Cardigan Style Tips

"Stylish Ways to Wear Cardigan Sweaters"

Courtesy of Overstock

There are many ways to wear a cardigan - here I've included cardigan style tips that will hopefully inspire you to look at cardigans sweaters in a whole new light! So if you need a couple of outfit ideas and styling tricks then this page is for you :-)

Cardigans are more flexible than full sweaters which can give you plenty of outfit combinations. You can't be without them!

A cardigan can be used for:

Dressing down a pretty or bold outfit
Layering - creating an effortless, cool look
Frame and draw attention to a nice top or a statement necklace

Consider cardigans to be some of your most important wardrobe essentials that give a quick-fix to your outfit blues. You can never go wrong with stocking up on these versatile pieces!

Want to look for the latest cardigan styles and shop instead?

Now let's check out some chic ways to style your cardigans. We'll experiment with a very basic cardigan which you most likely already have in your closet (it's on the wardrobe essentials-list!). If not, then buy one - you'll need it!

Start with a Basic Cardigan

There are many ways to look cute in a cardigan. Let's take a plain black cardigan as an example. We'll also use a couple of other basics as examples - such as beige and white.

Here's an example from Gap:

Ok, it's not exactly the most exciting design and color, but it's super-versatile and can be worn with absolutely anything! It'll go great with all colors, color combinations and clothing styles - from the cool & funky to sweet & romantic gal.

Other basic styles include wrap cardigan (or open cardigan without a button-line) and simple cotton cardigans in neutrals such as beige, white, dark navy blue (for light and delicate complexions), brown and greys.

You'll find more tips on buying and wearing a cardigan here.

Or opt for some basic (but important) fashion advice and shopping tips on womens sweaters in general:

Shortcut banner to sweater and cardigan shopping and styling tips

Anyway, now let's look at these 5 ways to transform a plain and boooring cardigan into a chic look:

Create Different Outfits with a Cardigan

How to wear a cardigan, fashion outfit ideas on how to style your cardigan sweaters

1. Wrap a belt around your waist or hips: You can wear your sweater buttoned or unbuttoned (or simply wear an open cardigan) and throw on a belt around the middle (preferably around the thinnest part of your waist to accentuate or create a waist).

Unless your waist is long I'd choose a skinny over a wide belt to avoid shortening your waistline - and it looks more sleeker this way!

A skinny, two- or three layered or wide fashion belt will definitely add instant chicness. For a different twist, wrap a long scarf or sash around your waist.

2. Wear it unbuttoned, letting it flow from each side: Reveal your funky t-shirt, skin-fitted top or cute blouse. or about giving attention to your bold necklace?

3. Top it off with a brooch: It's perfect if you have a romantic-vintagey-girly style. You can place the brooch the classic way: on the right or left side of your chest. Or, if you're wearing a wrap cardigan that doesn't have any buttons you can use a brooch to "close" it.

4. With a Skirt: Create a chic and cute 50's outfit by wearing a classic hip-length or cropped cardigan as a top along with a skirt of your choice and the occasion. Examples of skirts are ruffled, tiered, sleek pencil, etc.

5. Layer It with a Turtleneck Sweater: Do it the bohemian way by wearing a plain cardigan with a colorful turtleneck sweater. And then top it off with a layered, chain or beaded necklace.

Make sure that one of the sweaters is thin and lightweight to avoid creating an overload of "fat" with knits. You can also wear a cardigan vest over the turtleneck sweater.

Note: You don't have to stick to plain cardigans. Depending on your taste and style you can also choose one that has details you love. Examples of embellishments are unique buttons or pockets on the sides for your keys. Just make sure that the rest of the outfit is simple.

Another cardigan style tip involves using your fingers...

If You're Crafty or Want to Be Crafty

You can personalize a cardigan to make it unique and more you. If you're not crafty, then you can easily change the button which requires learn some basic sewing skills.

Here are couple of cardigan altering ideas:

Be creative with a cardigan and sew on pearls and buttons!

You can swap out the plain black plastic buttons with interesting ones. Examples are pearls, bone, leather, stone or cord buttons
Or how about putting some edge with cool patches and studs? Or how about sewing on pearls?
You can also experiment with making sweater brooches with ruffles, lace and ribbons