pink cardigan sweater from lulus with white trim and jeans and chunky boots
Featured: Little Bit of Sweetener Pink and Cream Cropped Cardigan Sweater

Consider this our official cardigan appreciation post. Whether you’re dressing up a t-shirt or dressing down a sexy mini, cardigan sweaters are some of the most versatile pieces you can own. Far from being just a warming layer, the open-front sweater is a style staple that never lets us down–no matter the season. Need proof? Check out 16 chic ideas for how to wear a cardigan like an It-girl.

To Brighten Up Dark Neutrals

a woman wearing a cream cardigan over a black outfit with a wool wide brim hat
Image via @brandi_adair

Give an all-black outfit with brown extras a brightening boost in the form of a long creamy cardigan. Pro tip: A cozy, oversized silhouette works best over tailored pieces like skinny jeans and slim-fitting tops.

As a Statement-Jacket Alternative

a woman wearing a printed cardigan sweater with black pants and tall black boots sitting on a rock by a mountainside lake
Image via @santamonicachai

What’s better than one sweater? Two sweaters, of course. A printed jacket-inspired cardigan makes a great standout topper when an actual coat isn’t required.

To Add Color to Cool-Girl Staples

a woman holding a coffee outside a shop wearing distressed jeans with booties, a black tank, a wide brim hat, and a light blue cardigan sweater off one shoulder
Image via @theemilyedition

Wardrobe essentials like a tank bodysuit, distressed jeans, and ankle booties never go out of style. Give yours a cozy update with a pop-of-pastel knit!

With All-White Everything

a woman wearing an all-white outfit with a cream long cardigan sweater against neutral decor indoors
Image via @smileyrhylae

Another look that never goes out of style? Winter white outfits. Over a t-shirt and cropped white jeans, an ivory cardigan makes the perfect finishing touch.

Buttoned Once with Layered Necklaces

a woman wearing a pink cardigan buttoned once with layered necklaces and jeans
Image via @haleyngauthier

Can a cardigan be sexy? Yes, it sure can. Exhibit A: a ’90s-inspired ribbed cropped cardi buttoned just once with high-rise jeans, hoop earrings, and a layered necklace.

Over a Fancy Dress

a woman sitting in a chair by a window with a black high neck dress and a cream chunky cardigan sweater
Image via @natashatyagii

Flip the script on special occasion dressing. Instead of a fancy cape, shawl, or shrug, layer on a cozy textured cardigan for an effortlessly chic vibe.

Tucked Into Jeans

a woman wearing a green cardigan buttoned and tucked into jeans outside
Image via @katielynnestyle

Another ’90s-inspired outfit idea: Tuck your buttoned-up cropped cardigan into high-rise jeans. Bonus points if you add a layered choker necklace.

As a Cozy Boho Layer

a woman standing outside in the snow wearing a blue and black plaid shirtdress with black hat, belt, and otk boots with a cream cardigan over it
Image via @tiffaniwithaneye_

Warm up a sexy cold-weather look! A cozy hooded cardi softens the sharp colors of a plaid dress with a western belt, hat, and over-the-knee boots.

With Cutoffs and Sneakers

a woman wearing a cream cardigan closed with denim shorts and white sneakers
Image via @latelywithalexa

Swap out your t-shirt for a cropped cardigan sweater during those in-between seasons. Fully buttoned, it acts as a long sleeve top substitute to wear with cutoffs. Open over a tank or bodysuit, it offers an extra lightweight layer.

With a Graphic Tee and Jeans

how to wear a cardigan over a graphic tee with jeans
Image via @jacylenore

Meet your new go-to casual weekend outfit! Skip the jacket and wear a long-length cardigan over a graphic t-shirt with jeans and booties for a look that’s equal parts polished and laid-back.

Layered With Tonal Pieces

how to wear a cardigan: layered
Image via @simplygail
What goes best with cream, tan, and beige? More cream, tan, and beige, of course. Match your cardigan to the rest of your outfit (from head to toe) and watch your look get seriously elevated. Just peel off the outerwear layer as the weather warms up!

As a Pop of Print With Black and White

tiger stripe sweater with vegan leather leggings and boots
Image via @jennaboron

Animal print is forever our styling secret weapon. White tee, vegan leather leggings, and boots? Cute. With a tiger stripe cardi? Oh heck, yes.

With a Mini Skirt and Tall Boots

chunky cardigan with mini skirt and snake boots
Image via @jenis_jenistar
Cozy-cool, meet sexy-sleek. A chunky textured cardigan is a perfect way to balance out a vegan leather mini skirt and snake print boots.

On Its Own With Jeans

how to wear a cardigan: buttoned up tucked into jeans
Image via @julia.tric
No underpinning? No problem. A cardigan is a great layering piece but don’t limit your knit! Try buttoning yours all the way up and wearing it as a sweater all on its own for a sexy styling trick.

With a Denim Mini Skirt

pink and red cardigan with denim skirt
Image via @wanderabode

On days when temperatures are unpredictable, a statement cardigan (think fringe detail, bold colors, and patterns) can be your best friend. With another wardrobe MVP, the denim mini skirt, this layer can take a laid-back look to the next level.

As a (Faux Mini) Dress With Boots

light beige belted knit with high snake boots
Image via @vanemichellee

Ingenious idea for how to wear a cardigan in a longer length: Layer it over a dress, skirt, or even shorts that hit at nearly the same hemline for a mini dress effect! Add tall boots for an extra sexy effect.

We want to see how you wear this sweater staple! Show us your cardigan outfits on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus–and shop more cardigans below!
This post was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated with new content.