Un-Fancy

Outfits: Winter, winter outfits

5 ways to wear a long cardigan

We still have a few weeks of winter left (even though my heart wants springtime like nothing else). So how about a hefty dose of outfit ideas to get us through these last few weeks? Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a new energy for your winter clothes!

Today, we’ll look at five ways I’ve styled my long cardigan over the fall and winter.

I wasn’t a cardigan girl for the longest time — no idea why. But I sure am now!

A soft, cozy layer that I can throw into my tote and grab for instant warmth? I’m in! For me, it’s all about finding a cardigan with good weight and drape.

In this post, I’m wearing this long cardigan from Nordstrom. It’s quickly become a staple in my closet. I like that it’s a light, linen blend so it’s portable and works all year round. However, I’ve also had this cardigan from Cuyana on my wishlist for over a year. It’s a beauty in warm cashmere plus it’s made responsibly.

Let’s get into it:

WITH A SWEATER VEST AND MOM JEANS

Got a sweater vest? Put a cardigan over it and add some mom jeans. Or get a similar look by pairing any ol’ crop top with your long cardigan and high waist skinnies.

ON TOP OF OVERALLS

Here’s something to try: play with layers on top of overalls.  A cozy cocoon sweater, a wool coat, or, like I’m wearing here, a long cardigan. Top layers partially hide the overalls, giving them a different vibe. (Full outfit details here.)

WITH A SHORT DRESS AND FLAT BOOTS

Got a sweater dress that’s a little too short on it’s own? Pair it with a longer cardigan for a little extra length (and some cool hemline contrast). Finish the look with unfussy flat boots. (Full outfit details here.)

OVER A PLAIN TEE AND SKINNY JEANS

This outfit recipe is easy, put-together, and it works for errands and dinner out. Do a tuck in the front, add a tote and a dainty necklace and you’re all set! Put it on your list for those days you’re not sure what to wear — it’s always a winner. (Full outfit details here.)

WITH CLOGS AND MOM JEANS

Still getting used to your mom jeans? Pair them with a long cardi and clogs. The cardigan almost disguises the fact that you’re wearing mom jeans — giving you time to wear them all over town and get used to them with a nice little safety net. (Full outfit details here.)

And that’s that!

So tell me, did you find any ideas you want to try? How have you been wearing your cardigan lately? Got any outfit recipes to share? 

Oh! And … Happy Valentine’s Day! :)

xo,

 

Comments

  1. Cardigans are great for an extra layer. I do tend to wear them in more transitional weather, as they can be bulky under a winter coat.

    I wear wool ones in winter and linen blend ones in summer but we definitely have more than a few weeks more of winter in the UK. I tend to get caught out in fantasy spring and forget that it can still be winter coat cold into April or even May!

    Reply

    • Tanya I could not agree more! I also live in the U.K. and get caught out by a few fantasy spring and summer outfits every year. Damn that deceptive blue sky and sunshine haha.

      Love the outfits as always Caroline, especially the long cardigan/short dress/ flat boots. That’s a go to for me!
      xxx

      Reply

      • Sarah, a bit of blue sky and a peak of spring bulbs and I kid myself it’s spring too… if you search on Pinterest for spring outfits, most of them are only really UK summer suitable too.

        Reply

  2. I bought this cardigan after seeing you use it in your 10 day challenge and I love it!!! I love seeing the different ways to style it! thank you!! Happy Valentine’s day too!

    Reply

  4. I love a long cardigan…so much I have 3! An open grey one, a waterfall front camel one and a boyfriend one in mustard yellow. All in cashmere/ wool blends which for me give the perfect mix of warmth, lightness and sturdiness. Mine mainly get layered with skinny jeans or leather leggings but am trying to mix them up with dresses and looser bottom layers too

    Reply

  6. i have two long cardigans in diff shades of grey and they’re my fave layering pieces. my fave way to wear is with a pencil skirt, base layer long sleeve shirt and colored tights and heeled oxfords. all pieces, save the colored tights which are usually wine or blue, are in various shades of grey.

    also, since i work in an office casual environment, i wear them in lieu of a suit jacket with slim cut slacks and simple blouse/top under.

    Reply

  9. I’m not a classic-style cardigan girl, but you’d have to pry my long cardigans from my cold, dead hands. They’re my absolute favorite thing to wear during the fall & on mild winter days.

    Reply

  10. Caroline come on, every single photo you look amazing and so stylish!! I’m loving long cardigans myself but in actual freezing winter i tend to not wear them because i hate when they are longer than my coats, which is the case for most of mine. But in fall and spring, they’re also my go to piece, especially with either high waisted jeans or a short dress/skirt. xo – Melodie
    http://www.happymelodie.com

    Reply

  11. I love the idea of a long cardigan or even the poncho sweater, though I own neither yet. Do you have any suggestions for a petite-framed person when buying long or “oversized” items? (I’m 5’3″ and 117)

    Also, thought I might get good ideas here, are there any options for keeping up skinny jeans at the waist, other than taking them to a tailor? I recently bought a very expensive pair of high waisted skinnies and don’t want to buy another in a smaller size if I can help it. There seems to be more room than the size charts listed.

    Reply

    • Hey Christie! Sorry I don’t have any particular tips for the jeans — I think a tailor is your best best. And a waist nip shouldn’t be a very expensive alteration. As for “oversized” items, I thought this article had some helpful hints: http://bit.ly/2kvOwT3 :) Hope that helps!

      Reply

  13. Oh hey…I have the Cuyana cardigan and it has been a little problematic. The first one I had got several holes in it after one wear. They graciously sent me a replacement and were very nice about it. The replacement is sturdier but it is pilling a lot and very quickly. I love the company and have lots of their pieces but I get the sense that they are having some type of internal problems with their sweaters. I had to replace a grey boatneck sweater for holes as well. Again the replacement is sturdier but doesn’t have the slouchy shape and fits like a crewneck. I didn’t have the heart to return things a second time because they are so nice :(

    Reply

  14. Love your web site, but I think you should return to photographing your outfits against a plain white wall the way you used to. It seems that your old pics were more close up, too. The window in the background detracts from the composition.

    Reply

  15. I love this idea! Great for casual and every day wear as you show. But also I see great potential as a light “coat” replacement for dressier wear, especially in a warm climate. Sometimes for a night out or event I need a dressy “coat”, but here in south FL a true coat is almost always too heavy — but this lends that same lean elegant look and coverage, without the weight. Love it, will be buying!
    Curious — you say you weren’t a cardigan girl… So what made you buy this? Did you see potential? A whim? Just curious about the thought process/justification for buying something you don’t normally wear, as sometimes it can be great like this, and other times not so much and you’re left with something you never wear and wondering why you didn’t just stick with what you know… It’s a fine line…

    Reply

    • Ooh, such a great question! I think it was because, when I thought of a cardigan, the first thing that came to mind was the traditional, business-appropriate shell and cardigan set. That wasn’t my style of cardigan, so I just didn’t look into them more. But then later, when I started looking at different cardigan options, I fell in love with the long silhouette. I love it when things surprise me like that! :)

      Reply

  16. My challenge with long sweaters is how they work with my coats. Most of my coats cut right at the waist because I love how that looks on me. I do plan to upgrade my winter coat to a longer one. A year or two back, there was an amazing, long cocoon sweater that I feel in love with. It was acrylic so I didn’t get it, but I think I would have had trouble wearing it under my current winter coat. I really hope I find something like it again in a better material once I have a longer puffer coat!

    Reply

  22. Thank you Caroline! Great post. Cardigans are a staple for me. I have also had that Cuyana cardigan on my wishlist for over a year. It might be time to invest in it. I’m a little bit worried about the length though (I’m 5’2″).

    Reply

  23. I recently added two long duster cardigans to my collection. I love the look of them but I too am struggling with the dreaded coat dilemma. I have searched high and low for inspiration and have come up empty handed, almost as though no one wears extra long cardigans in the winter. I’m not giving up just yet but I would love any suggestions on how one might go about wearing a long cardi with a winter coat. Thanks for the post Caroline, always great!

    Reply

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