How to wear a cardigan with everything in your closet this spring
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You may think you know how to wear a cardigan—but with a few unexpected outfit combos and styling tricks, you can reinvent the timeless staple.
The best cardigans never go out of style, which is why buying one is a worthwhile investment no matter the trend du jour. Always a staple on the runways 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.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.
How to Wear a Cardigan With Everything in Your Closet This Spring
Adding a cardigan over a white tee 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. Cardis pair well 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 spring 2026? 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 Pants
Proportion is one of the most important components of any ensemble. A boxy trench coat and baggy jeans provide an oversized element that complements a form-fitting top like a thin V-neck cardigan or a simple button-down (or in this case, both). Dainty ballet flats or slingbacks add a girlie finishing touch to an otherwise casual and boyish look.
Embellished Cardigan + Statement Pants
A monochrome look doesn’t have to be simple. Try an embellished cardigan–or at least, one with interesting buttons—with trousers in a similar hue. Bonus points for wrap pants, printed trousers, or any kind of bottoms with main-character details. Just pair them with a simple white tank or T-shirt as a layering piece to ground it all. If you’re dressing in all pink, like the street style star above, sneakers will add a laid-back vibe that’ll contrast nicely with the ultrafeminine hue.
Cardi + Slip Skirt
Play up the beautiful texture of a wool cardigan by layering it with contrasting materials, like a silk slip skirt and/or a leather jacket. It’ll give the outfit a lot of rich depth as well as enough surprising twists and turns to show off your fashion know-how. And here’s a fun styling tip: For even more visual interest, wear cardigans as tops, leaving a few bottom buttons undone to make it a chic crop top alternative.
Cropped Cardigan + Big Pants
The beautiful thing about this cardigan outfit idea? It’s essentially just a slinky little black top and dark pants—a tried-and-true look you’ve undoubtedly worn before. The fun comes mostly from the accessories (In this case, a crocheted hat, oversized sunglasses, and a chartreuse handbag.) Add a T-shirt or tank top beneath the sweater if you’re looking for a little extra coverage.
Cardigan as Belt
The cardigan’s many uses extend 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 a sequin miniskirt and cotton shirt. We suggest 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 + 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 up 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.
An Oversized 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 chunky knit over your top or outerwear is one of the easiest ways to up the ante. To imitate this casual look, prioritize comfort with loose-fitting trousers, add a bit of structure with a blazer, and keep everything casual with glasses, a baseball cap, and sneakers.
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 comfy cardigan to conjure a modern sweater-set effect. Then smash a little summer 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 long-sleeve cardigan is a great way to add a little pop of color to an otherwise basic outfit. For extra subtlety, let yours 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.
