22 Cardigan Outfit Ideas to Try This Season

Cardigans are a wardrobe essential, 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 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-sleeved cardigan on top of a long-sleeved shirt, or 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. If duster cardigans 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 trusty coat for transitional and cool weather. The best thing about cardigans? They're perfect for lounging around the house or when you want an outfit that looks just dressed enough but not overdone.

Now is a great time to reach for the beloved knit you already have, or pick up a new cardigan, and give the design a fresh spin via the creative and diverse outfit ideas ahead.

Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak

Cardigan Outfits With a Varsity Jacket
Darrel Hunter

Cardigan Outfits With a Varsity Jacket

If you're wearing an oversize varsity jacket or bomber as your final layer, try undoing some of the buttons on your cardigan to reveal a sultry slip of skin or even the lace trim of a bralette at the neckline. Low-rise pants are another of-the-moment trend that will help you achieve the right Y2K vibe with this look.

Cardigan Outfits With Ballerina Flats
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Cardigan Outfits With Ballerina Flats

Revel in a '60s moment with a polished cardigan that has standout decals such as round buttons. Opt for a neutral, non-distracting pair of pants, and cater to the feminine vibes with simple ballet flats.

Cardigan Outfits With High-Waisted Trousers
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Cardigan Outfits With High-Waisted Trousers

If you want to draw focus to your wide-leg trousers, ensure that your cardigan is slightly fitted or shorter so the waistband is just visible and your silhouette is in focus. You can layer with neutral outerwear, such as a trench coat, sunglasses, and shearling-lined loafers.

Cardigan Outfits With a Sheer Skirt
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Cardigan Outfits With a Sheer Skirt

Hailing from the Miu Miu runway, this cardigan look involves layered knits up top with a sheer skirt, tights, and pumps down below. Toughen up the look with a utility jacket.

Cardigan Outfits With a Cropped Cardigan
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Cardigan Outfits With a 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 With a Bralette Set
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Cardigan Outfits With a Bralette 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 With Animal Print
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Cardigan Outfits With Animal Print

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 With a Fuzzy Cardigan
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Cardigan Outfits With a Fuzzy Cardigan

Liven up a neutral outfit with a pastel cardigan. We love one with a fuzzy texture and cute, shapely buttons.

Cardigan Outfits With Bright Colors
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With Bright Colors

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 With Embellishments
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With Embellishments

An argyle cardigan is so classic. Add edge to yours by styling it with leather pants and cool sunglasses.

Cardigan Outfits With Stripes
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Cardigan Outfits With Stripes

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 Draped Over the Shoulders
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Cardigan Outfits Draped Over the Shoulders

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 With Florals
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With Florals

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 With a Long Cardigan
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Cardigan Outfits With a Long Cardigan

Liven up an all-black outfit with a long mixed-print or logo cardigan that really makes your look pop.

Cardigan Outfits With a Button-Down
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With a Button-Down

Go preppy in this short-sleeved cardigan outfit including snake-print pants, a button-down shirt, and a trendy oversize bib collar. Here's a reminder that you can always wear your short-sleeved design over a thin button-down for extra warmth.

Cardigan Outfits With Extra Knits
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With Extra Knits

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, a duster coat, and tights to complete the look.

Cardigan Outfits With Academia Vibes
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Cardigan Outfits With Academia Vibes

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 With Leather Pants
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Cardigan Outfits With Leather Pants

Pair a bright red cardigan with sleek leather pants and animal-print pumps. The touch of volume in the shoulders adds personality and structure.

Cardigan Outfits Styled Off the Shoulder
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Cardigan Outfits Styled 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 With Layers
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Cardigan Outfits With Layers

Don't be afraid to layer cardigans. How cool does a printed cardigan look under an oversize and embellished version?

Cardigan Outfits With Mixed Prints
Style Du Monde

Cardigan Outfits With 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 With Leather Shorts
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Cardigan Outfits With Leather Shorts

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.