15 Ways to Style a Cardigan

When I asked you all what pieces from the Nordstrom Sale you wanted me to style multiple ways, the biggest request was for a camel coat so last week, I shared 12 ways to style a classic camel coat. The second most popular response was a cardigan! So, today I am sharing 15 ways to style a cardigan. I shared this yesterday on Instagram stories & saved it to a highlight, but know that it can be easier to reference all the styled images on the blog, so I wanted to put it in a post for you all here, too! Whether you snag a new cardigan from the Nordstrom Sale or you use this as a guide to repurpose one you already have, I hope this helps you all get better CPW (cost per wear) & use out of your cardigans.

15 Ways to Style a Cardigan

Below are my 15 ways to style a cardigan. Honestly, I could have shared 100, but hopefully this gives you all a good starting point! It’s so easy to take the different ways I shared & mix + match shoes, bottoms, & accessories to make the outfit feel different. I love these styling challenges for just that reason– it’s so fun to get creative with clothing!

I’m including sizing info on all other pieces below, but I am wearing this cardigan in all of the pictures in an XS. It has a relaxed fit, so you could size down in it! It also comes in white & is under $50. Such a steal! I also have on the same three layered necklace & pendant necklace in all of these outfit pics just for ease. They are both on sale, too! When I say ‘TTS’ below, that means ‘true to size’ just FYI!

Open + Off the Shoulder

The comfiest, most effortless way to style a cardigan is open & off the shoulder. Whether you are super casual in a crop & jeans with sneakers or you dress it up a bit more with a slip dress & booties– it just works. I find myself lounging around with my cardigans like this more often than not!

Crop Top (I’m in a S, but needed an XS, so fits TTS) // Jeans (TTS) // Sneakers (TTS) // Glasses

Dress (TTS) //Booties (TTS)

The Cold Shoulder

This can turn preppy quick, but I like the 90s edgy vibes it gives off when styled right. I think this would work even better with white cardigan & sneakers, but it’s fun either way. I put it over a jumpsuit, but this would work over any dress or top, too.

Jumpsuit (TTS) // Sneakers (TTS)

Buttoned + Off the Shoulder

This feels so effortless & I love it. Whether you are ultra casual as we transition into fall in shorts & sneakers, or go for a little bit more of a day time cute look with sneakers. You can wear it this way with really any bottoms & shoes!

Shorts (TTS) // Sneakers (TTS) // Midi Skirt (Size 2, 4 would’ve fit better) // Sneakers (TTS)

Tied Up & Tucked Under

This works best with a lighter weight cardigan, but consider tying your cardigan up & rolling the sides under for a cropped vibe. You can style it this way with any kind of skirt or pants! I love it with a high waisted midi skirt & heels for a cute night time outfit.

Midi Skirt (Size 2, 4 would’ve fit better) // Heels (TTS)

Open with a Top Underneath

This seems like the most obvious way to wear a cardigan, right?! I wanted to share a few different outfit ideas to show you just how versatile it can be though. Whether you’re casual with a graphic tee, in a casual work environment, or super comfy in joggers– an open cardigan works! It’s a perfect layer to add to your look.

T-shirt (TTS, I cut into a crop) // Denim Skirt // Booties (size up 1/2 size)

Cami (runs big, size down) // Mules (size up 1/2 size)

Bodysuit (US 2, a 4 would’ve fit better) // Joggers (XS, run big, could size down) // Mules (size up 1/2 size)

Buttoned Up + Belted Over a Dress

A buttoned up cardigan is a great option over a dress. I styled it over a midi slip dress below for a workwear look. I added a belt to accentuate my waist! This belt is actually reversible to gold, so it’d be so easy to style for a date night by switching it over.

Dress (TTS) // Belt (reversible) // Heels (TTS) // Glasses

As a Top Under a Jacket

Seems simple enough, but wearing your cardigan as a top is a great option. It will look so cute inside if you take your jacket off, but works with it on, too. You can go so many different ways with this, but below I’m showing you under my favorite moto (which is on sale, too) for an easy go-to option.

Jacket (TTS) // Jeans (TTS) // Booties (size up 1/2 size)

MisMatched Buttoned 

I absolutely love to mismatch the buttons on my cardigans & jackets or even sometimes dresses. It’s unexpected, but so chic! It really allows for you to do a more exaggerated off the shoulder moment, too! I love doing this & tucking it in or leaving it untucked so you can get the full effect of the mismatched buttons. Below there are both dressy & casual options with the buttons mistmatched. Just take the first button hole & put the second button in it & go from there to achieve this look.

Skirt (TTS) // OTK Boots (I sized up 1/2 size) // Jeans (TTS) // Heels (TTS)

Turned Around

Have you ever put something on backwards, but felt like it worked?! It totally can. Depending on what the ‘back’ of your cardigan looks like, you can twist it around & button it up the back so you have a fun detail back there. Wear it normal, off the shoulder, or off one shoulder! You can tuck it in or leave it untucked– it’s cute either way! You can also turn around dresses, tops, & so much more to get more use out of them.

Jeans (TTS) // Booties (TTS)

As a Top

This is such a simple way to style a cardigan, but I love it! Just buttoned it up & tuck in a side, both sides, or leave it untucked. You can wear it this way with just about any bottom. I liked it styled ultra casual with joggers & sneakers. This would make a great loungewear or travel look.

Joggers (TTS) // Sneakers (TTS)

I hope seeing my 15 ways to style a cardigan helps you all get inspired with a new piece you get from the NSale or one you already have in your closet! Sometimes it’s not about getting something new, but having a new perspective on how to make something we already have work. I feel like that same advice could be applied to a lot of different aspects of life. If you have other styling requests, please reach out! I’m having so much fun with these challenges. In the mean time, don’t forget to check out 12 ways to style a classic camel coat, my in-store NSale finds, my home picks, & beauty picks. XO