How to Actually Look Cool in a Cardigan (2024)

FAQs

How do I not look fat in cardigan? ›

Wear form-fitting clothes underneath or a dress that's belted. Especially when the cardigan is slouchy, make sure the silhouette underneath is form-fitting; otherwise you will look larger than you are. A body-con dress like this one works well under a long cardigan.

The easiest way to wear the cardigan is over straight-leg jeans and a T-shirt – oversized styles are key to prevent your look from being twee. Or tuck it into high-waisted trousers for a slimmer silhouette. Alternatively, invest in a fine knit version and belt it over a midi skirt – a great winter workwear option.

All you need to do is tuck your sweater in a little at the front and then leave the sides and back out. The excess sweater on the sides will give your total look a more slimming appearance. Alternatively you could also just do the half tuck trick on one side. This is such an easy trick.

Leaving the top button open will expose a bit more of the tie, and allow the cardigan to stand in for a suit vest. On the other side of things, a cardigan that has only its top button undone will allow more air to circulate while still allowing for a more structured and formal look.

Wearing a sweater set can significantly age a woman over 20, according to Harper's Bazaar. They might seem sensible, but in reality, the combo of a cardigan over a matching shell just screams little old lady, even when you don't mean for it to.

Good news: whereas chunky sweaters/jumpers look bulky on women who are chubby or muscular on the upper body, cardigans suit all bodytypes no matter what their thickness is. Even best: they are very flattering. This is because they create vertical slimming lines on the upper body.

Make sure the shape isn't one that's going to completely swallow you. If it's a batwing or cocoon style cardigan, plan to wear form-fitting layers underneath, since they add volume to your middle. Skinny jeans, a tapered waist, and a belt will provide definition under your cardigan and keep you from looking frumpy.

Use Versatile Pieces. Button-up shirts worn over a tank or t-shirt and under a chunky sweater is a timeless, classy winter look that'll keep you cozy on the coldest days. Don't be afraid to get creative when layering and put versatile pieces like denim shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters to work.

A neutral color adds versatility to any clothing item, especially for sweaters. A black, beige, gray, dark blue, or deep brown sweater is easy to dress up or wear casually, making it a great addition to any capsule closet.

Black never fails to make you look slim and elegant. Darker shades of colors like blue, purple and brown can also help to hide flaws and create a slimming illusion. On the other hand, lighter colors, like white and khaki, can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame.

Do cardigans look professional? ›

Cardigans. You might be surprised to see this one here, but cardigans are casual sweaters. Although they look good when paired with dress shirts or dress slacks, they are not meant for professional settings.

A cardigan should fit snugly around the chest and shoulders, but be loose enough to comfortably layer over a shirt or blouse. The sleeves should hit the wrist, and the hem should fall just below the hip.

Use a disposable razor to get rid of fuzzballs on your sweater. If your sweater becomes overrun with fuzz, you can purchase a dedicated pill remover, or you can simply use a disposable razor and carefully shave off the fuzzballs one-by-one. A pumice stone and even the textured side of a sponge will work, too.