How to Wear a Cardigan
Content editor
Sarah Lafarge
Cardigan outfit ideas
The humble cardigan is the often-overlooked wardrobe hero. Perfect to have in your armoury for those trans-seasonal moments when it feels like the weather is changing seasons daily, choose one wisely and it could be your new best friend.
A cardigan works for pretty much any scenario, from a valuable extra layer when the office aircon gets too chilly, to teaming with jeans for laidback weekend plans. Cardigans also play into this year's preppy trend, AKA American retro campus-style chic, which is very much having a moment.
It makes the perfect layering garment, but what should you wear underneath a cardigan? For cropped, snugger cardigans, a camisole or blouse is ideal, whereas looser, chunkier styles have enough room to layer knitwear underneath.
Or, try wearing your cardigan on its own. Treat it like a button-down shirt, and team with everything from a pencil skirt to your favourite jeans. We're loving this luxurious cashmere iteration worn with loose cargo-style trousers that's available is a palette of 12 colours from understated neutrals to pops of pastels and brights. It might feel a little decadent, but a cashmere cardigan is a long-lasting investment piece for your wardrobe that you'll reach for time and time again.
How many buttons you fasten is up to you, leave a few undone for a looser, subtly sensual look. Shoulder robe a longline coat over the top and you've got a luxe off-duty look that radiates effortless style.
Cardigan and jeans outfits
Wearing a cardigan with jeans is classic weekend wear whatever the season. It has the warmth of a sweater teamed with the versatility of a coat, so is perfect for those days when the barometer swings between warm and cool.
For those transitional days when late summer and early autumn merge, choose this lightweight pointelle cotton-rich cardigan in either ecru or white to add a relaxed boho feel to your favourite jeans. Fancy something a little more elevated? Try pairing with our wide-leg palazzo-style jeans, available in either a dark or light wash, plus ballet flats and a tonal slouchy bag.
If you're looking for a cardigan with a bit more coverage, a longline style could be perfect. Wear layered over tonal wide-leg trousers for a chic look that could be your new go-to both for office and off-duty days.
The best cardigans to wear with a dress
Styling a cardigan over a dress sounds straightforward, but often isn't. Get the proportions wrong and you either could be drowning in layers on teetering on the wrong side of frumpy. The golden rule is never to wear a cardigan that stops at the widest point of your hips – especially over a dress with a fuller skirt – as it can be deeply unflattering.
Our vote is to choose a shorter, more fitted style that fits snugly over a dress, without getting too involved in covering the bottom half. The result? A glamourous, vintage-inspired look perfect if you're heading off to an event, such as a wedding or party and it works just as well as a more structured jacket. Cropped cardigans also suit more voluminous styles such as a maxi dress as they won't interrupt the flow of the skirt.
If your dress is a leaner, more fitted shape, try a long or oversized cardigan layered over the top.
Published 8.26.2024