Do you guys remember the time when pretty much everyone was wearing cardigans, leggings or sweatpants, UGGs and infinity scarves?! We'd loop our scarves around and around until there was no room left and walk around like we owned the place! I mean, we did (but God, please don't bring that combo back). That's typically what I think of when it comes to cardigan outfits but thankfully, times have changed. And. So. Has. Fashion!
There's no longer one way to wear a cardigan. Wanna wear a teeny tiny one as a top? Go ahead, but don't forget these leather pants. Don't wanna bother with pants at all? Wear a long cardigan as a dress. Love the form-fitting look? A cardigan bodycon is your girl. All about drama? Throw on an oversized cardi. There are so many combos for styling the trendiest cardigans of the season, which is why we came through with some major inspo for ya. From rib knits to cashmere, we'll have you cozy and chic all season long. Ahead, 15 sweet 'fits that'll make you fall deeper in love with sweater weather.
our top picks for the best cardigan outfits in 2023:
Yeah, we see ya. Go ahead, wrap yourself up in that cashmere. Sip some hot cocoa and look out the window as if you're the main character of a movie. Have your cardigan flap in the wind like the hero you are! Live your best life and look snuggly and stylish while doing it. But before you go and do that, you're gonna need these white button downs, winter white pants, wide leg denim (my faves), to upgrade your wardrobe and complete your look, kk?
How cute is this buttoned-down, over-the-shoulder look? Throw on a white tank and tuck this rib-knit cardigan into your fave ripped jeans for an effortlessly chic vibe.
You need to try this: A slinky black lace dress and an oversized knit. A natural color sweater makes for great contrast. We're sure you'll be obsessed with this one. Head's up: hand wash before wearing to avoid shedding!
Make a statement with a bold color—this cardigan featuring a subtle twist design and silver buttons is not only super soft, but it's cropped perfectly so you can wear with your fave high-waist pants and edgy black booties.
Pastel bbs, this one's for you. This color-blocked chunky knit is mid-weight, breathable, and would go perf with a baby blue bodycon dress and soft cream tracksole boots.
The way to my heart is wearing pretty colors like this one. Seriously, with this sage stripe cardigan, you'll slay at school and while you're running errands. A nice white blouse, cargos, and a pair of New Balances will complete this cozy vibe.
Apparently, this floral one is just as adorbs in person as it is in pictures. And it's not scratchy—yay! Expect all the compliments when you wear it with short trousers, a printed tee, and minimal jewelry.
Perf for lounging around during the chillier months, you'll love wearing this as you glide across your bedroom barefoot or with your fuzzy socks! Slip into some chill loafers if you're heading out.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
this cardigan bodycon
The House of LRC Icon Rib Cardigan Dress in Cotton
this cardigan bodycon
The House of LRC Icon Rib Cardigan Dress in Cotton
We love a peekaboo moment. Show off your complexion in these rich-hued cardigans (comes in rust and beige) and style with a pair of light-washed jeans and white accessories.
This cardigan comes in six diff hues and has over 300 positive reviews! I'm loving this pistachio-colored one (they're callin' it "seafoam") and its pairing with a pair of crisp, beige chinos and black loafers.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. The best cardigan outfits for women were chosen based off of style, coziness, material, functionality, popularity, personal recommendations, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.