20 Easy Cardigan Outfit Ideas For Fall/Winter

Cardigans are a perfect fall/winter staple.
Easy Cardigan Outfit Ideas

Cardigans offer endless style possibilities. From a refined and sophisticated look to a casual, laid-back look, a cardigan prepares you to embrace a fashion-forward, modern, contemporary aesthetic. The softness, warmth, and the way they complement every body type make the cardigan incredibly versatile in a casual setting compared to sweaters. 

Most stylish women know that the best trick to wear a cardigan is to elevate the basics. For example, by buttoning up your cardigan and pairing it with a tailored skirt or high-waist pants, you can transform your simple cardigan into a chic one for Friday errand wear. 

Although white tees are good for casual wear they are too boring with a cardigan. Crewnecks also don’t look flattering with long cardigans. That’s why, to make your cardigan outfit a little nicer and more polished, go for a v-neck blouse under a thick cardigan.

Likewise, bright white sneakers look good with summer outfits but don’t go well with fall ensembles. That’s why go for black or maroon for bold, brown, or tan ankle boots for a fall-ish look that will also elongate your legs. If you are wearing a long cardigan then add a waist belt to give a more defined look to your outfit.

Make sure the cardigan fits you well. Oversized cardigans are trending as Y2K aesthetic yet they look overwhelming on beauties with smaller body frames. Remember that along with the length, it’s the texture and colors that matter. 

If you are going out with friends and wanna keep it more casual, choose the right shade of pink cardigan as it is easy to style.  For those having a petite body, a light pink cardigan will add an illusion of length to their body. Also to accentuate your features with edgy vibes, pair it with jeans and pants.

Green not only adds a pop of color but is also best for day-to-night transition. Layering it over a white top or cami gives a timeless elegance. Pair a brown cardigan with neutral hues to create a sophisticated ensemble. Chunky or cable knit cardigans in earthly tones give a laidback, casual, and cool look.

If you want a simple yet elevated look, wear a white cardigan. Whether you opt for an oversized, longline, or cropped look, a white cardigan when paired with jeans gives a perfect silhouette. But to illustrate the scene here, keep scrolling below for 20 cardigan outfits that you can wear on repeat from fall to month of winter.

Chunky white cardigan with pink heart patches + Light pink body-hugging romper + Small beige shoulder bag

My note: I’m all for a look that’s playful yet simple to style. A chunky white cardigan with pink heart patches instantly elevates a light pink romper, making it the perfect go-to for when you want to keep it cozy yet put together.

Olive green cropped cardigan + White fitted T-shirt + Black wide-leg pants

My note: This outfit has inspired me to mix contrasting colors for a fresh, balanced look. I wouldn’t normally think to pair olive green, white, and black together, but sometimes the mix just falls into place effortlessly, especially with a pop of orange from the shopping bag to pull it all together.

Light beige cardigan with large buttons + White wide-leg pants + Suede carryall bag

My note: Cardigans have been overlooked in my wardrobe for a while, but seeing them styled in new ways has caught my attention. Buttoning up a light beige cardigan over wide-leg pants adds a laid-back vibe, and throwing on round sunglasses gives the whole outfit a refreshed twist.

Gray cardigan with large buttons + Black wide-leg pants + Black shoulder bag

My note: Who says wide-leg pants can’t be a go-to? I love how they pair perfectly with a gray cardigan and loafers for a polished yet relaxed vibe. It’s a simple combination, and adding black accessories like sunglasses and a shoulder bag keeps it chic.

Cream chunky knit cardigan + Light pink spaghetti-strap top + Light blue jeans + Beige printed tote bag

My note: If you have a top that feels a bit more summery but want to wear it into fall, layering a chunky knit cardigan over it does the trick. It’s an easy way to make the most of your wardrobe and adds a touch of warmth without overcomplicating the look.

Multi-colored striped cardigan with oversized sleeves + White crop top + Black athletic shorts

My note: Multi-colored striped cardigans are a great way to style your outfits in 2024. An easy way to wear one is over a white crop top, and adding light blue embellished loafers gives your outfit a fresh update. Simple black athletic shorts and socks are the only extras you’ll need to complete the look.

Gray chunky knit cardigan + Black pants + Brown handbag

My note: This is my favorite way to refresh any pant that’s been on repeat. Throwing on a light cardigan instantly adds texture and interest to a fall/winter look, making it feel brand new without much effort.

Bright red cardigan + White shirt underneath + Beige trousers + Beige beret

My note: A bright red cardigan is one of the best investments you can make. It pairs well with everything, but it looks especially fresh layered over a white shirt and beige trousers.

Cream-colored textured cardigan + Beige wide-leg trousers

My note: I’m a big fan of wide-leg trousers. They make any outfit feel more put-together without much effort. Pair them with a cream-colored textured cardigan and beige sneakers, and you’ve got an easy, elevated look that works for any occasion.

Bright blue cardigan + White printed T-shirt + Black straight-leg trousers

My note: Because cardigans are back in a big way for AW24, and a bright blue one makes an instant statement. Keep it understated with a white printed T-shirt and balance it out with black straight-leg trousers. Complete the look with black ankle boots for a polished finish.

White crewneck top + Burgundy cardigan + Gray wide-leg trousers

My note: Wide-leg trousers are the foundation of so many looks. Lately, my go-to pairing has been with a burgundy cardigan and classic sneakers. The mix of gray trouser and warm burgundy feels fresh, and the white sneakers give it that laid-back vibe.

Light blue open cardigan + White fitted T-shirt + Black jeans + Black shoulder bag

My note: White fitted T-shirts are a staple in so many great outfits right now. My favorite way to style one is by layering a light blue open cardigan over it and pairing it with black jeans. Finish off with white sneakers to keep the look clean and effortless.

Light yellow fuzzy cardigan + White mini skirt + Brown tote bag

My note: With a light yellow chunky knit cardigan as your standout piece, there’s no need to overcomplicate the rest of your look. Just add white mini skirt, and finish off with UGG boots for a laid-back yet vibrant ensemble.

Beige cardigan + Black sleeveless dress with a belt + Small beige crossbody bag

My note: Beige is set to dominate this season. Find every shade you can, wear them together, and add in black accents like a sleeveless dress with a belt. Finish with a small beige crossbody bag for a balanced look. Done.

Cream button-up cardigan + Leopard print trousers + White T-shirt underneath + Brown bag

My note: One of the quickest ways to update your look is with a standout print, and leopard print trousers are perfect for that. A cream button-up cardigan over a white T-shirt makes for an easy, stylish combo.

Black and white striped cardigan + Black lace-trim mini skirt + Burgundy crossbody bag

My note: A great way to add interest to any outfit is through layering, and we all know that. A cream and black argyle knit cardigan will be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Add a black sleeveless top and black wide-leg trousers for an easy style win.

Black lace bralette + Beige wool crdigan + White high-waisted wide-leg trousers + Beige structured tote bag

My note: It’s the kind of effortless combination that’s easy to miss, but you can always rely on the pairing of a neutral outfit. Opt for a light color palette to keep things fresh and uplifting.

Olive green and orange argyle cardigan + Black pleated mini skirt

My note: There are plenty of great looks that begin with a standout cardigan. Right now, pair an olive green and orange argyle cardigan with a black pleated mini skirt for a fresh combo.

Chunky knit cardigan + Graphic T-shirt + Brown and beige wide-leg pants

My note: For me, fall is all about comfort. A chunky knit shawl-style cardigan is perfect for layering, and pairing it with a graphic T-shirt keeps things effortless. Brown and beige wide-leg pants add an easygoing touch, and you can swap out chunky cream lace-up shoes for boots or sneakers depending on the occasion.

Multi-colored striped knit cardigan + White tank top + Denim shorts

My note: As the crisp fall air sets in, it’s time to embrace layering. A multi-colored striped knit cardigan is a great way to add warmth and color, paired with a white tank top and denim shorts for those sunny fall days. This outfit keeps you cozy while still capturing the transitional vibe of the season.

Maxine Wall is a Senior Content Writer at LookLume, based in New York City. An NYU grad with a sharp eye for both emerging trends and fashion from Instagram, TikTok, and X (twitter), she spends her days decoding runway looks and predicting the next big thing. When she’s not digging into the social impact of fashion or obsessing over her favorite streetwear drops, Maxine’s probably at a vintage shop unearthing hidden gems or indulging in a good indie rock playlist. Whether she’s dissecting the genius of Alessandro Michele or nerding out over the latest Succession plot twist, Maxine is the perfect blend of style authority and pop culture savant—who, yes, may also be judging you based on your sneakers.

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