We’ve all heard of the term “sweater weather” and, as we slowly inch toward full-on sweater dressing, I’d like to take a moment and break it down to one particular type of sweater — the season-less staple of a cardigan. Cardigans are knitted garments, open-fronted with buttons, zippers, or snaps, and, of course, there are “loose” cardigans without closures. They can be worn in lieu of a jacket, as part of a mid-layer, as part of a matching set with a shell, or as a statement piece unto themselves. Cardigans can be worn year-round, but there’s something about autumn that feels like the best time for cardigans to shine.
Here’s a rundown of how to wear and make the most out of your cardigans this season.
First, consider how your cardigan fastens. Buttons, zippers, snaps, toggles? Or do you leave it open and loose? The easiest way to change or freshen up your cardigan style is by changing how you close it up. For buttoned cardis, consider only buttoning the top one or two buttons and letting the rest hang loose. I like this trick to add some polish over a basic tee, jeans, and sneakers look. Tuck in the t-shirt to keep this from appearing sloppy, and as the afternoon warms up, you can tie the cardigan around your waist for a more cinched fit.
On the other end, try only buttoning or zipping your cardigan halfway up when wearing collared or high-neckline shirts.
Play around with fully buttoning or zipping up your cardi, as well as buttoning or fastening just a few in the middle to open up your neckline and create a bit of flare, which looks great over a sheath dress.
For a fully button-up cardigan, consider wearing it like a shirt, even tuck it in. This styling trick is cardigan-type specific. You’ll need a more fitted and crewneck cardi to pull this off, like Gap Factory’s Fitted Cropped Collared Cardigan, which, as the name suggests, features a spread collar for a shirt-like feel. Or H&M’s Knit Cardigan can also work as shirt, especially when worn with a skirt and boots. In fact, skirts and sweaters go hand-in-hand for fall. Change things up by swapping your V-neck for a cardigan topper or throwing a cardigan over your shoulders to freshen up any skirted ensemble.
Speaking of throwing it over your shoulders, cardigans can also work as accessories. This is especially true on days when, as my editor of this very publication put it, “I feel like we are experiencing three seasons every day. Add that to my office regularly being 38 degrees, and I have no idea what to wear on a daily basis!” Having a cardigan handy helps alleviate the frustration of what to wear. Having it tied around your shoulders, around the waist, or worn as a scarf are more stylish options than throwing it in your bag to put on when you get to said 38-degree office. I also like tying it around like a cross-body bag, and, of course, draping it over the shoulders like a shawl is very chic. This approach to cardigans, again, is not meant for chunky or oversized knits. Look to cotton cardigans like Banana Republic Factory’s Forever V-Neck Cardigan Sweater, which, as of this writing, is currently on sale.
But what about those fuzzy chunky knits? On the flip side are statement cardigans that take center stage of a look, instead of being a thrown-on afterthought. Statement pieces can come in bright colors, unexpected patterns, or oversized silhouettes that take up space, like Kohls’ Farmers Market Sunset Stripe Cardigan Sweater. This open-front cardi features chevron-style stripes and dolman sleeves for a cozy, yet eye-catching look, especially when worn with a thermal shirt and corduroys.
However, not all statements need to be funky prints and chunky knits. A chic and subtle cardigan can also stand out. Zara’s Belted Cardigan fits that bill as an open cardigan with a V-neck, long sleeves, and adjustable tie belt. This cardi could be worn as a shirt with a camisole layered underneath over trousers and loafers. It can also work almost like a blazer with a T-shirt and off-white barrel jean here for autumn.
And speaking of barrel jeans, there’s the style trick of wearing a cropped cardigan with high-waisted wide-legged trousers. I know the idea of a cropped silhouette can be tricky for fear of mid-drift exposure, but for cardigans, that’s less of a concern, as they are meant to be worn over your outfit. So, take Nordstrom Rack’s Topshop Cable Crop Cardigan and pair it with a plain white tee tucked into a high-waist trouser and you’re all covered and styled cutely. Or take Altar’d State’s Ryan Embroidered Cardigan as a statement piece with its intricate floral embroidery and wear it over your little black dress for a cropped, yet chic look.
Lastly, look to cardigans to add some color to your outfits this fall. Again, with the shifts in weather throughout a day, you may be dressing with more function rather than fun in mind. A beautifully colored cardi, like Dillard’s Copper Key Classic Cardigan in royal blue, can inject a dull work-a-day look with some energy. Or look to Walmart’s Oplxuo V-Neck Long Sleeve Knitted Cardigan in red, yellow, or hot pink to liven up a tank top and jeans.
As the weather continues to fluctuate and eventually gets cooler, cardigans will be called upon more and more. Hopefully, some of these style suggestions will see you through this season of cardigan weather.
