Images: Imaxtree
Fashion sweatshirts? So 2016. Hoodies? Overplayed. Cardigans? Now we’re talking. Cardigans are becoming the topper of choice thanks to their versatility, cozy-chic silhouettes and the fact that they can be layered on top of almost any outfit.
Once deemed the stuff just of collegiate kids and grannies, cardigans made their way back into our wardrobes after the Fall 2017 runways reminded us just how fantastic they can be. The comfy knits have been a fixture on the runways since, but wearers may have temporarily forgotten about them during the sweaty months of summer. As the mercury takes its slow tumble to freezing, it’s time to bring out the cardigans and make use of their wear-almost-everywhere appeal.
Cardigans transcend style tribes as much as seasons and events. Preppy, timeless and vintage pinup may be the most obvious cardigan looks, but sticking with those would severely limit our options. A cardigan can be styled to project the mood of the wearer, whether they want to be punky, sporty or effortlessly elegant with a side of glamleisure.
Unlike hoodies and sweatshirts, the cardigan offers more versatility because of its button-up construction. It can be left open to reveal a good glimpse of a graphic T-shirt or sheer dress. Or it can be buttoned up and reveal just a teaser of the outfit — or even bra — beneath. Those who have difficulty committing to one look can try buttoning just a couple of buttons. And wearers can get creative with tucking, scrunching and accessorizing.
Click through the gallery above to see 20 inventive ways to style a cardigan — and there isn’t a single twinset in the bunch.
[ Next: 7 Surprising Tricks to Make Cardigans Cool Again ]
20 Fresh Ways to Wear a Cardigan in 2018
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Bright Side
Think a cardi can't make a statement? Hold that thought. Stop traffic with a bright yellow cardigan (preferably Gen Z yellow) paired with equally trendy kelly green pants. Complete the chic traffic light color scheme with red sunglasses and a mini bag. The combination is comfy, cute and full of personality. For a different shape, leave the last couple of buttons on a longline cardigan undone to show off more of the trousers.
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Shades of Fall
This has a distinct autumnal feeling without a pumpkin spice latte in sight. The easy layering pieces make it a brilliant option during the unpredictable weather. The rich mustard, beige and chocolate brown combination is timeless, but it's the injection of blue that makes it something special. Another key detail is the way the cardigan is tucked into the joggers. Choose lightweight fabrics to reduce bulk.
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Sweet and Sheer
Get more mileage out of a sheer lace dress by teaming it with a cardigan and fashion's favorite white boots. Keep with a pastel color scheme for a girly finish.
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Creative Combination
An argyle cardigan with colorful pants is one of the hallmark looks of preppy style. Reinvigorate the combination with a thigh-skimming cardigan and clashing pants. Finish with metallic shoes, statement sunglasses and bold drop earrings for a fresh approach.
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The Boot
Have no idea what to wear with the current forecast? Experiment with a longer cardigan and over-the-knee boots. It's comfy and sexy at the same time. Wear a pair of shorts or a mini dress that hits just above the hemline of the cardi to avoid showing too much if a button comes undone.
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Bright Idea
Here, the unexpected color combination of the pieces and the interesting drape of the cardigan make this look special.
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Come Together
Camo print and cardigans may be total opposites on the style spectrum, but they can come together to form a striking ensemble. Try camouflage track pants in an unconventional colorway topped with a black top and comfy long cardigan. Boots will play into the trousers' utilitarian feel, while shoulder-grazing hoops bring the glamour.
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Checks Appeal
Checks and plaids couldn't be hotter for Fall 2018. The design also lends itself well to cardigans. Go for a double dose of pattern with a check cardigan and skirt. Choose a skirt in a contrasting color so it doesn't end up looking like a suit. A graphic T-shirt, cool sunglasses and a ring handle bag make it a look that will go from work to off duty.
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Wear the Rainbow
A vivid rainbow-striped cardigan is the opposite of boring. Take a cue from this look and play off the bright shades with a matching bag and skirt, then ground the look with black.
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Granny Goes Glam
Give a grandma chic cardigan a fashion girl twist by ditching the prairie dresses and maxi skirts for fringed jeans. A mini bag, statement earrings and sunglasses add edge to an embroidered knit.
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Preppy 2.0
A polo plus a cardigan is about as preppy as they come. Both pieces also happen to be very popular in recent seasons. For a new take on the combo, try a printed polo dress paired with a coordinating longline cardigan. Experiment with your sweater and try buttoning the cardigan unevenly for added interest.
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Belt Up
Concerned a cardigan will look a bit too cozy rather than chic? Even a baggier silhouette can be polished when styled the right way. See this ribbed cardigan with maxi dress and tall boots. The waist-cinching belt is the perfect polished finishing touch. Remember this trick for all styles of cardigans.
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New Take
Preppy, off duty and classic are common cardigan aesthetics to play into. Remember the versatile topper can be used to bring out your individual style. A colorblock cardigan worn with cool denim and the chunkiest white sneakers in your closet ticks the retro, edgy and utilitarian style boxes.
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Day to Night
A shimmering cardigan can work for day with a T-shirt and jeans. Bring it into evening with a white tulle dress, metallic belt, statement necklace and equally shiny tights and boots. If you can't resist wearing the glamorous outfit in daytime, throw on some sunglasses.
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Red, White and Blue
This has a patriotic color scheme yet is miles from a Fourth of July outfit. Instead, it's a lesson in mixing patterns and fabrics. Keep warm with a blue plaid button-down under a red cardigan. Pop a bomber jacket on top. A white miniskirt with black ankle boots breaks up the covered top. If the temperatures are crisp, add tights or leggings in a coordinating color.
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Wrap Up
White can most definitely be worn after Labor Day. Keep things cool and casual with a graphic T-shirt, white acid wash jeans, sneakers and a fringed duster cardigan. The undone knit will have as much impact as any rhinestone-encrusted jacket. Finish with a baker boy hat and sunglasses. It's a casual ensemble you will keep coming back to.
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No-Fail Formula
A cardigan plus T-shirt and jeans is a tried-and-true combination. Keep things interesting with a cheeky tee, printed cardi, gold necklace and sneakers. And allow the cardigan to hang off one shoulder. It's a simple thing that adds an insouciant air to the ensemble.
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Complete Coordination
This outfit shows the chic potential of co-ords. The longer cardigan and pattern add some playfulness, making the look much more fun than a stuffy suit. Keep the rest of your clothes and accessories in the same color family for a harmonious finish.
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In the Details
Take this timeless ensemble from brunch to biking and beyond. Jeans, a white tank and printed cardigan are pieces almost all of us have in our wardrobes. What makes them special here are the unique details. See the mixed pattern on the cardigan, the cuffed jeans and the belted high waist.
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Off the Shoulder
It's not just about what's styled with a cardigan, it's also about how it's worn. Tuck the cardi into high-waisted trousers and adjust the neckline so it reveals one shoulder. Adhere to a strict neutral color palette to let the details shine.
