20 Cardigan Outfit Ideas to Warm Up to This Fall

From the stone-embellished chunky knits spotted at Luisa Spagnoli to Max Mara's sleek pink full-length sweaters, cardigans were seen up and down the runways during the Fall/Winter 2023 fashion week shows. But there is also a vast array of cardigan styles to choose from, meaning the well of fashion inspiration for fall cardigan outfits is deep. To help us translate this fall wardrobe staple from the runway to real life, InStyle tapped expert Samantha Brown.

Meet Our Expert

Samantha Brown is a fashion expert and celebrity stylist based in New York City.

According to Brown, there's no one cardigan shape or style that's front and center for fall. "Cardigans are having a moment, and there’s something for everyone," she says, adding that everything from "shrunken and cropped styles to oversized and belted" is fair game when it comes to trending cardigan styles.

Because so many different cardigan styles went down the runways, there's no one cardigan outfit idea that is set to reign supreme. That said, when you've got limitless options, narrowing styling choices can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Brown has some great tips for what shirts pair well with different trending cardigan shapes and silhouettes.

If you're looking for a more polished look, she recommends wearing a fitted tank or silk camisole under your cardigan. In addition, a cardi can "add coverage to crop tops while still exposing some skin, and can be layered over looser T-shirts for a more casual vibe." Wearing a buttoned-up cardigan as a shirt on its own with nothing underneath works too — player's choice.

Related: The 16 Best Sweaters of 2023 for an Extra Cozy Year

When it comes to oversized, roomier cardigans, Brown recommends keeping an eye out to make sure you don't get entirely swallowed up. "Slouchy styles can feel a bit sloppy when attention isn’t paid to the proportions of an outfit," she cautions. If you're worried a cardigan outfit is serving more slump than slay, Brown has a helpful layering hack. Simply add a belt and you've got yourself a sleeker silhouette.

With fall fashion trends fresh in our minds and armed with Brown's styling expertise, we've rounded up 20 cardigan outfit ideas that you'll fall in love with come fall.

Streamlined with a Skirt

The weight and weave of a cardigan largely determine its styling choices. If you're working with one that's more lightweight, Brown suggests tucking it into a skirt for a sleek, sophisticated look that's perfect for fall.

Knot, Now

Create a slouchy yet cinched silhouette by knotting an oversized cardigan at your waist. When worn with a pair of high-waisted jeans or trousers, this cardigan outfit will look even more snatched.

Highlight a Statement Collar

We love the lacy look of a button-down shirt with a statement collar, but the pairing can easily read as "stern headmistress cosplay" instead of avant-garde and romantic. That's where a brightly colored cardigan comes in. A super-saturated shade will modernize even the most authentic Victorian lace.

Pair Unexpected Textures

Surprise yourself by mixing unexpected textures into a single cardigan outfit look. A long fuzzy cardigan gets a sunny sense of whimsy when worn with a crochet mini dress and a metallic belt on top secures this cardigan outfit's OOTD status.

Shape with a Statement Belt

Oversized cardigans don't have to swallow up the rest of your outfit. Instead of letting the oversized shape dictate your fit's silhouette, add a very on-trend-for-fall statement belt and head out the door.

Related: A Statement Belt Is the Viral Accessory That Will Transform Your Wardrobe

Try Cold Shoulder Styling

Create an entirely new silhouette by buttoning up your favorite cardigan and wearing it slipped off your shoulders. To make the most of this fresh neckline, add layered necklaces, one of this year's hottest fall jewelry trends.

Related: 17 Fall Jewelry Trends to Know for 2023

Stand Out with Matching Knits

Even the most simple of separates get a runway-worthy upgrade when worn together in a matching color and texture. Case in point: Chriselle Lim's absolutely stunning knit tube top and matching cardigan outfit.

Add Shape to Slouchy Separates

Comfy basics like leggings and tank tops don't have to be boring. Cinching a belted cardigan, one of fall 2023's trending cardigan styles according to Brown, over neutral separates, adds a sophisticated silhouette to a cozy, minimalist 'fit.

Soften Sequins

Bring the formality of a heavily embellished dress down a few notches with a cable-knit cardigan in a soft neutral like cream or beige. Not only does it create impeccable contrast, but it transforms a black-tie piece into everyday apparel so you can keep playing dress up once wedding season comes to an end.

Tuck Into Trousers

Another of Brown's favorite cardigan outfit ideas includes tucking a cardigan into your pants. When the pants in question are a pair of pleated, well-tailored trousers, you accomplish a simple, office-ready look in seconds.

Mix Prints

No one wants to clash accidentally, but clashing on purpose? That's a whole different story. One way to pull off intentionally clashing prints or patterns in a cardigan outfit is to ensure that the pieces share similar textures, as fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson does with this whimsical mixed knit ensemble.

Make Sweats More Sophisticated

Fine wool and cashmere cardigans can instantly add an air of quiet luxury to any outfit, even baggy sweats, and a plain T-shirt. Give this cardigan outfit a streetwear sensibility by adding a statement handbag with a flashy strap.

Get Creative with Cropping

Oversized cardigans are set to trend this fall, but the same can be said for their shrunken-down counterparts. When picking out a cropped cardigan, we recommend keeping shape and comfort in mind.

Tips

Retro bell sleeves that taper into a snugly fitting top will balance out baggier bottoms, while a bodycon dress or pencil skirt looks best when paired with a more loose-fitting cardigan.

Elevate a Graphic Tee

According to Brown, a cardigan can bring a basic tee into the realm of street style stardom when styled in an elevated way. A statement bag, sleek skirt, and coordinated jewelry bring out the best in this cardigan outfit.

DIY a Matching Set

It's never fun to sacrifice comfort for style, which is why we love Hannah Bronfman's chic midi skirt, sporty bra, and cardigan combo. Thanks to her three-quarter sleeve cardigan and matching simple, athletic bra, this fit's overall effect is one of vintage glamour without any painful cinching or pinching.

Spice Up a Monochromatic 'Fit

Monochromatic looks are undeniably stylish, but it can get tricky when you're working with saturated, vibrant shades. Instead of trying to color-match every piece of your outfit, add a patterned cardigan in a similar shade for a look that fits the monochromatic dressing brief without feeling too one-note.

Layer Under a Blazer

Give your fave blazer a chance to shine by layering a cardigan underneath, and a shirt in a different color underneath that. To complete the look, push up your blazer's sleeves to deliver a chic optical illusion with lots of tasty textures.

Swap Out a Crop Top

A shrunken, lightweight cardigan can easily replace a long-sleeved crop top, especially when the weather's chilly, but not cold. Earn yourself extra style points by leaving one or two cardigan buttons undone and adding a bra top in a color that complements the rest of your look.

Blend Oversized with Bodycon

Contrast is key when putting an outfit together which is why an oversized cardigan and a curve-hugging dress go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's almost impossible not to notice the great fit of a slinky dress when it's worn with a large, slouchy cardigan, especially if you let your outer layer slide off your shoulder just so.

Try Slouchy Separates

Cardigans don't need to be tucked in or fitted to create preppy vibes. An oversized cardigan worn over an oversized button-down in traditionally preppy colors works the same magic as a tailored blazer when it comes to communicating a prep school sensibility.

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