You may think you know how to wear a cardigan – but with a few unexpected outfit combos and styling tricks, it turns out you can actually reinvent the timeless staple.
A cardigan doesn’t really go out of style, a notion that makes it a worthwhile investment no matter the trend du jour. A staple on the runways most seasons and a heavy presence in street style ensembles, the cardigan defies the fashion cycle. It looked just as good on Katharine Hepburn in the 1950s as it does on Bella Hadid nearly 75 years later, though the latter admittedly might be a slightly slinkier rendition. But therein lies the beauty of the cardigan: chunky or thin, cropped or long, cashmere or wool – there’s something for everyone and every style.
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Adding a cardigan to a T-shirt and a pair of jeans is a foolproof formula that always works, but the sartorial possibilities of this breed of knitwear go far beyond that. Cardigans pair with dresses. They complement blazers. They add intrigue to trousers. Most of all, they blend fashion and comfort seamlessly.
So, how to wear a cardigan for autumn 2025? Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few outfit ideas and styling tips to keep you looking anything but frumpy. They style the classic knit in new and interesting ways that’ll make the wardrobe staple feel fresh and on trend. And an added bonus? Most of these looks can be recreated with pieces you already own.
Slim Cardigan + Baggy Jeans
Proportion is one of the most important components of any ensemble. A boxy trench and baggy jeans provide an oversized element that complements the slim-fitting silhouette of a thin V-neck cardigan and a simple button-down. Red ballet flats bring a bold pop of colour and an unexpectedly chic finish to an otherwise casual outfit. We’re big fans of the Alohas Rosalind Red Leather Ballet Flats, but if you prefer something a little softer, there are 13 other colourways to choose from.
Think pink! A monochrome look doesn’t have to entail oversimplification. Try a pale pink – maybe even one that’s embellished? – cardi with rosy-hued trousers. In addition to the oversized cardigan and loose-fitting pants, a white tank as a layering piece and trainers will add a dose of masculinity that contrasts nicely with the ultra-feminine hue.
Embroidered Cardigan Sweater + Little White Dress
A classic white midi-dress can supersede seasonality with the right styling. And on chillier spring days, a chunky crewneck-style embroidered cardigan gives added warmth without sacrificing the season’s playful essence. The relaxed structure of the long cardigan is also a nice balance to the softer silhouette of the dress. Add accessories that complement the colours in the embroidery to complete the look.
Cropped Cardigan + Big Pants
The beautiful thing about this cardigan outfit? It’s essentially just a slinky little black top and dark denim, a tried-and-true look you’ve undoubtedly worn before. However, the pin-style clasp on the cardigan sweater and the barrel-leg silhouette on the pants keep this look firmly rooted and on trend for 2025. The fun comes mostly from the accessories. Think a crocheted hat, oversized sunglasses, and a chartreuse handbag. Add a T-shirt beneath the sweater for a little extra coverage.
Cardigan as Belt
The cardigan’s many uses extended far beyond what you might think. For example, you can sling yours around your waist as an extra accessory. It’ll break up the outfit visually, plus you’ll have another layer available to you once the sun goes down. In the outfit above, the knit sweater adds a grounded element to the otherwise funky combination of sequins and cotton poplin. Aspiga's Alpaca Blend Puff Sleeve Cardigan in Chocolate is the perfect hue to offset the bold sequins. We suggest going for classic accessories – ballet flats or perhaps a pair of loafers, as well as a black tote – for this one, considering all the materials at play.
Cardigan + Bra Top + Pencil Skirt
Cardigans, pencil skirts, and pumps are a classic combination. It’s the addition of a little bra top that changes up the energy of this ensemble. Feel free to swap it for a crop top or even keep the cardigan buttoned if you’re not yet ready to bare all – it’s not exactly business casual, after all. If you are going for it, a structured handbag and slinky gold necklaces will continue the high-low dialogue.
A Cardigan Slung Around the Shoulders
Sure, you might want to drape a sweater around your shoulders for an extra layer. But even if you don’t need one, it just looks cool. Tying a knit over your top or outerwear is one of the easiest ways to up the ante of a colder-weather look. To recreate this cardigan look for party season, start with elegant silk pants (we love these from LilySilk), drape a soft cardigan over your shoulders, and keep things polished with minimal accessories — think simple jewellery, sleek sunglasses, and classic flats or heeled boots.
Cardigan + Matching T-Shirt
This is a great example of a unique outfit that’s made entirely of everyday basics. Match your base-layer T-shirt to your best cardigan to conjure a modern sweater-set effect. Then, smash a little white dress in between the two pieces for added depth. Silver hoops round out the simple outfit, while a pair of black knee-high boots or socks gives it a youthful element.
Peekaboo Cardigan + Blazer
A knit cardigan is a great way to add a little pop of colour to an otherwise basic outfit. For extra subtlety, let yours – possibly in a zesty green like this one – peek from beneath your classic black blazer layered over a white T-shirt. Other than that, this look is extremely classic. Bootcut jeans, ankle boots, and classic sunglasses – all in black, of course – finish it off.
