfit an outdated vibe. To achieve this, simply choose a lightweight cardigan, possibly with some cut-out detailing.

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

Dare to embrace the boho chic look with a cardigan!

Comfort, the flow of clothing, and natural fabrics are the three elements that define bohemian chic fashion. Most cardigans also embody these qualities, making them the perfect garments to try out this style of dress:

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

Feel free to pair your bohemian outfits with any type of jacket, or even kimonos. Layering is an essential part of this trend and will keep you warm while enhancing your silhouette.

👉 Looking for jackets and cardigans that match the bohemian style? Check out our collection in our online store, where you'll find many styles featured in the illustrations 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're shorter), a long cardigan will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can wear it with jeans or dress it up with smart trousers: 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-sleeved style!

Whether worn over a light dress or a tank top, this type of gilet keeps you warm when there’s a bit of wind or cloud cover. It also helps create 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 with the buttons done up to shape your silhouette and accentuate your waist. If you're worried about looking too formal, you can try pairing it with unique accessories (hat, bag…).

Another Summer Cardigan: Try the Cropped Fit!

In recent years, crop tops have become all the rage! These lightweight tops that show off your tummy are both stylish and trendy. There are even knitted cardigans designed in this style: the idea here isn’t necessarily to keep warm, but rather to add a touch of lightness to your outfit. Worn with a skirt or trousers, the knit of the cardigan will create a material contrast and add sophistication to your look!

👉 Contrary to what one might think, crop tops aren't just for tall, slim figures. Curvy women can also rock them, but if that's you, I recommend wearing one with high-waisted trousers or a skirt, which will beautifully highlight your lovely curves.

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas on how to pair your wardrobe with a cardigan and see this garment as a genuine 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 session! 😉

Tunic and Blouse