I can’t imagine not having casual cardigans in my wardrobe, particularly for fall. Not only do they add a nice layer of warmth when coat season just hasn’t arrived yet, but they can top off an outfit and make it look more finished. Yet, just like any other wardrobe staple, frequent wear can start to feel repetitive after a while.
The keys to changing up cardigan looks is to have a variety of styles in your wardrobe. The second key is to change up the outfits with accessories and the pieces you wear with them. If it is common to just throw a cardigan over a t-shirt and jeans and you’re bored, take a look at these additional outfits below for some ideas.
Casual Cardigan Outfits for Fall
Outfit #1
For this first look, I used this J. Crew jewel neck cardigan that is a perfect piece for work. It can also be worn on the weekends when styled more casually. In the outfit above I did just that. I layered a chambray shirt under the cardigan and styled it with these black skinny jeans from Madewell. Finishing the outfit, I added these nude flats from Nine West, pearl necklace from Majorica, Tory Burch enamel clutch and Marc Jacobs tote.
If you look at the components of the outfit, it’s just a button down shirt, basic cardigan and jeans. However, it the combination of color, print and the accessories that makes the outfit more interesting.
Outfit #2
Relaxed casual cardigans, like this one from Elie Tahari, are very common in the wardrobes of women. They’re comfy, easy, and can cover a ton of problem areas on the body. They’re also easy to wear with leggings because they cover the butt. In the outfit above, I used a pair of faux suede leggings in camel from Karen Kane, a style that many of my clients love, and layered a sleeveless tunic t-shirt from Three Dots with the look. Finishing the outfit, I used these booties from Nordstrom, fringe pendant, and grey shopper from Frye.
The outfit is simple and easy to wear. And, while it is common, what you wear with this look is important to avoid boredom. With such a neutral base, try having several shoe options, a few different pieces of jewelry and maybe a few scarves. This way the look can change and you can feel like you have more variety with less in your closet.
Outfit #3
Sometimes it is the simplest of tweaks to an outfit that can make a huge difference. Here, I styled this casual cardigan look with a pair of loafers from Cole Haan in bright pink. The outfit itself, consisting of a navy cardigan from Banana Republic, ballet neck t-shirt from Boden and matchstick jeans from J. Crew, that is finished with a navy bag from Vince Camuto, bangle from Ann Taylor and multistrand necklace from LOFT, is quite simple. It’s the shoes that add some interest. This is how simple it can be to make your casual cardigans look more interesting.
Casual cardigans are often quite simple and basic. However, it is what you do to these pieces that make them look more stylish. This fall, be sure to add some spice and flavor to your stalwart cardigans to create fashionable looks.
Shop for casual cardigans
Looking to add some casual cardigans to your wardrobe? Check out these additional styles.