18 Cardigan Outfits to Try This Season
18 Creative Ways to Wear a Cardigan This Season

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Cardigans are a closet staple, but they also happen to be consistently trendy. What's the newest stylish take on cardigan outfits? Well, with an influx of '90s and early-aughts looks over the past several seasons, the current trend is all about wearing these cardigan sweaters as tops, whether it's thin and cropped like a baby tee or rendered in a classic silhouette in a bright color or logo pattern.
The cardigan styles out there truly run the gamut. You can layer a cropped cardigan over a dress, a short sleeve cardigan on top of a long-sleeve shirt, a long cardigan sweater over a skirt, or simply throw on a cardigan dress. There are also chunkier and lightweight cardigans out there that are great for styling as tops, too. If duster cardigan or long cardigan sweaters are more your speed, you can style them in the same manner as your favorite thin jacket.
The freshest way to wear your cardigan is with just a few buttons secured at the top and several left open for a chic reveal of skin — or as a mid-layer between a lightweight top and a jacket for transitional and cool weather. The best thing about cardigans? They're perfect for lounging around the house in, or for when you want an outfit that looks just-dressed enough but not overdone.
Now is a great time to reach for the cardigan you already have, or pick up a new design, and give cardigans a fresh spin via the creative and diverse outfit ideas ahead. If you're not already the proud owner of the timeless knit, we've rounded up the best of the season for you to shop — from super-affordable versions to designer styles.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
Cardigan Outfits: Cropped Cardigan
For a look that's a cross between '90s baby and Parisian chic, we love this cropped baby-tee cardigan paired with a thicker gray version and an A-line suede midi skirt. Platform heels and a basket bag are trendy extras to try as the finishing touch.
Cardigan Outfits: Short Sleeve Cardigan
Go preppy in this short-sleeved cardigan outfit including snake-print pants, a button-down shirt, and a trendy oversize bib collar. Here's reminding that you can always wear your short-sleeved design over a thin button-down for extra warmth.
Cardigan Outfits: Long Cardigan Sweater
Animal prints are far from dying down, in which case we're all for a long striped or spotted cardigan as a mid-layer between a shirt and jacket.
Cardigan Outfits: Summer Cardigan
Another cardigan-set look we love? Flowers or a playful, poppy print. To take this into cooler months, juxtapose the look with slick leather.
Cardigan Outfits: Duster Cardigan
Liven up an all-black outfit with a long, mixed-print or logo cardigan that really makes your look pop.
Cardigan Outfits: Lightweight Cardigan
For a playfully preppy vibe, we love the look of a lightweight sweater draped over your shoulders and just about anything on bottom: jeans, a skirt, a dress, or even sweats.
Cardigan Outfits: Bright Cable-Knit Cardigan
Go the vivid route with a bright, chunky cardigan half-buttoned over checked trousers. In cold weather, a colorful puffer coat is a perfect topper. When it's warm, simply shed the top layer.
Cardigan Outfits: Cardigan Set
Thanks to Katie Holmes's unintentional viral fashion moment in a Khaite sweater set, the co-ord trend is having a moment. Whether you opt for a similar bra-and-cardigan pairing or go the more modest route with a top-and-sweater set, it's a stylish look to try when you're lounging around the house or on the go.
Cardigan Outfits: Embellished Cardigan
An argyle cardigan is so classic. Add edge to yours by styling it with leather pants and cool sunglasses.
Cardigan Outfits: Cardigan as a Top
What's cozier than an all-knit outfit? We love this cropped cardigan completely buttoned up and styled as a top. Add a midi skirt, duster coat, and tights to complete the look.
Cardigan Outfits: Fuzzy Cropped Cardigan
Liven up a neutral outfit with a pastel cardigan. We love one with a fuzzy texture and cute, shapely buttons.
Cardigan Outfits: Striped or Colorblock Cardigan
For a quirky vibe, reach for a striped or colorblock cardigan and team it with colorful shorts, platform heels with socks, and a cool clutch.
Cardigan Outfits: Collegiate Cardigan
For a workwear take on the classic cardigan, try a striped style combined with a shorts suit and a white button-down shirt.
Cardigan Outfits: Off-the-Shoulder
Show a little shoulder and let your chunky cardigan haphazardly fall off one arm. In a tonal gray palette, this look reads super elevated.
Cardigan Outfits: Strong-Shoulder Cardigan
Pair a bright red cardigan pops with sleek leather pants and animal-print pumps. The touch of volume in the shoulders adds personality and structure.
Cardigan Outfits: Layered Up
Don't be afraid to layer cardigans. How cool does a printed cardigan look under an oversize and embellished version?
Cardigan Outfits: Mixed Prints
For added texture, a printed cardigan always looks cool when draped over a simple t-shirt. Find a pattern in a similar color tone that complements, rather than distracts from your shirt.
Cardigan Outfits: Going Out
For an after-hours take on the cardigan, try styling yours with a pair of leather shorts and heels. For even bolder styling, give socks and cork platforms a go.