Style - Apr 21, 2022

17 Best Outfit Ideas for Your Cardigan in 2022: How to Wear a Cardigan (& Where to Buy Your Next)

By gemma prior

Mother of Pearl Oversized Charlotte Cardigan - how to wear your cardigan
Image: Motherofpearl.co.uk


How we choose to wear a cardigan is probably the deciding factor when it comes to whether we see them as something outdated or as an essential piece in a capsule wardrobe and therefore want to own them, several of them.

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

But not any more!

Now, over the past few seasons with thanks to labels such as Gucci and Balenciaga, we’re being shown just how versatile these pieces are seeing them appear covered in a label’s logo, oversized pieces with pencil skirts, or slouchy versions layered over floaty dresses.

Meanwhile many influencers are also confirming the cardigan’s comeback offering endless ideas for how to use this piece away from the catwalks, in our everyday wardrobes.

And they’re particularly good for the in-between seasons - where we all find ourselves right now.

Whether it’s a casual outfit for autumn (fall) or spring, how we choose to style and wear a cardigan is the key to making this piece a wardrobe essential without an expiry date
.

And while timeless pieces will always remain strong, trendy new cardigan styles also continue to appear with each change of season, offering an endless bank of options and ideas.

Keep reading to find 17 great ideas for how to wear your cardigan, including a couple of wearable styles you might not have ever considered.

17 Great Ideas for How to Wear Your Cardigan


When the weather is too warm for your coat but too cool for strappy dresses on their own, your cardigan is perfect for creating outfits that will meet your needs.

There are endless styles for every occasion and outfit, whether you’re looking for something modern like a print cardigan or one of the slim fitting classics . 

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 elegance?

Great for pairing with dresses, be they slip or floaty, with pencil skirts or the pleated variety, with slouchy or slim fitted denim, with shorts or mini skirts, for wearing under blazers or trench coats, or even wearing on their own as a dress, the cardigan is one of the best pieces in any capsule wardrobe.

Of course if the weather is still quite cold, or these temperatures are revisited regardless of the season, then a chunky cardigan sweater or extra layers along with your cardigan are also great options.

So, if you’re looking for new ideas regarding what to wear with a cardigan and the outfits you can create, whether you need an outfit for work or a casual outfit for dates with friends, here are 17 great ideas for how to wear your cardigan.

Cardigan worn with straight leg jeans and heels - Hailey Bieber best jeans outfit

1.

As demonstrated here by Hailey Bieber, one of the best outfits to create is a simple one pairing your cardigan with jeans and some heeled sandals. A look that won't date.

Cardigan worn backwards

2.

Cardigan worn backwards. Not a look you see very often and therefore a great option when seeking unique ideas for how to wear your cardigans.

Layering under a cardigan

3.

As well as layering pieces over your cardigan, you can also try layering under to create outfits with your cardigan that are fit for colder weather.

Cardigan worn with loungewear

4.

For a truly relaxed look which could take you to the shops or a cafe with friends, try pairing a long cardigan over loungewear. 

Cardigan worn over crop top

5.

A touch of trendy and a hint of sexy, if you'd enjoy giving it a go try wearing your cardigan unbuttoned over a crop top. You could dress this up or down.

Classic cardigan style with jeans and flats

6.

The true classic of the cardigan world, this cropped and slim fitting style is a keeper. Try it with jeans like Alexa Chung, over a slip dress, with tailored pants or a skirt. And much more!

Oversized cardigan with Converse shoes

7.

Another casual and relaxed look in monotone colours paired with chilled Converse sneakers - very popular right now!


Cardigan worn off the shoulders

8.

There is a way to add a touch of sexy to your cardigan - try pulling yours down over your shoulders like fashion influencer Alexandra Lapp to reveal a little more skin.

Oversized knit with jeand

9.

For a casual and comfortable look try an oversized cardigan with some jeans and platform or flatform sandals.

Belted cardigan

10.

A simple but chic addition to any cardigan, try belting yours at your waist to add more shape and intrigue to your look.

Cardigan dress

11.

One of the trendy looks this season for a cardigan is when worn as a dress.  You can try this with either a long or shorter one depending on what you’re comfortable with and how cold your legs are!

Cardigan with a skirt and sneakers

12.

Whether you try this look with a long or short cardigan is up to you, both are great with skirts. And you could try any shoes - sneakers, boots, sandals, heels or flats.

Cardigan with tailored pants and sandals

13.

Try a matching set, pairing a slim-fitting cardigan (or oversized!) with a tailored pant of matching colour

Dress with  oversized cardigan

14.

For those colder days try an oversized chunky cardigan sweater belted over a dress and paired with boots.

Cardigan with slip dress

15.

Created with a slip dress this look is one that can take you beyond a casual do to something a little more glamorous. You could use either a long or short cardigan and then pick the shoes that fit the occasion.

Cardigan with fitted pants and heels

16.

This cardigan outfit could take you from the office to dinner and keeps the look tailored and streamline with a fitted pant and heels.

Androgynous style with a cardigan

17.

You may not think of androgynous style and cardigans in the same sentence, but it can be done!

Where to buy cardigans in 2022: Your Wardrobe Essentials

Now that you've hopefully found some new ideas for how to wear a cardigan for different occasions, I thought you might be on the lookout for some that would work well for you as capsule wardrobe essentials. 

H&M Long Tie Belt Cardigan in Grey
H&M long tie belt cardigan $69.99 AUD, FROM h&M
LOCATION: UK & Others
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Oak & Fort Oversized Cardigan in 100% Recycled Polyester
OAK & FORT oversized cardigan $132 AUD, FROM oak & fort
LOCATION: US
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Arket Slim Fit Ribbed Cardigan
arket slim fit ribbed cardigan $106 AUD, FROM arket
LOCATION: europe
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& Other Stories Boxy Asymmetric Cardigan
& other stories asymmetric cardigan $133 AUD, FROM & other stories
LOCATION: europe
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Staple Superior Brentwood Shawl Cardigan
staple superior shawl Cardigan $99.99 AUD, FROM the iconic
LOCATION: australia
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Oroton Long Sleeve Rib Cardigan
oroton long sleeve rib cardigan  $299 AUD, FROM oroton
LOCATION: australia
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Kowtow Unisex Raglan Cardigan in Marle
kowtow unisex raglan Cardigan $289 AUD, FROM kowtow
LOCATION: new zealand
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Everlane the Cropped Cashmere Cardigan
everlane cropped cashmere Cardigan $230 AUD, FROM everlane
LOCATION: us
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Country Road Ribbed Cardigan
country road ribbed Cardigan $159 AUD, FROM country road
LOCATION: australia
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Boden Cashmere Cardigan in Charcoal Melange
boden cashmere Cardigan $230 $184 AUD, FROM boden
LOCATION: uk
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Alohas Icon Cardigan in Nutmeg Brown
alohas knit Cardigan $209 AUD, FROM alohas
LOCATION: europe
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Alex Mill Nico Chunky Cardigan in Stripe
alex mill chunky Cardigan $182 AUD, FROM alex mill
LOCATION: us
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Acne Studios Face Knitted Cardigan
acne studios Face knitted Cardigan $460 AUD, FROM incu
LOCATION: Australia
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Anna Quan Clarisse Cardigan Dress in Silence
anna quan clarisse Cardigan dress $460 AUD, FROM anna quan
LOCATION: australia
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Extreme Cashmere
extreme cashmere big Cashmere Cardigan $690 AUD, FROM my chameleon
LOCATION: australia
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Ganni Cotton Robe Knit Cardigan
ganni cotton robe knit Cardigan $595 AUD, FROM ganni
LOCATION: Europe
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Isabel Marant Etoile Roswell Mohair Cardigan Coat
isabel marant ÉTOILE Roswell coat  $1215 AUD, FROM isabel marant
LOCATION: europe
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Weekend Max Mara Sacco Cardigan
weekend max mara sacco cardigan  $630 AUD, FROM matchesfashion
LOCATION: uk
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LAUREN MANOOGIAN Beige Long Shawl Cardigan
lauren manoogian cardigan  $975 AUD, FROM ssense
LOCATION: canada
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Recto Grey Wool Cardigan
recto grey wool cardigan  $505 AUD, FROM ssense
LOCATION: canada
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Toteme Belted Chasmere Cardigan
Totême belted casmere cardigan  $850 AUD, FROM Totême
LOCATION: europe
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