trends - updated 25 feb, 2025

How to Wear A Cardigan Without Looking Dated: 31 Best Outfit Ideas

By gemma prior

Image: Motherofpearl.co.uk

How to wear a cardigan is probably the deciding factor when it comes to whether we see them as something outdated or as an essential piece in a capsule wardrobe.

In the past they may have been categorised as fashion your grandma wore or perhaps sparked a memory of a disheveled grungy look from the 90s. 

But that's absolutely not the case!

In recent seasons with thanks to labels such as Viktoria & Woods, Axel Arigato, and Toteme we’re seeing cardigans take centre stage in the world of fashion.  

From chic minimalist pieces to bold prints and bright colours, women's cardigans are available in a style that will suit every fashionista.

And with the ideas ever arising through social media on how to wear a cardigan, the options are endless.

Relaxed styles worn with pencils skirts, slim styles with jeans and sneakers, light cardigans with denim skirts.  Even outfits with a cardigan worn backwards or off-the-shoulders!

Cardigans are also just as useful when creating a dressier look as they're fabulous with a heeled sandal, pump or a sleek boot.

Also, styling outfits with a cardigan is particularly helpful for the in-between seasons.

Or for adding layers to outfits styled for cold winter days. .

Keep scrolling to find 31 contemporary ideas for how to wear your cardigan, including some styles you might never have considered.

31 Ideas for How to Wear Your Cardigan

When the weather is too warm for a jacket but too cool for a t-shirt alone, outfits with a cardigan will rise to the occasion.

And when you’re looking for ideas for how to wear your cardigan, decisions obviously begin with what sort of occasion you’re dressing for.

Are you looking for something casual, an outfit for work, or a style with a little more formality?

Whatever you're looking for check out the 31 ideas I've put together for how to style a cardigan.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme jeans; Aeyde heels; Neous bag.

Toteme cardigan; Toteme t-shirt; Agolde jeans; A. Emery sandals; Toteme bag.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme jeans;  Aeyde heels; Toteme bag.

Toteme cardigan; & Other Stories; Toteme jeans; Aeyde heels; Arket bag.

Massimo Dutti trench (similar to one shown); Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Toteme bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme blazer; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Saint Laurent raffia bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme trench; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Slvrlake jeans; Saint Laurent raffia bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme cardigan; Toteme singlet; Agolde jeans; Toteme bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme trench; Helsa cardigan; Slvrlake jeans; Toteme bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme cardigan; Paroosh knit top; Agolde jeans; Saint Laurent bag; Toteme heels.

Toteme cardigan; Toteme jumper; Toteme jeans; Arket bag; Veja sneakers.


Toteme cardigan; Banded Together jumper; Toteme jeans; Oroton bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; DeMellier bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme cardigan; Viktoria & Woods pants; Toteme singlet; Toteme bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme cardigan; Banded Together jumper; Agolde jeans; DeMellier bag; Aeyde heels.

Friends With Frank coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme jeans; Saint Laurent bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Arket bag; Toteme boots.

Toteme trench; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Toteme bag; Toteme heels.

 Toteme cardigan; Banded Together jumper; Agolde jeans; Toteme bag; A. Emery sandals. 

Friends With Frank coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme jeans; Saint Laurent bag; ATP flats.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Saint Laurent bag; Aeyde heels.

Massimo Dutti trench (similar to one shown); Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Saint Laurent raffia bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme coat; Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Toteme bag; Arket flats.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Slvrlake jeans; Oroton bag; Aeyde sandals.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Viktoria & Woods silk skirt; Saint Laurent bag; Aeyde heels.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Venroy pants; Oroton bag; Aeyde sandals.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme singlet top; Slvrlake denim shorts; Saint Laurent raffia bag; Aeyde heels.

Toteme cardigan; Toteme singlet; Slvrlake denim shorts; Saint Laurent raffia bag; A. Emery sandals.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Toteme singlet top; Agolde denim shorts; Saint Laurent raffia bag; Toteme heels.

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde denim skirt (similar to one shown); Toteme bag; Toteme heels.

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WoollInEnmercantile Wool wrote:

12 Nov '24 10:57pm

Many inspiring outfits. I've always liked the combination of wool sweaters <br />
<a href="https://woollinenmercantile.com/">Products made of natural wool and cashmere</a> with a long beige coat. I have a feeling that this combination will never go out of fashion :)

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