How To Wear A Long Cardigan – Sharing Over 35 Looks For Every Season.

Long cardigans are one of my favorite pieces. Not only because I like to be cozy at all times, but because I use them to cover my butt! LOL. There, I said it. I’m brutally honest and that’s why I like them. So, if you are like me, you are going to love this post on how to wear a long cardigan.

For whatever reason you like this closet staple, I hope you find this post useful. My main goal is to help you maximize what you have in your closet, learn how to add your own personal touch to any of these looks and create your own version of these (or any) long cardigan outfits without thinking about it too much.

And guess what? You can wear your long cardigan ALL year round! And today you’ll learn how to maximize this closet staple.

Ready to learn how to wear a long cardigan? Let’s do this!

_{*This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!}

Post updated on February 8th, 2025.

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

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Why do I really like long cardigans?

About the long cardigans covering my butt, I was joking… sort of.

But there are plenty of other reasons to love them, especially if you’re wondering how to wear a long cardigan in a way that’s stylish and practical:

✅ They instantly elevate a ‘plain’ outfit, making even the simplest look feel more put together.

✅ They add an extra layer to any winter look, and the best part? You can take them on and off, completely changing your outfit in seconds.

✅ If you live in a city like Chicago, they’re a year-round staple. Whether you’re layering up in the winter or throwing one over a summer dress on a chilly evening, they work in every season. That’s exactly what you should look for in clothing—versatility.

✅ They create a flattering silhouette by adding length and movement to your outfit. Whether you’re wearing jeans, leggings, or a dress, a long cardigan adds that effortless, stylish touch.

✅ They’re comfy! A long cardigan feels like wearing a chic blanket in public, and honestly, who wouldn’t love that?

Learning how to wear a long cardigan in different ways is key to shopping smarter and making the most of your wardrobe. The less you own, the easier it is to get dressed every day. Plus, a clutter-free closet means a clutter-free mind.

How many long cardigans do you need in your closet?

Since long cardigans are a part of all my capsule wardrobes; Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall, there are 2 options here:

1️⃣ Either you have a different one for each season (meaning 4) OR

2️⃣ You have one or two and wear them all year round. Of course you would replace them every couple of years or as needed. You always want to make sure all the things you own are in good shape.

If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think you need 4. You will be just fine with 2 or 3. This of course depends on where you live and your lifestyle. It will also depend on your personal style and how much you actually like long cardigans in general.

Which colors/styles should you get?

Whether you choose to have 1, 2, 3 or 4 long cardigans my advice is that you stick to neutrals and have one printed one. Make sure the material is different for each too.

You always want to have a lightweight one and a cozier one (this is of course if you live in a 4-season city). This way you’ll be able to create as many long cardigan outfits as possible, and that’s what we want here.

How to create your own long cardigan outfits and maximize the pieces you already have in your closet?

I’ve been sharing tips on how to maximize everything you have in your closet, that’s why I’ve been creating these ‘outfit formulas’ you’ll see below.

My goal with sharing these posts is to inspire you to recreate some of these looks with things you already own, help you dress better and easily every day, so you can feel great and go out into the world feeling confident. Dressing well can do that for you! 

Notice that for all looks I’m wearing a long cardigan + t-shirt (except for the sweater dress look). I did this on purpose as I always try to use basic pieces because:

A.) It’s what I mostly own and B.) I think it’s easier for you to recreate the looks with pieces you already have in your closet and that’s exactly my goal.

Here’s a step by step on how to create your own long cardigan outfits:

• Pick one of the outfit formulas below to follow.
• Take out similar pieces out of your closet and separate them in piles (all the dress options together, all the t-shirt options together, all the shoes options together, etc).
• In this case the ‘Hero piece’ is the long cardigan, so try to pick a similar one and create looks around that one long cardigan.
• Start mixing! Follow the formula. That’s really it!
• Take some photos for future reference. That way you won’t have to think about it too much in the future.

I know it sounds like a lot and kind of annoying and time consuming, but by doing this you will save so much time later on. You’ll have plenty of outfit options ready.

If you want, call a friend and create the outfits together and have some drinks while at it. It’s a fun thing you can do for each other and you will have a second opinion whenever you have doubts.

I honestly hope this helps!

OK. Feeling ready? Let’s learn how to style a long cardigan!

How to wear a cardigan – 7 basic outfit formulas

I’ll walk you through each of these looks to help you think outside the box. So read carefully 👀

Look 1: How to wear a long cardigan with sneakers

I decided to start with an easy look. And what’s easier than a look with sneakers and leggings right?

I’m using some of my favorite and most styled pieces here; a white t-shirt, sneakers and classic faux leather leggings. (I wrote a very detailed Spanx leggings review that you should read before you buy)

Feel free to grab any similar piece and put them together, it does’t matter the color or print. Just have fun! I’m not saying go crazy and mix camo with leopard print, but mix different neutrals, or neutrals with a pop of color, or a printed piece. Have fun with what you already have in your closet!

The outfit formula:

Long Cardi + White T-shirt + Spanx Leggings + Sneakers + Cozy hat

More ways to style a long cardigan with sneakers:

See? It’s super easy! Just keep it simple with basic pieces and accessorize accordingly! (the best sustainable white sneakers and from this brand!) I have the Oca Low in white leather ($159), but they’ve been sold out for a while now, so consider looking at these ($98) or these ($78)!

👟 A cheaper, gorgeous and sustainable option here.

Look 2: How to wear a long cardigan with a skirt

I only created this look to remind you that you can also style your long cardigan with a lot of your skirts. Usually we forget this, and only pair them with skinny pants or jeans, but have fun creating outfits with your skirts too!

This is one of my go-to outfits for Fall. It’s very easy to put together and you can create so many versions of it by changing the skirt, shoes and/or t-shirt.

The outfit formula:

Long Cardi + White T-shirt + Skirt + Tights + Casual boots

Look 3: Styling a long cardigan with a dress

Don’t forget you can also style your long cardigans with dresses. I went with a sweater dress because of the time of the year, but you can do this with a leopard print Summer dress too!

Of course you can wear this without tights and replace the booties with sandals/sneakers depending on the season, but remember to spice things up with any accessory. Whether a belt, a hat, fun earrings or necklace. Add accessories to elevate this look.

The outfit formula:

Long Cardi + Dress + Tights + Booties + Belt

Look 4: Wearing a long cardigan with jeans

One of my favorite looks because it’s so easy! You only need a t-shirt, jeans, booties and your long cardigan of course!

Remember that you can also add accessories like a belt, bag, hat, necklace, rings, earrings… whatever you prefer. Accessories will always upgrade any basic outfit. Just make sure to choose just one or two at the most and don’t over do it.

The outfit formula:

Long Cardi + White T-shirt + Jeans + Printed booties + Belt

3 Bonus looks!! – How to wear a long cardigan

I created these bonus looks with other cardis I own to help you think outside the box. Maybe you don’t own a beige cardi like the one above, but you own it in a different color or style.

Notice that for all these looks I’m wearing T-shirts, booties and other basic pieces you probably already have.

Hope these bonus looks help you visualize other looks you’d like to recreate for yourself :) Enjoy!

How to wear a long cardigan – Bonus look #1:

Have a printed cardi? Mix it with neutrals!

This way the long cardigan stays as the hero piece. Play with similar colors in the same palette for the accessories. That’s why I added a pink hat and pink boots.

The outfit formula:

Printed Cardi + T-shirt + Spanx Leggings + Winter Boots + Pink hat

How to wear a long cardigan – Bonus look #2:

Remember to include printed t-shirts or pants when creating your own looks! It’s not just about neutrals (I can’t believe I just said that!).

If you have graphic T-shirts, those are great too. I don’t have any, that’s why I didn’t include them, but feel free to use them if you have them, because they are super cool and definitely less basic than a white t-shirt.

The outfit formula:

Green cardi + Graphic T-shirt + Spanx Leggings + Sneakers

How to wear a long cardigan – Bonus look #3:

If you don’t know what to do, remember you can never go wrong by wearing neutrals.

Dressing in the same color is not as hard as it sounds, you just have to keep it simple and if you want to break the pattern a little bit, then add one printed piece.

That’s pretty much it!

The outfit formula:

Grey cardi + Grey pants + White T-shirt + Printed booties

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Does your closet pass this test?

Take this 2-minute quiz to find out! It’s fun :) But most importantly, I’ll tell you what to do next with your closet. The goal here is to help you find your personal style!

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Ways to wear a cardigan – 30 old looks (but still relevant)

There a different ways to wear a cardigan and as always, I try to go back and add other times I’ve styled long cardigans. I’ve had a lot of different ones, and I usually have 3 at a time (I promise no more than that). I’ve styled them in many different ways and for all seasons too.

Here are some of my favorites looks. These are literally all the times I’ve styled a long cardigan over the past 7 years! (at least all the times I’ve taken photos with one).

This is why it’s important to have a classic style that is timeless. You won’t have to constantly shop or following random trends. Invest in pieces that will last you forever and spice things up with accessories.

I promise you will be a lot happier with less material things!

How to style a long cardigan in classic ways:

As you can see, I’ve had a few but they’ve never been too crazy and I always style them all year round. At the same time however, if you pay close attention, you’ll see that I do repeat them a lot and always mix them with very classic and timeless pieces.

Care instructions for long cardigans

There are some nice long cardigans that you have to take to the dry cleaners. However, it’s not convenient for me to have a lot of pieces that need extra care now that I’m traveling full time.

I always wash my long cardigan with cold water with the rest of my delicates and let it air dry. Don’t put your sweaters in the drier!

What to wear under a long cardigan?

I usually wear a cami or a T-shirt. But you can wear a thin sweater or a long sleeve top too. Also, don’t forget you can also wear a dress under your cardigan. In very few occasions I also wear a button down shirt and it looks really good too!

*Important to remember: when choosing what to wear under a cardigan or long cardigan, in most cases you won’t be able to wear a top with puffed or detailed sleeves. It doesn’t look good when you add the cardigan on top.

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Read These Posts Next:

• How to create a spring capsule wardrobe with just 25 pieces
• How to find your personal style
• 7 timeless pieces you can wear ALL year!

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Final thoughts about long cardigans:

You don’t need these exact pieces to recreate these looks, that’s why I add an outfit formula for each look; to inspire you to have fun with your closet and use whatever colors you have, and to add your own personal touch with accessories and whatever that makes you, YOU ⭐️

As I explained above, one way to start is to take all the pieces from a specific formula out, put them in your bed or floor and then see what works with what. Taking everything out will help you have a visual of what you can work with.

Trust me, if you take them all out, it will be so much easier to see what works and what doesn’t. Also, it always helps to take photos of the looks you like and have them handy for those days when ‘you have nothing to wear’.

After doing this a few times, you’ll get the hang of it and before you know it you’ll be creating your very own outfits without giving it a second thought! And that’s exactly what I want. I’m just here to guide you through the process, to inspire some looks and to help you shop for pieces you’ll be able to wear multiple times, for many years and in a such a classic way that you will rarely go back and see an old photo of yourself and think; what the heck was I thinking!?

Anyways… long goodbye as usual…

Thanks so much for stopping! If you have any questions please leave them in the comments below.

Thanks for being here :)

XO,

Aimara

PS: don’t forget to take the closet score quiz today! By simply answering 7 questions, I can assess the state of your closet and tell you exactly what to do next. It’s free and it takes 20 seconds!

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About The Author:

Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own. 

I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.

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Did you learn how to wear a long cardigan today? Please share these long cardigan outfits on Pinterest!

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