The 1 Easy Outfit Formula Every Fashion Girl Will Wear in 2018
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Nothing beats an easy outfit formula that appears achingly stylish. You know the type — an ensemble that requires minimal thinking but garners you a ton of compliments every time you wear it. Can't beat it!
Fashion girls have favored combinations down pat — a t-shirt and jeans topped with a blazer or a dress worn over jeans being top contenders at the moment — and for 2018, we've determined that an oversize cardigan worn with a dress will be the latest crowd-pleaser.
Cropping up in many Spring collections, the classic cardigan is back, but with nuance. We're talking oversize fits, extralong lengths, and with special details like bold buttons, puffed sleeves, and artful stitching. According to the street style set, the preferred way to wear your cardigan is with a ladylike dress, whether it's a boyfriend style half-buttoned atop a pleated frock, a below-the-knee length cinched over an LBD, or a graphic print haphazardly draped off one shoulder to reveal a lacy white number beneath it.
If you're one for stress-free dressing, check out our favorite cardigan and dress outfits ahead, inspired by six of our favorite street style looks. Be sure to shop our picks so you can re-create each outfit on your own and master the It-girl ensemble with ease.
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The Boyfriend Cardigan
A classic cardigan with a slightly oversize fit is flattering when buttoned halfway over a pleated dress with a lower neckline. Add a belt to draw your waist in even more.
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Banana Republic Machine Washable Merino Boyfriend Cardigan
This Banana Republic Machine Washable Merino Boyfriend Cardigan ($45, originally $78) is the perfect fit.
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Apiece Apart Daphne Striped Linen and Silk-Blend Dress
Lightweight for layering, this Apiece Apart Daphne Striped Linen and Silk-Blend Dress ($395) comes with drawstring ties at the waist for a figure-flattering fit.
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The Printed Cardigan
A comfy cardigan is bold when rendered in bright colors with a slouchy fit. Go for an unexpected contrast by wearing it over a feminine lace dress.
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Maje Long Multi-Colored Knit Cardigan
A loose-fitting kimono style like this Maje Long Multi-Colored Knit Cardigan ($447, originally $745) is too cool.
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Self-Portrait Raglan Detail Midi Dress
A modern lace dress like this Self-Portrait Raglan Detail Midi ($357, originally $510) provides a pretty contrast to a boldly printed cardigan.
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The Crafty Cardigan
A chunky cardigan knit in mixed shades is eye-catching. Go for a complementary hue underneath to ground the look.
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Rachel Comey Bask Cardigan
This Rachel Comey Bask Cardigan ($550) puts a festive spin on cozy knitwear.
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Vince Velvet Tank Dress
Try for texture in a midi length with this Vince Velvet Tank Dress ($395).
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The Extralong Cardigan
A lengthy cardigan puts a casual spin on a polished black dress. Create a figure-flattering effect by cinching both pieces in at the waist with a belt.
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Eleven Six Kayla Cardi Wrap
A wide-rib cardigan like this Eleven Six Kayla Cardi Wrap ($595) brings a bit of drama to any look.
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Stelen Nerona Dress
Every wardrobe can benefit from a contemporary LBD — the Stelen Nerona Dress ($78) is the perfect affordable version.
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The Voluminous Cardigan
Play with proportion by trying a cropped cardigan with voluminous sleeves atop a coordinated A-line frock.
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Sea Cropped Bell Sleeve Sweater
Embrace color and volume with Sea's Cropped Bell Sleeve Sweater ($325) in pine green.
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Mara Hoffman Ribbed Tie-Front Midi Dress
Mara Hoffman's Ribbed Tie-Front Midi Dress ($200, originally $325) feels extrafeminine with a tie-front detail.
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The Granny Cardigan
A granny-style cardigan is made modern with an irregular hem at play.
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Pixie Market Monrow Button Cardigan
Large buttons and exaggerated cuffs give this Pixie Market Monrow Button Cardigan ($78, originally $112) modern appeal.
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Elizabeth and James Fringed Draped Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress
Fringe detailing makes this Elizabeth and James Fringed Draped Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress ($495) a boldly sophisticated choice.
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