8 Brand-New Ways to Rock a Cardigan

Here’s an example of how adding a third piece to any outfit can instantly make you look more fashionable. A cardigan and dress alone will certainly keep you warm, but layering a belt over both makes the final look much more interesting (and waist-defining). 

Get the look: American Eagle Outfitters ($50); Banana Republic ($106); Cupcakes and Cashmere ($150); Anine Bing ($229)

We particularly love this trick for when we’re bored with our other blouses. Button it up all the way or leave just a couple undone, and suddenly you have a whole host of new shirts to play with.

Get the look: Old Navy ($25); Leith ($55); Draper James for ELOQUII ($95); Alice + Olivia ($395)

If you’re going to wear your cardigan like a shirt, take it a step further and layer it like one, too. Rock it under a blazer for work or with a denim jacket for the weekend.

Get the look: 1901 ($79); Ann Taylor ($80); Knot Sisters ($115); Marc Jacobs ($425)

The trick here is to choose a cardigan that hits a couple of inches above the hem of your skirt for a look that’s perfectly proportioned and totally on trend.

Get the look: ModCloth ($49); Madewell ($98); Vince Camuto ($159); Joie ($180)

Cape-ing, verb: To drape a jacket or sweater over your shoulders instead of slipping your arms through the sleeves. It’s a great trick for hanging onto your jacket while looking chic and nonchalant. Fastening the top button of a sweater has the same stylish effect without the worry of it slipping.

Get the look: Torrid ($49); Palava ($79); Field Flower ($158); Antik Batik ($271)

This super-cozy style not only lets you feel like you’re sporting your favorite cashmere robe all day, it’s also a cool alternative to a light jacket while the weather has yet to reach truly cold temperatures.

Get the look: Ellos ($63); Lane Bryant ($80); Addition Elle ($119); Tibi ($330); Madeleine Thompson ($515)

No need to go shopping for a trendy new sweater dress. Simply button and tie your favorite maxi cardigan and wear it as a dress in its own right, just like Coterie member Monroe Steele. Tip: Go up a size to help with any pulling around the buttons.

Get the look: BP. ($33); Topshop ($80); Halogen ($101); Eileen Fisher ($311)

A sweater and skirt combo feels much more fresh and contemporary than the shell-and-cardigan sets of yore. 

Get the look: J.Crew cardigan ($90) and skirt ($118); Akemi + Kim cardigan ($188) and skirt ($70); Kate Spade New York cardigan ($298) and skirt ($298)