How to Style a Cardigan: 7 Easy Ways to Wear Your Favorite Sweater
Think cardigans are tricky to style? Girl, think again! 💕
One of the things we hear from customers at Ella Chic Boutique is, "I love cardigans, but I just don't know how to wear them!"
And we get it! Do you button them? Leave them open? What do you wear underneath? And how do you make a cardigan look cute without feeling like you're wearing the same outfit every single time?
Here's the good news: Cardigans are seriously one of the EASIEST and most versatile pieces you can have in your closet!
With just a few simple styling tricks, you can take one cardigan and create several completely different outfits. Whether you're running errands, heading to work, meeting your girlfriends for lunch, or just wanting to look cute while staying comfy, a cardigan can do it all.
Let's talk about seven easy ways to style a cardigan sweater that will have you reaching for yours again and again!
1. Keep It Simple: Layer Your Cardigan Over an Oh So Soft Tank
Let's start with our absolute favorite, no-fail combination!
A cute cardigan layered over an Oh So Soft Tank Top is about as effortless as it gets. Seriously, this is one of those outfits that looks put together without even trying.
And the best part? You can mix and match colors to create completely different looks!
Try a neutral tank under a colorful cardigan, match your tank to your cardigan for a coordinated look, or add a little contrast with a different color underneath.
How we'd style it:
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Your favorite button-front cardigan, worn open
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An Oh So Soft Tank in a coordinating or contrasting color
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A great pair of Judy Blue or Lovervet jeans
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Sneakers, ankle boots, or cute flats
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: A fitted tank is especially cute underneath a relaxed or chunky cardigan. It creates a flattering balance without adding extra bulk.
2. Button It All the Way Up (Yes, It's a Top!)
Here's something that surprises a lot of people: You don't actually have to wear anything visible underneath your cardigan!
A button-front cardigan can double as an adorable sweater top.
Simply button it all the way up, pair it with your favorite jeans, and you're ready to go!
This look is especially cute with cardigans that have pretty buttons, fun stripes, feminine details, or interesting textures.
How we'd style it:
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A button-front cardigan worn as a sweater top
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High-rise straight-leg or wide-leg jeans
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A simple necklace or statement earrings
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Ballet flats or ankle boots
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: Try a little front tuck if your cardigan is longer and lightweight enough. It helps define your waist and gives your outfit that effortless, styled look.
Just make sure the buttons lie comfortably without pulling or gaping. A thin tank underneath is always an option if you want a little more coverage.
3. Button Just the Top Button for a Fun, Relaxed Look
Okay, this one is SO cute, and it's probably one of the easiest cardigan styling tricks you'll ever try!
Instead of buttoning your entire cardigan, fasten just the top button and leave the rest open.
That's it!
This creates a relaxed, slightly playful look that shows off the tank or fitted top underneath.
It's especially adorable with a slightly cropped cardigan and high-rise denim.
How we'd style it:
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A cardigan with only the top button fastened
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A fitted tank underneath
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High-waisted jeans
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Your favorite everyday sneakers
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: This trick looks especially good when the cardigan and tank are similar colors. It creates a coordinated outfit without looking too matchy-matchy.
And remember, you can always button the top two buttons if that feels more comfortable!
4. Button the Bottom Half for a Totally Different Look
Now let's switch things up!
Instead of buttoning from the top, try buttoning just the bottom half of your cardigan and leaving the top open.
This creates a pretty V-shaped neckline and gives your cardigan a completely different silhouette.
We love this look because it adds a little personality while still feeling comfortable and easy to wear.
How we'd style it:
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A button-front cardigan with the lower buttons fastened
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An Oh So Soft Tank or simple fitted top underneath
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Straight-leg jeans or dress pants
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Dainty jewelry and cute flats
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: Experiment with how many buttons you fasten! Try the bottom two or three, then adjust until you find a shape you love. The secret is finding what works best with your cardigan's length and fit.
5. Layer Your Cardigan Over a Plaid Button-Down
Who says cardigans have to be worn over basic tanks?
If you love a cozy, classic fall outfit, try layering your cardigan over a plaid button-down shirt.
The combination of a cute cardigan and a plaid shirt adds texture, dimension, and just the right amount of pattern.
And don't be afraid to let the plaid peek out!
How we'd style it:
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A solid-colored cardigan
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A plaid button-down underneath
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Your favorite comfy jeans
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Ankle boots or loafers
Let the plaid collar show at the neckline, and try allowing the cuffs to peek out from your cardigan sleeves.
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: Start with a solid cardigan in a color that appears in your plaid shirt. It's an easy way to make the entire outfit look coordinated.
This is such a cute outfit for work, fall outings, or lunch with friends!
6. Add a Chambray Shirt for an Effortlessly Cute Outfit
If you've never tried layering a cardigan over a chambray shirt, you're missing out!
A chambray button-down is one of those classic wardrobe staples that pairs beautifully with so many different cardigan colors.
Think cream, chocolate brown, olive green, burgundy, or even a fun striped cardigan!
How we'd style it:
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A lightweight cardigan, worn open or partially buttoned
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A chambray button-down shirt underneath
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Black pants, white denim, or your favorite jeans
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Loafers, booties, or ballet flats
Let the chambray collar peek out for a polished layered look.
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: Pairing chambray with black pants or colored denim is an easy way to break up an all-denim outfit. And if you love denim on denim, that's cute too!
This look is perfect when you want something casual but just a little more dressed up.
7. Throw Your Cardigan Over a Dress
Here's one more cardigan trick we don't want you to forget!
Cardigans aren't just for jeans and pants. They're also an easy way to transition your favorite dresses into cooler weather.
Have a sleeveless dress you absolutely love? Add a cardigan!
Want a little extra coverage over your shoulders? Add a cardigan!
Need to dress down a slightly dressier outfit? You guessed it. Add a cardigan!
How we'd style it:
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A simple midi or knee-length dress
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A cropped or waist-length cardigan
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Ankle boots, flats, or sneakers
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A cute everyday handbag
✨ Ella Chic Styling Tip: A shorter cardigan often works beautifully over dresses because it helps maintain your shape without covering too much of the dress.
The Cardigan Styling Secret? There Are No Rules!
Here's what we really want you to remember: You don't have to style a cardigan just one way!
Wear it open. Button every button. Button just the top. Button just the bottom. Layer it over your favorite tank, plaid shirt, or chambray top.
Try something different!
The exact same cardigan can look completely different depending on what you pair it with and how you button it.
And that's why we LOVE them so much.
You don't need an entirely new wardrobe to create cute, comfortable outfits. Sometimes all it takes is one versatile piece and a little styling inspiration.
Ready to Find Your New Favorite Cardigan? 💕
At Ella Chic Boutique, we believe getting dressed should be FUN, not frustrating!
We love helping women find clothing that's comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear in real life. Whether you're searching for a cozy everyday cardigan, a cute layering tank, or your next favorite pair of jeans, we're here to help you put it all together.
Shop our cardigans, sweaters, and layering essentials online, or stop by our boutique in Roanoke, Indiana!
And now we want to know...
Are you a cardigan-open girl, an all-buttoned-up girl, or do you love playing around with the buttons? 💕
Tell us your favorite way to wear a cardigan!
Happy styling! 💕
Ella Chic Boutique