How to Wear a Cardigan: 5 Cardigan Styling Tips

A cardigan is a sweater that is open in the front, usually featuring buttons that can close the garment. Rather than pulling a cardigan over your head, you simply slip your arms into the sleeves. Cardigans are often made with very fine knit, giving them a thin, lightweight feel that makes them a great layering piece.

Knit from merino wool, cashmere, cotton, or synthetic fibers, cardigans come in several cuts and fits. Four common cardigan styles include:

1. 1. Cropped: Also known as a shrug, a cropped cardigan is a short cardigan style that falls around the mid-torso. Cropped cardigans are similar to a shawl, as you can wear them over a dress or tank top to keep the shoulder and arms warm.
2. 2. Hooded: A hooded cardigan has a hood attached to the back of the sweater to provide extra warmth. They are a great addition to fall outfits as a layer worn under jackets or blazers.
3. 3. Long: Falling anywhere from the mid-thigh to the ankle, long cardigans provide your legs with extra warmth. Different styles of long cardigans vary in length—dusters or longline cardigans fall below the knee, and maxi cardigans reach the ankles.
4. 4. V-neck: These cardigans have a distinct neckline that comes down, forming a V-shape. Compared to a rounded or crewneck collar, the V-neck creates a slimming effect that accentuates the body's natural shape. Most V-neck cardigans feature a button-down front so that you can wear the sweater open or closed.

Here are tips for how to style cardigans for a variety of occasions:

1. 1. Add to a business casual outfit. Cardigans are wardrobe essentials for smart casual or business casual looks. Layer a shawl-collar cardigan over a white button-down shirt, tucking the dress shirt into a pair of chinos. Complete the look with loafers.
2. 2. Choose a bold color. Make your cardigan a statement piece by choosing a bold color. Pair a bright, cozy cardigan with a pair of suede pants or slim-fitting black midi skirt and tights. You can also wear cardigans with intricate designs, such as embroidery or beading, to enhance and dress up an outfit.
3. 3. Pair with a crop top. During warm months, a thin, loose-knit cardigan sweater works as a lightweight outerwear layer. Style a cami or crop top with a short cardigan for a laid-back, casual outfit. You can wear this look with shorts or high-waist jeans.
4. 4. Throw a chunky-knit cardigan over casual outfits. Cable knit cardigans are warm and comfortable sweaters you can style with a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of slouchy joggers or wide-leg pants. You can also style an oversized cardigan with a pair of mom jeans or skinny jeans and ankle boots for a trendy daytime look.
5. 5. Try an over-the-shoulder look. For a casual summer outfit, tuck a T-shirt into a pair of pants or a mini skirt and drape a cotton cardigan over your shoulders. Complete the outfit with white sneakers.

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