3 min read’Tis the season for cozy knitwear! As the temperatures drop and flurries sprinkle the sidewalks, consider the cardigan your new hero piece. With roots in ’80s academia and 2000s prep, the knitwear style clearly has staying power—and its layering potential is just as vast.
The open-front piece’s ability to be dressed up or down has made it a must-have for the office, errands, and any holiday party or cocktail outing. But with all of this variety, the question arises: How do you style a cardigan today? And how do you find the best one that’s a fit for your closet?
Luckily for our ELLE readers, I’m breaking it all down. Whether button-up, low-cut, longline, or cropped, there’s an entire spectrum of cardigan outfit ideas. Paired with casual denim, on-trend fringe, vintage-inspired slips, or any iteration of the 2020s favorite shoe—ballet flats—there’s truly no limit to where a cardigan can take you this winter. Below, check out the styling tricks and methods we fashion editors will be replicating all season long. Stay warm out there!
Tonal Neutrals
An easy way to dip your toe into the world of cardigans is to frame the style with two complementary shades. Minimalist colors like beige can stand out when layered with cream and white tones, for example, which are also ideal for the frosty season ahead. If you opt for a miniskirt, play with oversized or longline cardigans to modernize the style. When mixing neutrals, a jewel-toned bag will always add an elegant final touch without taking away from your knit’s central focus.
Mango Tie Front Longline Cardigan
& Other Stories Satin Mini Skirt
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Stuart Weitzman Power 75 Slingback
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Poelle Atelier Bell Mini
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Contrasting Colors
Any cardigan can be spiced up with a bit of eclectic drama. One of the easiest ways to make yours stand out is to contrast its color and shade with a coat, blouse, or layer on the opposite end of the color spectrum. A frosty light blue, for example, makes a perfect base for a bright poppy red or deep maroon. Embrace this free-spiritedness with rebellious touches like studs, leopard prints, or art teacher-worthy clogs.
Mackage Long Wool Coat
Chloé Jeannette Clogs
Guest In Residence Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater
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Aritzia Bare Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Playful Stripes
Stripes bring a preppy spin to any outfit—and the bolder the colors, the greater the statement. Pairing a multicolored cardi with blue jeans adds a dash of casual ease. For a trendy touch, complete your look with ballet flats and rectangular sunglasses.
Aritzia Bare Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Gucci Rectangular Frame Sunglasses
Mother The Kick It High-Rise Flared Jeans
Mansur Gavriel Dance Ballerina Flats
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Belted Layering
You read that right—belts can even be worn on top of cardigans now. Especially when wearing a slightly longer style, simply buckle a belt atop it to create a cinched silhouette, which is best paired with voluminous bottoms like midi skirts. A shoulder bag, sunnies, and boots in complementary neutral shades like black or brown will instantly pull the set together with ease.
Land’s End Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
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Longchamp Le Roseau M Hobo Bag
Max Mara Taffeta Skirt
Cole Haan Hinged Buckle Leather Belt
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Business-Ready Blazers
Whether you’re boardroom-bound or not, treat your cardigan like a blouse and pair it with a blazer. The office-worthy piece will instantly sharpen the knit and create an unexpected pairing. Bring the ensemble a romantic touch with seasonal details like leather or dark floral prints.
Ronny Kobo 1988 Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Blazer
Alex Mill Lucie Cardigan
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Coach Houston Ballet Flats
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Alice + Olivia Maeve Slip Skirt
Monochrome Tones
Matching colors work for any outfit formula, and cardigans are no exception. Pairing one with a skirt, pants, or jeans in the same color is quick, easy, and looks instantly put-together. The monochrome base is also perfect for mixing accessories, from east-west shoulder bags to sweet satin flats.
Theory Cashmere Cardigan
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Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats
L’Agence Quincy High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Kate Spade Nouveau Shoulder Bag
Now 30% Off
Dramatic Bottoms
Even the most minimal cardigans can be transformed with texture play. A single-toned neutral version becomes instantly edgy when paired with a thin choker and dramatic fringed skirt. Bottoms with lightweight details or shorter lengths can always be practically worn with tall boots for extra leg coverage—and a height-boosting effect—if they’re in a matching color or finish.
Mango V-Neck Wool-Blend Cardigan
The Garment Brooklyn Fringe Skirt
Staud Sebastian Leather High Heel Boots
Roxanne Assoulin Heart and Soul Ribbon Pendant Necklace
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