2nd of June, 2022
You may currently own every jumper style possible – lounge fleece, hooded zip-up, roll neck, V-neck, lofty mohair, oversized, crew neck to fine gauge. But this season – turn to a cardigan for endless wear.
The cardigan has returned as a go-to among the street style set, so whether you follow trends or not, this piece deserves your full attention.
This everyday knit has become a must-have layer because of the endless iterations, designs, and plentiful ways to wear them.
Better than tell you, let us show you how to make the cardigan look stylish, sophisticated, or directional. Read on to learn how to wear the cardigan to work, for casual occasions, with jeans, as a top, in winter and more.
01. How to Wear a Cardigan For Work
You may not think wearing a cardigan into the office is the most obvious option in the wardrobe; however, it all comes down to the exact cardigan silhouette and style that you choose.
Similarly, to the trending ‘shacket’ – a hybrid of a jacket and a shirt, the ‘coatigan’ is a sophisticated blend of a coat and a cardigan. Without the heaviness of a coat, the coatigan is perfect for in between seasons; when it is not too hot, or not too cold. Take our funnel neck coatigan with a button-up front, wide sleeves and a mid-thigh length. The roomy fit means you can still wear your favourite work shirts or long sleeve turtle neck tops underneath. However, we think the relaxed, waterfall-front shape is best complemented with more form-fitting pieces underneath. For an extra sleek look, style with a completely black ensemble – skinny or straight leg denim jeans, ankle sock boots with a comfortable heel, and a fine gauge knit top that offers style with insulation. Don’t forget to carry an oversized work tote and sunglasses as the finishing touches.
02. How to Wear a Cardigan Casually
Let us take the cardigan back to its casual roots but make it smart-casual. The easiest way to look effortlessly relaxed, is with great quality wardrobe staples. These foundation pieces will be on high rotation, so it is wise to choose the items that are versatile in both cut and colour, as well as timelessly stylish. Preppy leather loafers are a classic shoe silhouette that look equally sophisticated in the office or on weekends, with a flowing dress or a pair of jeans. The knitted cardigan and the leather loafer are a match made in practical and polished style heaven; however, if you want to keep things modern, make sure you break up the look with simple yet stylish tops. Rib knit long sleeves, crew neck t-shirts to square neck tank tops will be your layering heroes. And finally, a smart-casual ensemble is rarely seen without denim. For a casual way to wear the cardigan, you can opt for almost any denim cut or wash and it will look stylish – flare, wide leg, skinny, stone wash, black, straight fit, ripped – you name it.
03. Wearing Cardigans with Jeans
How do you wear a cardigan and jeans but make it dressy? It is easier than you might think. Rather than opting for a fluffier, ‘chunky’ look cardigan, choose a long, fine knit waterfall-style – there is something effortlessly elegant the way it drapes on the body.
What lies beneath is equally important, here. There is nothing more simple and striking than a completely tonal look. Neutrals like camel, cream, white and grey create a symphony of hues that are easily matched back with the rest of your wardrobe. Make sure you finish the look as confidently as you started it – a heeled leather boot and fine jewellery will make sure things stay elevated and polished.
04. A Longline Cardigan Outfit
If you have your reservations around the ‘chunky’ knit look or the cropped, fine gauge style, we think you should opt for the lofty longline instead. For smart day wear ensembles, belt the longline style at the waist over jeans with brogues or loafers, or tailored pants with heeled boot. For a more relaxed take, leave it open over your finest fleece lounge pants and t-shirt for casual day dressing. If you want to wear it during the hours after dark, pull on your knee high leather heeled boots and a short plain mini skirt or dress, a leather belt at the waist and crystal-encrusted jewels will keep it elevated enough for night time.
05. Wearing a Cardigan as a Top
The best wardrobe investments are the ones that offer endless wearability. We know how to style a cardigan as outerwear, but what about on its own as a top? Feel like you’re ready to be a little more creative with the cardigan? It’s time to convert this cover up to a top – here are our tips for creating your cropped cardigan outfit.
First thing’s first, choose the right design to make it easy to mix, match and style.
We suggest a cropped, button-down piece with long sleeves – voluminous or slim, that is not too lofty, so it can easily tuck into high rise jeans, pants and skirts without adding extra bulk at the waist. Want to master the high-low look? Wear your cropped cardigan with smart, tailored wide leg trousers and strappy heels to balance out the relaxed and structured fit. For extra flair, we love the look of a cardigan half tucked into a tailored kick flare pant.
Want to wear the cardigan for after dark events? Scrunch up the sleeves, ensure all buttons are done at the front and pull down one sleeve to leave one shoulder bare. Tuck the cardigan into an A-line leather skirt, slip on some heels and style with a thick leather belt at the waist. A top handle handbag and pop of lipstick elevates it further.
06. How to Wear Cardigan in Winter
One of the best things to come out of winter fashion is the art of layering. As fashion lovers, we love the endless array of chic outfit options as the temperature drops. To make getting ready in the morning easier, a healthy selection of base layers like fine gauge roll neck or mock neck tops, lofty roomy knits, and ever-warming coats are an absolute must.
However, one of the most difficult things to tackle in getting dressed for cold temperatures, is when you are heading out and you know you will be moving between the crisp, outdoor temperatures to the toasty indoors. You will need to layer and de-layer with ease, so you can still show off your smart blouse or top worn beneath at the desk or dining table. If your coat simply doesn’t quite cut it when adding enough warmth, this is where the woollen cardigan is the perfect addition between the base and top layer. A longline-shaped lofty cardigan will sit snug under your long everyday coat, let it sit like a scarf over the lapels or tuck it underneath. A cropped, thinner cardigan style will be an extra layer of warmth under your leather or denim jacket.
Cropped, longline, lofty, waterfall to the coatigan, every cardigan silhouette and style offers multiple ways to style and wear with your current wardrobe, this season and beyond.