What to wear with a cardigan: causal, formal and everyday looks.

How to style a cardigan: tips and ideas

Cardigans are true all-rounders and an absolute essential in every wardrobe. Whether cropped or long, chunky or lightweight, cardigans can be combined in a variety of ways and styled for different occasions. However, not all cardigans are the same: there are many types of cardigans to suit different body types, seasons and every dress code. We'll show you how to style a cardigan so that it complements your outfit perfectly and creates a balanced overall look.

Cardigan styles: a formal look and a casual style with a long cardigan.

How to wear a cardigan: outfit combinations with a long cardigan

Long cardigans are usually mid-thigh length. Maxi cardigans, on the other hand, are particularly long and generally fall below the knee.

Cardigan styles: which cardigan style is right for your body type?

Long cardigans are an especially flattering style. This is because they visually elongate your body and conceal your torso if you wear them open. They look particularly good on taller women as they show off their long legs. Shorter women should make sure that their maxi cardigan does not end too far below the knees, as this would make them look even shorter.

Cardigan outfits: how to style a long cardigan

Skinny jeans, slim-fit trousers or leggings are perfect for creating a stylish visual contrast to a casual maxi cardigan.
You can also combine skirts and dresses with long cardigans. However, you should make sure that the cardigan is the same length as the hem of the skirt.
Ankle boots or high heels enhance the elongating effect of a long cardigan.

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Can you wear a cardigan with a dress?

Cardigans are wonderful for layering over a dress. You can pair a cropped cardigan with short and knee-length dresses, while long cardigans go perfectly with maxi dresses. You can also wear cropped cardigans with long evening dresses if you would like to draw attention to your waist.

How to wear a cropped cardigan to suit almost every style.

How to wear a cardigan: outfit combinations with a cropped cardigan

Cropped cardigans that reach down to the hips are versatile fashion classics. They are not only suitable as a layering piece for an elegant outfit, but you can also wear them to round off a winter business outfit perfectly.

Cardigan styles: is a cropped cardigan the right style for your body type?

Cropped cardigans tend to draw attention to your upper body and highlight your waist. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for women with a smaller waist. A cropped cardigan will draw attention away from your thighs or buttocks and at the same time, emphasise your waist. To make your cardigan look particularly flattering, it shouldn’t end at the widest part of your body, but rather slightly above your hips.

Cardigan outfits: how to style a cropped cardigan

Plain tops or T-shirts are suitable for a casual look, while blouses or light, fine-knit jumpers can be paired elegantly with cropped cardigans.
As cropped cardigans tend to draw attention to your hips, you should counteract this effect with high-waist trousers or skirts with a high waistband. They will emphasise your waist and visually lengthen your legs.
You can also wear a cropped cardigan buttoned-up instead of a jumper. However, make sure that your cardigan is not knitted too loosely and that the button placket does not pull apart, to prevent any skin showing. Alternatively, you can wear a thin top under your cardigan.

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What are cropped cardigans?

Cropped cardigans are a modern, shorter version of a classic cardigan. They usually end at the waist or are even slightly shorter. This sometimes makes them resemble a knitted bolero jacket. To create a balanced figure, you can pair these super-short cardigans with high-waist trousers or skirts. Cropped cardigans are particularly suitable for shorter women, as they will visually lengthen your legs. They are also suitable for women with a straight body type, as they will emphasise and define your waist.

Cardigan styles: chunky and fine-knit cardigan outfits

While chunky-knit cardigans look particularly casual, fine-knit cardigans look effortlessly elegant. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when styling your cardigan to make it the highlight of your outfit:

Chunky-knit cardigans are cosy and perfect for casual styles. However, they are also very voluminous, which means they can quickly look bulky and tend to be the central focus of an outfit. To balance the volume of a chunky-knit cardigan, you can pair it with simple basics, figure-hugging cuts and flowing silhouettes. Good examples are skinny jeans for everyday wear, a pencil skirt for the office or a shift dress for a chic evening event.
Fine-knit cardigans are particularly versatile and can be worn with almost any outfit. They are also a reliable layering piece and a wardrobe must-have that can accompany you throughout the seasons. On summer evenings, you can wear a fine-knit cardigan instead of a light jacket and in winter you can wear it as an extra, warm layer under a coat.

How to wear a cardigan to the office, for special occasions and daily life

Cardigans can be styled to suit almost any occasion, whether in your free time, at the office or for a chic evening event. With the right fashion tips and tricks, you can style cardigans in a variety of ways:

Cardigan styles: a casual everyday look with a trendy cardigan.

How to style a cardigan for a casual everyday look

Chunky-knit cardigans or oversized styles look cosy and trendy too. Paired with jeans and trainers, they are perfect for modern, casual-sporty styles. If your style is a little more playful and feminine, pair a chunky-knit cardigan with a flowing dress or skirt. If you want to combine a summer dress with a cardigan, you should make sure that your cardigan is about the same length or longer than your dress. This will make your outfit look particularly casual.

A cardigan paired with a blouse for a chic office look.

How to style a cardigan for the office

A classic blouse worn under a fine-knit cardigan is a timeless look that is perfect for the office. To complete your business-casual look, combine it with a pair of smart trousers or a pencil skirt. A slim-fit cardigan, which you can wear open or buttoned up, always looks professional and smart. In addition, it is an absolute essential for any office wear wardrobe, especially in cool weather.

A cardigan outfit with a skirt for a smart occasion.

How to style a cardigan for a special occasion

Paired with a skirt or dress, a cardigan can also be a stylish addition to an outfit for a special occasion. Fine-knit cardigans made from delicate materials and high-quality details, such as cashmere with pearl buttons, look particularly chic. An elegant skirt or evening dress looks best paired with a cropped cardigan, as it will highlight your waist.

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Conclusion: cardigan styles for every occasion

Cardigans are not just cosy basics, but true all-round talents in the world of fashion. With the right style of cardigan, clever combinations and smart styling tricks, you can highlight your best assets and upgrade your outfits. In addition, you can wear cardigans all year round. Whether for a chic office outfit, casual everyday look or elegant event, there is a perfect cardigan style out there for every body type and occasion.