17 Simple Ways to Style Your Knit Cardigan All Year Round

Is there anything better than bundling up in a cozy knit cardigan when the weather starts to cool? Well, it’s time to pull out your favorite knit cardigans and get ready to live your best comfy-chic life! Whether you’re cozying up on the couch, heading out for a coffee run, or off to work, this post is here to help you unlock the true potential of the knit cardigan.

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Knit Cardigan

Fall is my favorite time of the year to dig through my fashion storage bins and bring out all my cozy knitwear, but there’s one piece I never pack away: my knit cardigans. They’re basically season-proofβ€”you can rock them all year round, whether it’s a breezy evening on a beach trip or battling the AC in your chilly office during summer.

If I’m ever in the mood to replace a cardigan or try out a trendy new style, I start shopping around Labor Day. The sales are on point, and it’s when most brands are dropping their new fall arrivalsβ€”perfect timing for a little wardrobe refresh!

If you’re on the hunt for a new knit cardigan, you’re in the right place! From effortlessly cool oversized fits to chic cropped styles, I’ve gathered a bunch of stylish and affordable options. By the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of great picksβ€”plus 17 effortless ways to style your new favorite knit cardigan!

Get ready to discover your perfect knit cardigan and rock it with all the confidence you’ve got!

Best Knit Cardigan Outfits

1. How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Jeans

How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Jeans

The easiest way to style a cardigan is with jeansβ€”it’s the PB&J of fashion; you really can’t go wrong. For a fresh twist, try pairing a cinched waist cardigan with skinny flare jeans for a modern, flattering silhouette.

Shop The LOOK BELOW

How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Jeans

REVOLVE

Sanna Cardigan

$298

How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Jeans

VERONICA BEARD

Beverly Flare Jean

$298

How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Jeans

TORY BURCH

Capri Heel Sandal

$248

2. Knit Cardigan Styled With a White Button Up

Knit Cardigan Styled With a White Button Up

Ditch the stiff blazers and go for a cardigan insteadβ€”it’s the ultimate office upgrade! Pairing a cozy, oversized knit cardigan with a crisp white button-up gives you that perfect mix of relaxed yet polished vibes, making you ready to tackle any meeting in style. 

For a similar vibe, try the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweaterβ€”soft, luxurious, and perfect for nailing that comfy-chic office style.

3. Shorts & Tights Knit Cardigan Outfit

how to wear cardigans ideas

Don’t pack away your shorts just yet! Transition them into fall by pairing with tights and a chic knit cardigan. The red Scarlett Cardigan from Lovers & Friends adds a bold pop of color, making it the perfect piece to keep your look stylish and cozy as the temperatures drop.

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how to wear cardigans ideas

LOVERS & FRIENDS

Scarlett Cardigan

$168

how to wear cardigans ideas

FREE PEOPLE

Alessia Micro Short

$68

how to wear cardigans ideas

Wolford

Neon 40 Tights

$49

4. How to Style a Knit Cardigan with Dresses

Cardigans over dresses are a match made in heaven, and this look proves it! Pairing a chic, delicate cardigan with a flowy maxi dress creates a perfectly elegant yet relaxed vibe. It’s the ultimate way to transition your favorite summer dresses into fall, and make them work all year round.

5. Ballet Core Knit Cardigan

Ballet Core Knit Cardigan

Embrace the balletcore trend with a soft, romantic knit cardigan. This wrap-style cardigan is perfect for layering over a lace-trimmed slip dress or camisole, creating an effortlessly graceful vibe. Pair it with leg warmers and delicate satin ballet flats to complete the aesthetic.

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Ballet Core Knit Cardigan

QUINCE

Washable Silk Dress

$79.90

Ballet Core Knit Cardigan

FREE PEOPLE

Rib Leg Warmer

$58

Ballet Core Knit Cardigan

STORETS

Sidney Ballet Flats

$98.90

6. Oversized Collar Cardigan

Rocking an oversized collar cardigan is a statement moveβ€”just keep it easy and chic! Pair it with fitted jeans or slim pants to balance the oversized fit, and layer it over a simple tee, or keep it buttoned up and wear it as a top. Feeling extra bold? Add a fun statement shoe for an effortlessly cool vibe.

How cute is this ruffled edge collar from Anthropologie!

7. Long Cardigan Outfit

Long Cardigan Outfit

A long cardigan is basically your BFF when the winter chill kicks in. Too cold to even think about getting dressed in the morning? No worriesβ€”this knit cardigan is your secret weapon for nailing that laid-back yet polished vibe.

It effortlessly upgrades a basic combo of wide-leg jeans and a white tee, making it look like you actually tried. Toss on some oversized statement earrings and grab a structured bag, and boomβ€”you’ve got a chic outfit that took you all of two minutes to pull together.

8. Colorful Knit Cardigan

Colorful Knit Cardigan


Brighten up your day by pairing a colorful ombre cardigan with neutral pieces for a fun, standout look that still feels put together.

9. Casual Knit Cardigan Outfit

Casual Knit Cardigan Outfit

For a laid-back vibe, throw on your knit cardigan with some shorts or joggers, and you’re all set for a comfy yet stylish day out. Extra style points if you rock it with crew socks and sneakers! Need some inspo? Check out my blog post on how to style crew socks for all the tips and tricks to nail the look.

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Casual Knit Cardigan Outfit

AMERICAN VINTAGE

Zolly Cardigan

$198

Casual Knit Cardigan Outfit

NIKE

Windrunner Shorts

$50

Casual Knit Cardigan Outfit

THE BFF SHOP

Pink Crew Socks

$6.50

10. How to Style a Chunky Knit Cardigan

How to Style a Chunky Knit Cardigan

Chunky knit cardigans are basically wearable blankets, but way cuter. Pair them with a unitard or straight leg jeans to balance out the bulk and keep the look polished and cute. The Aspen Cardigan from Rumored pictured above is available in a variety of dreamy pastel shades.

11. How to Style a Cable Knit Cardigan

How to Style a Cable Knit Cardigan

Cable knit cardigans give off major coastal-grandma vibes and are so fun to style. Keep it chic and monochromatic by pairing one with white jeans and a matching top for a clean, breezy look.

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How to Style a Cable Knit Cardigan

FREE PEOPLE

Bonfire Cardi

$148

How to Style a Cable Knit Cardigan

SEZANE

Le Crop Jeans

$125

How to Style a Cable Knit Cardigan

COS

The Clean Cut Tee

$45

12. Tucked in Knit Cardigan

Try tucking in your cardigan into your jeans and adding a belt for a no fail-chic outfit. Pair with booties for the perfect day to night look.

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chic cardigan outfit

REVOLVE

Miles Cardigan

$99

chic cardigan outfit

Anthropologie

Keeper Belt

$86

chic cardigan outfit

SAM EDELMAN

Daria Block Bootie

$160

13. Striped Cardigan Outfit

Striped Cardigan Outfit

A striped knit cardigan is a total game-changer when worn with your go-to jeans. Just throw it on and let the stripes do all the talking for a polished twist on your everyday look. Try the J.Crew Emile Cardigan for a perfect fit!

14. Short Sleeve Knit Cardigan

Short Sleeve Knit Cardigan

A short sleeve knit cardigan is a perfect blend of casual and chic, making it a go-to for easy styling. Pair it with high-waisted jeans and strappy sandals for a polished yet laid-back vibe that works for everything from brunch to casual Fridays at the office. For an affordable option, check out H&M’s Short Sleeve knit cardigan that offers the same stylish look without breaking the bank!

15. Beige Knit Cardigan & Black Jeans

cardigan outfit ideas


A beige cardigan paired with black jeans is a timeless combo that’s effortlessly sleek and perfect for any occasionβ€”think coffee runs, casual meetings, or a laid-back day out in the city.

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cardigan outfit ideas

& Other StorieS

Boxy Cardigan

$99

cardigan outfit ideas

ALOHAS

South Boot

$285

cardigan outfit ideas

MADEWELL

’90s Straight Jean

$128

16. Maxi Slip Skirt & Structured Knit Cardigan

ways to wear a cardigan


Style a maxi slip skirt with a structured cardigan for that perfect mix of cozy and classyβ€”because who says you can’t be comfy and look polished at the same time? This combo nails it every time!

17. Slouch Denim Jeans Styled With a Cardigan

ways to wear a cardigan

Pairing slouchy denim jeans with a cozy cardigan is the ultimate laid-back look that’s both comfy and effortlessly cool. Perfect for those days when you want to feel relaxed but still look like you’ve got that casual chic down to a science!

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ways to wear a cardigan

REVOLVE

Hugo Cardigan

$170

ways to wear a cardigan

FRAME

Drawstring Jean

$298

ways to wear a cardigan

DISSH

Theo Tank

$49.99

Find Your Favorite Knit Cardigan Outfits

As you can see, knit cardigans are the ultimate wardrobe MVPs, ready to elevate your style in countless ways all year round. From office-ready looks to laid-back weekend vibes, there’s a cardigan outfit for every occasion and mood.

Whether you’re mixing it up with statement pieces, embracing chic monochromes, or keeping it casual with your favorite jeans, the knit cardigan’s versatility has you covered. So go ahead, experiment with these styles, and make the knit cardigan your go-to piece for that perfect mix of comfort and style.

This post is all about discovering new ways to style your knit cardigan, so you can stay chic, cozy, and totally on-trend no matter the season!

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Check back weekly and see what I’ve put together. You can also find more daily looks in the styled look section of my blog here!

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