How to wear a cardigan without looking frumpy: 9 cardigan outfits for you to try

The cardigan is often used as shorthand for looking frumpy. Sandy in Grease wore a cardigan before she changed into leather pants to win over Danny, while the twinset is used to show that Bree in Desperate Housewives is uptight. But cardigan outfits can actually be very on-trend.

The humble cardigan doesn’t have to be old-fashioned. It can also be one of the most stylish, hardworking items in your closet. Not only can it keep you cozy in cooler weather, but it can also make you look taller and slimmer and bring you bang up-to-date.

Below you will find how to wear a cardigan in 12 ways which are fabulous rather than frumpy.

Cardigans can definitely look incredible. Celebrities such as Amal Clooney and Anna Wintour look very chic when they wear them.

5 reasons to wear cardigan outfits

1. You can create long, flattering lines

If you want to hide a belly or look taller and slimmer, then a cardigan can give you the perfect way to achieve that. Choose a long cardigan and wear a column of color underneath.

2. You can wear for day or evening

Jona @the50plusgirl above wears an animal print cardigan that could be dressed up or down.

Get her look with this similar cardigan (other options here and here), pants, boots, handbag (another option here) and sunglasses.

You can wear your cardigan with your jeans, or as a cover-up for your evening dress.

3. You can extend your warm weather outfits

If you want to continue to wear your summer dresses, you can team them with a cardigan and booties to make sure you’re warm enough in the cooler months.

4. They’re cozy

Wearing a cardigan can be like giving yourself a hug on cool winter and fall days.

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) opes for a floral skirt that she could easily style for any season.

Check out her look with this similar sweater, cardigan, skirt, boots, handbag and earrings.

5. They’re on trend

As it happens, cardigans are very much on trend right now. Choose a shorter style with some texture to it to be up-to-the-moment.

How to wear a cardigan

The key is to get the balance right. While oversized cardigans are a key trend at the moment, opting for huge, slightly-rounded shapes can make you look larger than you are.

At the other end of the spectrum, form-fitting twinsets can look frumpy in certain outfits. However, this 1950s feel can also look stylish depending on the rest of your look.

cardigan outfits on the catwalks

Below, you can see how designers chose to style cardigans on the catwalks this season.

Chanel – Altuzarra – Molly Goddard

Best cardigans to choose for your cardigan outfits

Annette @annette.hoeldrich above (read her style interview here) chooses a black cardigan over her gold and black outfit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, cardigan, pants, loafers and necklace.

Now, let’s look at ome cardigans you could choose.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom’s everyday cardigan is perfect for wearing open over your outfits, and it comes in a good choice of colors.

Nordstrom Everyday Open Front Cardigan

Barefoot Dreams

Barefoot Dreams is the perfect go-to for cozy, winter and fall knitwear. Wear over your jeans for casual days, or to stay warm for days at home.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic^™ Chenille Circle Cardigan

Eileen Fisher

Choose luxurious materials for your cardigan like the mohair and wool blend from Eileen Fisher (below), which would look lovely worn over jeans or leggings and a t-shirt.

Eileen Fisher Mohair & Wool Blend V-Neck Cardigan

For a stylish plus size option from Eileen Fisher, you could try the cotton and silk cardigan (below).

Eileen Fisher Straight Long Organic Cotton & Silk Cardigan

UGG

Best known for winter boots, Ugg has been branching out into clothing recently. The draped style of the UGG cardigan (below) is a flattering choice for everyday.

UGG Phoebe Wrap Cardigan

FARM RIO

You could also choose a bright or printed cardigan to brighten up your cold weather outfits. The print cardigan below would be good worn with a simply outfit of jeans and a white shirt.

FARM RIO Julie Stripes Beaded Cardigan

Halogen

Now, onto an on-trend choice for you. The Halogen cardigan (below) features an on-trend color and texture.

Halogen Fuzzy Deep V-Neck Cardigan

Urban CoCo

If you don’t tend to consider Amazon when it comes to your fashion choices, the draped cardigan (below) may tempt you. It comes in a huge choice of colors, and has more than 28,000 largely positive reviews, from wearers who describe it as a great buy. One women said she had bought 11 of the same style in different colors.

Urban CoCo Drape Front Open Cardigan

Lock and Love

Another draped style is the Lock and Love cardigan (below). There are a big choice of shades so you should find your favorite. Reviewers say these cardigans are super comfortable, soft and breathable.

Lock and Love Draped Front Open Cardigan

JJ Perfection

For a long cardigan to create long, sleek lines, you could try the JJ Perfection cardigan (below). Reviewers say it falls beautifully, and the material is great quality.

JJ Perfection Open Front Long Cardigan

LALABEE

Another well-reviewed choice is the LALABEE cardigan (below), which wearers say always garners compliments when they wear it.

LALABEE Draped Open Front Cardigan

URRU

If you want the flattering layered look without adding too much warmth, you could try a sleeveless cardigan, like the open-front choice (below). Reviewers say it looks hip and sophisticated.

URRU Sleeveless Open Front Cardigan

Cardigan outfits to try

Below are 12 ways to wear a cardigan which will definitely make sure you look funky rather than frumpy.

1. Create long lines with your cardigan outfits

Depending on your body shape, you may well be able to get away with wearing any style of cardigan you want. But, if you are looking at how to wear a cardigan in ways to look taller, and slimmer, or to hide a belly, you will want to think about the shape of your cardigan.

Wide, oversized cardigans are very on-trend right now, but you could end up making yourself look bigger than you are, and drawing attention to your tummy.

Instead, you could think about making a cardigan work for you by wearing a longline knit. This gives an optical illusion of making you look slimmer, as you create a long column with the clothing you are wearing under the cardigan.

JJ Perfection Open Front Long Cardigan – ARGENT Silk Charmeuse Blouse – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Coated Bootcut Jeans – Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer – Kate Spade New York All Day Large Leather Tote – Dean Davidson Ipanema Drop Earrings

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above wears a long camel cardigan over her neutral outfit.

Steal her look with this similar top, cardigan, jeans, booties, handbag and earrings.

2. Draped to hide a belly

If you prefer to cover up a belly, then a draped cardigan is an ideal choice. The drapes will hide imperfections and give you a more streamlined look.

Urban CoCo Drape Front Open Cardigan – Karen Millen Abstract Print Woven Shell Top – MOTHER High Waist Rider Ankle Jeans – Jeffrey Campbell Geist Square Toe Boot – Kate Spade New York All Day Large Leather Tote – Dean Davidson Ipanema Drop Earrings

2. Wear a belt over your cardigan

If you’re worried about a cardigan looking shapeless, then adding a belt can be a stylish way to update your cardigan outfits. Plus, belts with everything were a key accessories trend for fall 2022.

Karen Millen Wool Blend Boucle Belted Sleeveless Coatigan – Halogen Ruched Long Sleeve T-Shirt – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Coated Bootcut Jeans – Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump – Charming Tailor Leopard Clutch – Dean Davidson Eterna Frontal Hoop Earrings

Nancy @nancysstyle above (read her style interview here) wears her belt over her long shirtdress and cardigan.

Check out this similar shirtdress, cardigan, jeans, belt, booties, sunglasses, earrings and necklace.

4. Opt for a wrap style

A wrap style is flattering for many types of figures. If you have an hourglass shape, a belt will draw attention to your waist, for example, while if are a rectangle, you can create the illusion of a waist with your belt.

rag & bone Andi Cap Sleeve Wrap Cardigan – Nordstrom Classic Poplin Shirt – Hudson Jeans Barbara High Waist Super Skinny Jeans – Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump – Charming Tailor Leopard Clutch – AllSaints Logo Puffy Hoop Earrings

5. With bootcut or flare jeans

A shorter cardigan looks great when worn with bootcuts, flares, or wider pants. Choose a high waisted style of bottoms to make your legs look longer.

Eleven Six Noa Alpaca Blend Cardigan – The Drop Natalie V-Neck Lace Trimmed Camisole Tank Top – PAIGE Laurel Canyon High Waist Flare Jeans – Jeffrey Campbell Geist Square Toe Boot – COACH Pillow Leather Crossbody Bag – Dean Davidson Ipanema Drop Earrings

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears her cardigan with a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit. She adds interest with her jewelry.

Get her look with this similar tee, cardigan, jeans, booties, tote, necklace and earrings.

6. Cardigan styles: Choose texture

For an on-trend look, choose a shorter cardigan with a fuzzy texture. You can dress it up, as shown below, or wear to liven up your jeans.

Halogen Fuzzy Deep V-Neck Cardigan – The Drop Natalie V-Neck Lace Trimmed Camisole Tank Top – Soowalaoo Leopard Midi Silk Skirt – Sam Edelman Leigh Knee High Boot – COACH Pillow Leather Crossbody Bag – Dean Davidson Eterna Frontal Hoop Earrings

7. Instead of a blazer for work

Cardigans often have casual connotations, but can also look very smart, depending on the style you choose, which means you can definitely wear a cardigan for work or smarter occasions.

Karen Millen Military Button and Pocket Cardigan – Eileen Fisher High Waist Wool Wide Leg Pants – Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer – Kate Spade New York All Day Large Leather Tote – Dean Davidson Eterna Frontal Hoop Earrings

8. Wear instead of your coat

A cardigan can be a softer, fresher way to add some outerwear without wearing a coat. Choose a thicker style to make sure you are warm enough.

Karen Millen Intarsia Wool Mix Boucle Shawl Neck Cardigan – Halogen Ruched Long Sleeve T-Shirt – PAIGE Laurel Canyon High Waist Flare Jeans – Jeffrey Campbell Geist Square Toe Boot – Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack – AllSaints Logo Puffy Hoop Earrings

Nora @jacketsociety above (read her style interview here) matches the shades in her scarf to her cardigan.

Check out this exact cardigan from Just Style LA (other options here and here), similar jeans, booties, handbag, scarf, earrings and sunglasses.

9. Wear As A Dress

If you love to wear dresses at other times of the year, you don’t have to stop wearing them just because the temperature dips. A cardigan dress could be the perfect answer.

You could wear yours buttoned as a dress or unbutton it and wear as a long outer layer.

Karen Millen Leather & Shearling Aviator Coat – Caslon Long Sleeve Button-Up Rib Sweater Dress – Sam Edelman Leigh Knee High Boot – Tory Burch Kira Pebbled Leather Wallet Crossbody Bag – Tapp Collections™ Premium Sheer Infinity Scarf – Dean Davidson Eterna Frontal Hoop Earrings

10. Wear with your evening dress

A cardigan makes the ideal cover-up for your evening dress, if you want to add warmth, and prefer to cover your arms.

Karen Millen Embellished Bandage Knit Crop Cardigan – Vince Satin Midi Slipdress – Jeffrey Campbell Caroline Pointed Toe Slingback Pump – Tory Burch Kira Pebbled Leather Wallet Crossbody Bag – Christina Greene Ginkgo Chandelier Drop Earrings

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above wears her gold cardigan with her black dress.

Steal her look with this similar cropped cardigan, dress, tights, booties, clutch, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.

11. cardigan outfits: Wear with your loungewear

Okay, I know this isn’t always one of the most stylish options. But, nothing beats the feeling on a cold evening of popping on some pajamas and a cozy cardigan, then sitting in front of the fire with a good book and a nice glass of wine.

UGG Phoebe Wrap Cardigan – On Active-T Breathe Split Back T-Shirt – UGG Terri Lounge Pants – UGG Genuine Shearling Slipper

For more inspiration, check out our list of best loungewear pieces in stores now.

How to style cardigans: Your cardigan outfits together in one capsule

You can see below just how versatile the humble cardigan can be. You could easily wear a different cardigan outfit every day during the winter season.

The outfits below can be switched around to create many different looks. You can wear any of the cardigans with any of the bottoms.

shop cardigan outfits here:

Accessories for your cardigan outfits:

Previous cardigan outfits inspiration

Below, you can see a previous cardigan capsule. While the items (below) are past season, they should still provide you with inspiration.

I hope this have given you some new ideas on how to wear a cardigan!

How do you wear your cardigan? I’d love to hear about your favorite cardigan outfits.

Continue reading:

1. 9 Totally Timeless Fall Outfits That Will Make You Glad Summer Is Over
2. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
3. How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer

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Feature image by Jona @the50plusgirl

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