13 ways to style cardigans for fall

The vest is essential for the transitional weather in autumn, and it is also important for stylish layerswhich is a popular trend at the moment. But it has a bit of an outdated reputation as an unnecessary piece of clothing that you might throw on at the office but serve no real purpose. That couldn’t be further from the truth. “Cardigans were originally worn in the early 19th century as part of a military uniform. Today they are worn with everything from sweatpants Unpleasant to take. From troops over 200 years ago to today’s boardroom; I think that combination speaks volumes,” adds Joey Gollish, creative director Carrots.

The truth is, a great cardigan can serve as the bottom, middle or outer layer of your outfit, and it’s a “style staple that you need not just during transitional weather but all year round,” says Siobhan Smith, AVP design at Avenue Bryant. You may also just need to touch up the fit of your pieces. “I recommend choosing a cardigan whose sleeves are not too tight or too loose when worn over your typical base layers, and looking for options that don’t open at the chest when you button the buttons all the way up, as this is the way on which you wear the vest is limited. can style the vest,” explains Stitch correction stylist Macey Roth. In other words, you might need some better options to wear and style this staple.

If you’re still not convinced by the cardigan’s versatility, or are looking for outfit ideas, read on.

With a belt

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Depending on the cut of the cardigan, tying it at the waist (in this case with a black and gold Chanel belt) can change the shape in a beautiful way. The added definition at the waist can provide some balance when wearing wide trousers or a full skirt. Like Karine Dubner, creative director and CEO of Brochu Walkerexplains, their cashmere cardigans are designed to be worn alone or with a belt, adding a level of versatility for possible styling. If you’re feeling creative, Roth says, wear an oversized cardigan as a dress and then add a belt for definition.

Pure or semi-transparent

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As Smith explains, sheer vests are better for warm weather or warmer climates. This is worn exactly like a top and is worn under a warmer cardigan when the weather is cooler. You can also “roll up the sleeves of a nicer cardigan and wear it over a graphic T-shirt,” she adds.

Layered

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A cardigan also works well as an underlayer. In this case, this cardigan is zipped all the way up and treated like a turtleneck under a heavier black jacket. Be inventive about what you can wear under and over your cardigan. As Dubner explains, they’ve even created front-layer cardigans with the look of a collared shirt underneath, because the look of a layered cardigan is just as chic—you’ll be reaching for them on a regular basis.

From the shoulder

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If you take your cardigan and drape it very gently off your shoulder, you can achieve a beautifully messy look that’s “very feminine, cozy and always luxurious,” explains Dubner. “This gives it a more subdued, office-like look.” Here, a cheerful cardigan and matching pants go well with a more neutral top and shoes, but you can also opt for a simpler color or pattern.

Luxury accents

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Because it works as both outerwear and sweater, a cardigan can be the right place to invest in good material. “You want a high-quality yarn that suits your skin. If you’re lucky enough not to be allergic to mohair, then that might be what you’re looking for. You can’t go wrong with a merino, cashmere or cotton blend either” , says Gollish. This is a dark blue cashmere Eric Bompard top with a matching skirt, meaning you can wear them as a set or separately.

Cropped

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Remember, the ’90s and ’00s were filled with cropped cardigans layered over longer T-shirts (just like these). But you are not necessarily limited in your styling. Short vests can fit a smaller frame; “I’m (a little) short, so personally I like something that’s a little cropped,” says Gollish. “A shorter cardigan is a really elegant way to complete a statement dress, whether for the office or an event,” adds Smith.

In autumn colour

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“The color of the cardigan you own is crucial when styling with your own wardrobe,” explains Dubner: you want it to match a lot in your wardrobe, both tops and bottoms. A beautiful autumn-winter color such as wine or camel is a nice choice. You can wear it over a neutral outfit or just go all in with a full-tonal look like this. If that seems like too much, “one trend that’s back in the spotlight is the monochromatic combination of a tank or top and a matching cardigan. This trend is incredibly easy to wear and gives your outfit a polished, put-together touch,” says Smith. .

Tucked in

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“One of my favorite styling tricks is wearing a cardigan as a standalone top: button it all the way up and tuck it into your favorite jeans or midi skirt, topped off with your favorite boots,” says Roth. This is a more structured cardigan that works almost like a cropped blazer; it’s lilac tweed from Chanel and can look great over a T-shirt or collared shirt. But on its own and styled as a sweater it looks both structured and soft; the soft pleat defines the waist.

Extra large

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“I love a super oversized cardigan, like, I have it Real large – that’s a little cropped at the back with flowy pants. It’s probably the chicest way you can feel cozy, whether at home or at a board meeting,” says Gollish. This option, a brown oversized Tod’s cardigan, is part of an all-brown tonal look that takes advantage of the features of the garment. dramatic draping Additionally, it can also be draped over a dress or paired with trousers.

About casual wear

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If your goal is to be warm and cozy, say no more: A cardigan works well to take casual pieces like leggings to the next level, explains Smith. In this case, these stirrup leggings can be casual on their own, but they also work well as a base layer under a luxe patterned cardigan and some simple black pumps. In a more extreme sense, you can even throw a cardigan over your athleisure, so that it immediately feels a little more polished.

As a jacket

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If you’re still having trouble styling your cardigan, think of it as a jacket. In this case, this dark blue Miu Miu cardigan has the same length and structure as a blazer and looks great with a shirt and skirt with a collar. There’s some extra drama thanks to the cardigan’s unfinished hems and white trim. “Playing with the (proportion) of your overcoat can instantly add drama to an outfit,” explains Smith.

On its own

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Or, if the cardigan is thin and tight enough, style it like any other sweater. A fitted cardigan can also serve as a top by closing all the buttons. Some ideal combinations include tailored high-waisted pants or a skirt. Choose a rich color to make it a statement piece (think deep navy blue or charcoal gray) and pair it with some delicate necklaces.”

Carried backwards

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Believe it or not, this is actually a Dorothee Schumacher vest worn backwards like a jersey. It’s such a brilliant and unexpected touch that we feel the need to try it out right away. Alternatively, Roth says, “Drap it elegantly over your shoulders and tie the sleeves in the front… you can easily tuck your arms into the sleeves when the temperature drops.” The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to cardigans.