Best Ways to Style a Basic, Comfy Cardigan

A cardigan is one of those wardrobe staples that never really goes out of style. Perhaps it is because it's so versatile, or maybe because it is just so darn comfy. With so many different types of materials, designs, and lengths to choose from, cardigans can be worn during every season—even on those balmy days of summer when it cools down a bit at night. But looking and feeling great in a comfy cardigan isn’t just about sticking your arms through the sleeves and going about your day. There are lots of different ways to style them, whether it’s the top you wear underneath, the bottoms you match with it, or the shoes or jewelry you use to accessorize. Looking for ideas? Check out some of the best ways to style a basic, comfy cardigan.

Pair a Fitted Cardigan With Slim Bottoms

When wearing a fitted cardigan, the pants you pair with it can be belted work pants, skinny jeans, leggings, or any other bottoms with a slim silhouette — avoid wearing a fitted cardigan with any type of pants that may hang too loosely. Fitted cardigans tend to be shorter in length than other cardigan styles, so you’ll want to make sure it at least covers your midsection.

Opt for a Long Cardigan Instead of a Fall Jacket

Jackets have their time and place, especially when it is rainy or windy and you want something waterproof. But on those crisp autumn days when there’s a bit of chill in the air, wrapping a super-soft cardigan around yourself as you head out the door is a great feeling. It’s even better if it has big pockets for your hands or for essentials like your keys, wallet, and cellphone. A long cardigan looks great either belted or loose. It also works well with most types of bottoms. Pair it with jeans rolled up at the ankle and some ankle boots. Or wear it over your favorite comfy T-shirt and some leggings with any type of shoe. You can even dress it up with a long necklace. The options are endless. Every woman should have a go-to cardigan to snuggle up in this fall.

Tuck a Loose Cardigan Into Some Jeans With a Belt

You’ll want a cardigan made of thin material instead of thick material for this, but cardigans can look great when tucked into a pair of jeans with a belt. Depending on the fit of the cardigan, you can look either polished and put together or more casual with this style. If it’s a fitted cardigan with enough coverage, you can even wear it on its own. Just make sure it is made of a soft material like cashmere or Supima cotton that doesn’t scratch your skin.

Wrap it Around Your Waist With Some Shorts During Summertime

In many climates, warm weather is only temporary. Even during summertime, the temperature can drop by as much as 20 degrees in one day. So, when you want to wear your favorite women’s shorts and a short-sleeved top, you have to be conscious of the fact that you may get a little cold during the morning or afternoon, or simply when going in and out of buildings that have air conditioning on blast. A lightweight cardigan is great for this purpose, as you can tie it around your waist and throw it on when you need it.

Keep it Handy for Work-from-Home Video Calls

Working from home is becoming more common than working at the office. But the fact that you're working from home doesn’t mean you can simply sit around in their pajamas or loungewear all day — especially if there are video calls to attend and you need to look professional. But work-from-home outfits don’t have to be formal. If your office had a casual dress code before people started working remotely, it is perfectly acceptable to continue that dress code at home. But when balancing caregiving responsibilities with work, function has just as much of a place as fashion, so you need to make sure you’re comfortable in your outfit. If your top is more functional than fashionable, draping a cardigan over it for those impromptu video calls is a great solution.