trends - updated oct 31, 2023

How to Wear Your Cardigan Without Looking Dated: 28 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How to wear a cardigan is probably the deciding factor when it comes to whether we see them as something outdated or as an essential piece in a capsule wardrobe.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 Khaite, Burberry, and Gucci 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 28 contemporary ideas for how to wear your cardigan, including some styles you might never have considered.

28 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 28 ideas I've put together for how to style a cardigan.

Navygrey cardigan; Friends With Frank silk pants; Hereu bag; Toteme sandals.

Benetton cardigan; Toteme pants; Venroy singlet; Melie Bianco bag; Toteme sandals

Deiji Studios cardigan; Friends With Frank coat; Viktoria & Woods pant; DeMellier bag; Adidas sneakers

ACNE cardigan; Camilla & Marc pant; Toteme t-shirt; Melie Bianco bag; Adidas sneakers

Bassike cardigan; Camilla & Marc pant; Toteme t-shirt; Toteme bag; Aeyde flats

Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Bassike t-shirt; Viktoria & Woods pant; pre-loved Loewe bag; Toteme sandals

Khaite cardigan; Arket pant; Matteau singlet top; Toteme sandals; Melie Bianco bag

COS cardigan; Viktoria & Woods skirt; Toteme t-shirt; DeMellier bag; Aeyde flats

ACNE cardigan; Friends With Frank skirt; Toteme sandals; Nanushka bag

Arket cardigan; Agolde jeans; Melie Bianco bag; Aeyde flats

Pre-loved Massimo Dutti cardigan; Friends With Frank coat; Agolde jeans; DeMellier bag; Dear Frances flats

COS cardigan; SLVRLAKE jeans; Toteme t-shirt; Nanushka bag; Viktoria & Woods heelArket cardigan; Levi’s jeans; Toteme t-shirt; Rylan bag; Castaner espadrilles
Benetton cardigan; Agolde jeans; Melie Bianco bag; Aeyde heelsKhaite cardigan; Agolde jeans; Rylan bag; Alias Mae flats Khaite cardigan; Agolde jeans; Toteme t-shirt; DeMellier bag; Adidas sneakers Alex Mill cardigan; Agolde jeans; Oroton bag; Ballerette flatsDeiji Studios cardigan; SLVRLAKE jeans; Oroton bag; pre-loved Khaite heel. By Malene Birger cardigan; Bassike jean; Toteme t-shirt; Rylan bag; ATP heelViktoria & Woods cardigan; Agolde jeans; Nanushka bag; Toteme sandals Bassike cardigan; pre-loved Friends With Frank skirt; Nanushka bag; Toteme sandalViktoria & Woods cardigan; SIR shorts; DeMellier bag; Dear Frances flats Viktoria & Woods cardigan; 3x1 denim skrit; Nanushka bag; Adidas sneakers Viktoria & Woods cardigan; Nobody Denim skirt; Toteme trench; Nanushka bag; Toteme sandal By Malene Birger cardigan; Henne skirt; Melie Bianco bag; Toteme boots Camilla & Marc cardigan; Henne skirt; DeMellier bag; pre-loved By Far sandalBy Malene Birger cardigan; Raey denim shorts; Toteme t-shirt; Melie Bianco bag; pre-loved By Far sandal COS cardigan; Raey denim shorts; Toteme t-shirt; Nanushka bag; Aeyde heels