Cardigans are the ultimate layering piece—they’re timeless, and available in every length, fabric, and color you could imagine. They keep you cozy in the cold months, and keep you covered on warm but breezy days in spring and summer. Whether worn over a dress, or thrown on to add more texture to a leggings outfit, a good cardigan always works with you, not against you. I’ll show you the best pieces to wear with a cardigan, and give you 14 cozy and chic cardigan outfit ideas you’ll want to wear all year.
What to Wear with a Cardigan
- Cropped Tanks and Camis: The fitted, minimal cut adds shape against bulky knits or button-down cardigan styles.
- Leggings: Their sleekness keeps a streamlined silhouette against oversized cardigans.
- Denim Jeans: Straight-leg jeans have a relaxed structure that work perfectly with cardigans without losing shape. Wide-leg jeans contrast effortlessly with their hint of flowiness against open-front cardigans.
- Mini Skirts: The shorter hemline pairs beautifully with cropped or longer length cardigans to create flattering proportions.
- Ruffle Shorts: Their soft, feminine shape complements airy, lightweight knit cardigans.
- Knee-High Boots: Whether you choose a pointed-toe or square-toe boot, the knee-high length instantly elevates any cardigan outfit.
- Sneakers: An easy way to make your outfit casual and cool if you want to tone down the structure of a button down cardigan.
- Slip-On Sandals: Lightweight H-band sandals are a chic option for spring or summer cardigan outfits, and comfy raffia sandals add a touch of texture to your look without going over the top.
14 Cozy and Chic Cardigan Outfit Ideas
Oversized Cardigan and High-Waisted Leggings
A fitted scoop neck tank and high-waisted leggings create a sleek, pulled-together base. Toss on an oversized cardigan with lantern sleeves to add just the right amount of cozy charm. Sneakers (these have since sold out, shop here for a similar style) keep it casual but chic, making this look the ideal coffee run outfit for fall.
Long Chunky Cardigan and Wide-Leg Pants
This is such a cute cardigan outfit for spring! I’m obsessed with how these Free People inspired pants bring a relaxed, boho vibe while the chunky open-front cardigan amps up the coziness. To create balance to the silhouette, I added a sleek square neck tank, vintage Reebok sneakers, and a crossbody bag.
Cropped Cardigan and Straight Ankle Jeans
A lightweight loose knit cardigan against a pink peplum top is a chic and feminine duo. Add some structure with a pair of ankle jeans and a minimalistic shoulder bag. Perfect for sunny and breezy days, finish off this spring outfit with some platform raffia sandals.
Lantern Sleeved Cardigan and Wide-Leg Jeans
I love the classy gold button detail on this soft cardigan sweater—it instantly dresses up a pair of wide-leg jeans! Style them with this cute and comfy pair of chic designed-inspired lace sneakers, and you’ve got a cozy throw-on-and-go cardigan outfit.
Button Down Cardigan and Denim Shorts
This is a cute and easy outfit idea for those days of unpredictable weather in between spring and summer. Start with a sleek backless top and a pair of A-line denim shorts to create a playful and flattering base. Add some extra coverage by layering over a lightweight button down cardigan. Finish off by opting for a chic pair of H-band sandals.
Knit Cardigan and Ruffle Shorts
White tiered ruffle shorts add extra cuteness to any look, especially when styled with a cozy cardigan. Suede knee-high cowboy boots give a western chic vibe, making this a chic outfit to wear to a brunch date in early fall.
Plaid Flannel Button Down and Western Boots
Lean into those cozy fall vibes by layering your knit cardigan over a classic flannel button down shirt. Add some sleekness to complement the warm fabrics by pairing the duo with black leggings and matching black knee-high western boots (these have since sold out, shop here for a similar style). Just add a saddle bag and you’re ready for a bonfire night with friends.
Long Knit Cardigan and Converse
Everyone needs a long knit cardigan in their closet—it’s cozy, perfectly oversized, and practically made for lounging. Style it effortlessly with a cropped cami, black high-waisted leggings, and a pair of hi-top platform converse.
Buttoned Cardigan and Black Wide-Leg Denim Jeans
A fitted square neck tank (this has since sold out, shop here for a similar style) tucked into a pair of wide-leg jeans creates a sleek and structured base, while a flowy cardigan softens the look. Add some sophistication to the look by adding square toe ankle boots, creating a chic and elevated Thanksgiving cardigan outfit.
Cable Knit Cardigan and Skinny Jeans
When you want something comfy that still looks put together, style a racerback tank and a pair of high-rise skinny jeans (these have since sold out, shop here for a similar style) with a cable knit cardigan. Style the look with a pair of birkenstock look-alikes for a casual chic outfit to wear on a chilly fall day.
Ribbed Cardigan and Mini Skirt
When you have a sleek silhouette for a base layer like a buttery soft cropped cami against a mini skirt with side slit, styling it with a ribbed crewneck cardigan adds texture and dimension to your look. Bring it altogether with a pair of knee-high faux leather pointed-toe boots and a saddle bag.
Athletic Jumpsuit and Long Knit Cardigan
This entire cardigan outfit is made up of cozy girl essentials. Take a black athletic jumpsuit (this has since sold out, shop here for a similar style) and layer over a beige knit cardigan. Slip on some ultra comfy, suede ankle boots that look and feel just like UGGs, and you’re set for a cozy afternoon indoors.
Lantern Sleeve Cardigan and Leggings
Who doesn’t love a good monochrome base? Grab a pair of your go-to leggings and a matching black crewneck long sleeve. Choose an ash brown cardigan with lantern sleeves to elevate the simple look, and pull on black suede western boots (these boots have since sold out, shop here for a similar style) for a subtle touch of playfulness.
Chunky Knit Cardigan and Mini Skirt
Sheer tights under a mini skirt with built-in shorts give you the freedom to move while still looking chic. Styling them with a red oversized cardigan adds a pop of color. All you need is your fave pair of knee-high boots and you’ve got a holiday-ready cardigan outfit.
Cute Cardigan Looks You’ll Want to Wear All Year
Cardigans really are the quiet heroes of a good wardrobe. They’re so versatile, and choosing to layer with them is a cute and easy way to add polish to any look. A chunky knit can make the structure of jeans feel intentional, and a lightweight, flowy cardigan can soften an entire look in a matter of seconds! With these cozy and chic cardigan outfit ideas, you can mix them with pieces you already have—giving you limitless outfit ideas for cardigans you can wear all year long.
