Today I am bringing you tips on selecting and styling long cardigans. These cardigans can be really comfy and cute additions to a fall wardrobe, but they can also look unflattering and frumpy depending on their fabric, style, fit, and length.
Here are guidelines to help you select a cardigan you can feel great about wearing:
Fabric: To avoid added bulk, opt for cardigans made of thinner materials rather than chunky or cable knits.
Style: Avoid cardigans with baggy pockets or bell sleeves to prevent adding width to the hip area. Choose solid colored cardigans over printed or striped cardigans.
Fit: If you are 5’4″ or shorter, you may need to purchase petite sizes in longer cardigans.
Length: Choose cardigans that fall above the knee rather than at mid-calf (unless you are very tall and thin).
Styling Tips and Outfit Formulas:
- Pair long cardigans with slim pants such as skinny jeans, leggings, and ponte pants.
- Wear pointed-toe pumps to elongate your legs and make you appear taller.
- For a slimming effect, go monochromatic with your top base layer and your pants.
- Wear a Y-necklace to visually elongate your top half.
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Casual Outfit Formula
Drape-Front Cardigan + Striped Tee + Skinny Jeans + Ankle Boots
Gray Cardigan | Black & White Striped Tee | Burgundy Skinny Jeans | Black Booties | Black Tote | Chandelier Earrings
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Athleisure Outfit Formula
Knit or Jersey Cardigan + Graphic Tee + Leggings + Sneakers
Gray Cardigan | White Graphic Tee | Black Leggings | Black Sneakers* | Black Backpack | Silver Studs
*I have these Adidas shoes and really like them, but they definitely run big according to both my experience and the reviews I have read. I recommend going at least a half size down from what you typically wear in an athletic shoe.*
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Workwear Outfit Formula
Fine-Gauge Cardigan + Sleeveless Top + Ponte Pants + Pointed-Toe Pumps
Blue Cardigan | Black Sleeveless Top | Black Ponte Pants | Black Patent Pumps | Black Patent Tote | Silver Y-Necklace | Silver Hoops | Silver Bracelet
Please Share: Which of these looks is your favorite?
Link Ups: Get Your Pretty On | Classy Yet Trendy | Lady in Violet | I Do deClaire | Jo-Lynne Shane
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Laura says
I’ve been replacing most of my cardigans with long cardigans because they are so much cozier and I think they can be more flattering! Most of my other cardigans hit at my waist and added bulk. These are much cuter. Love your outfit formulas!
Midwestern Melissa says
Thanks, Laura! I am in the process of trying to add some longer cardigans to my wardrobe, too. 🙂