How to Wear a Cardigan Without Looking Frumpy This Fall
If you grew up with a mom or grandmother who lived in cardigans, you probably remember them as prim little sweaters—buttoned all the way up and more “school librarian” than stylish. Sweet, but not exactly chic.
Fast forward to Fall 2025, and cardigans are having a major revival. Think color, texture, bold patterns, and even unexpected details. The right cardigan is no longer a boring 1950s staple—it’s a wardrobe essential that can look downright fabulous.
The trick is knowing how to style them so they feel current and flattering, not dated or frumpy. Let’s talk about how to wear cardigans this Fall, what to avoid, and which ones are worth trying.
Leopard Cardigans are Hot! animal print cardigan | pants | shoes| earrings
A fresh take – colorblocked cardigan with high-low hem
What to Avoid So You Don’t Look Outdated
Cardigans can look amazing, but they can also age you if you’re not careful. Here are a few habits to skip:
- Buttoning every button from top to bottom (looks stiff and boxy)
- Wearing very short, cropped-length cardigans that hit at the midsection and rides up when you move
- Super thin fabrics that cling to every lump and bump
- Outdated skirt pairings; Think long denim or pleated midi skirts that add bulk
- Dull colors and color combinations that don’t feel modern
open- knit cardigan | jeans | booties | bag | earrings
The Best Cardigan Colors and Prints for Fall 2025
Designers are into colorful cardigans in rich, playful shades this season. Here are some worth trying:
Wine and Burgundy: Seasonal without being predictable, perfect with denim or gray. I like this port wine scallop crewneck cardigan, and the texture makes it cozy.
Teal and Peacock Blue: Jewel tones that flatter most skin tones and feel fresh. Teal makes this fine-knit cardigan feel modern.
Deep Green: Rich and earthy, gorgeous with cream or plaid. Very town-and-country chic. This green Mongolian cashmere cardigan is pure luxury.
Brown: Both cool and warm Browns are the new black! They’re rich and cozy.
Strawberry: A little unexpected for Fall, but bold and energizing. It instantly perks up denim. I love this casual strawberry cardigan and this dressier one.
Animal Print: Leopard, zebra, and snakeskin cardigans work like a neutral while still adding punch.
Colorblock Cardigan – Modern and graphic. I’m loving the high-low hem version at Banana Republic.
Trending Cardigans – It’s all in the Details
Here’s what’s hot, and the details that make them feel modern!
Short Sleeve Cardigan
Cool, comfortable, and yes, perfect if you’re still dealing with hot flashes, Lol!
Ruffle Cardigan
You’ll find many cardigans with girly touches, such as ruffles at the neck and sleeves. This one has such an elegant look!
Striped Cardigan
Stripes are always popular, and this Fall is no exception. Look for long and cropped cardigans with classic stripes woven into gorgeous modern knits.
Marled Open Knit Cardigan
Open-knit cardigans that hint at peek-a-boo are trending. (* Here’s what to wear under open-knit sweaters, in case you are wondering.)
Flare Sleeve Cardigan
I’ve noticed a lot of cardigans this Fall with shapely and flared sleeves. This touch of drama instantly updates a classic look.
Styling Cardigans for Fall 2025
The cardigan may be classic, but the way we’re wearing it this Fall feels very current. Instead of thinking of it as just a layer to toss on when you’re chilly, treat your cardigan as the centerpiece of your outfit. Here’s how to make yours look stylish right now:
cardigan | pants | scarf | bag | boots | earrings
1. Pair With Wide-Leg Pants and a Scarf
Wide-leg trousers and jeans are everywhere for Fall 2025, and they balance the softer feel of a cardigan perfectly. Wear this luxe brick colored cashmere cardigan (with the last two buttons undone) with sleek black wide-leg pants and a chic scarf. ( Scarves are another big trend you can read about here.)
Add a suede woven bag and sleek brown booties to finish off this classy look.
Shaker cardigan | satin skirt | shoes
2. Wear with a Satin Skirt
Skirts are back this Fall and look fabulous with a cardigan. Try pairing a fine cashmere cardigan with a buttery soft leather pencil skirt, or wear a ribbed, cropped V-neck Shaker cardigan with a silky satin midi skirt.
cardigan | jeans | boots | bag | earrings |bracelets
3. Wear Cropped Cardigans With High-Waisted Jeans
High-rise denim and trousers are still going strong, and cropped cardigans are the perfect partner. Look for bold colors or animal prints that hit at the waist to highlight your shape.
4. Go Tonal
Head-to-toe tonal outfits are still big for Fall 2025. Try a teal cardigan with navy trousers and a soft blue blouse, or a wine-colored cardigan with burgundy pants. This creates a polished, intentional look that’s very on trend without feeling forced.
5. Play With Half-Tucked Styling
Instead of buttoning all the way or wearing it loose, button just the middle few and tuck the front into your jeans. Some say it’s the modern way to wear a cardi. I’m still on the fence—what do you think?
green cardigan | jeans | bag | loafers | earrings
6. Mix With Fall Textures
Texture is a major focus this season. Pair your colorful cardigan with leather pants, suede skirts, or corduroy jeans to keep things interesting. Or wear a tweed sweater with jeans and add suede accessories.
honeycomb cardigan| chambray shirt
7. Layered
Drape your cardigan over your shoulders like a cape for instant polish. Or, layer a long textured cardigan over a chambray shirt for a preppy, town-and-country vibe.
8. Treat It Like Outerwear
Longline cardigans (a.k.a. coatigans) are stepping in for lightweight coats. Wear them open over a fitted top and cropped pants, then pair them with loafers or ankle boots—instant Fall layering without the bulk.
How to Pick the Best Cardigan for Your Body Shape
- Petite figures look best in cropped or hip-length cardigans, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Tall women can pull off duster-length cardigans with ease.
- Curvy shapes benefit from cardigans with open fronts or vertical ribbing that draw the eye down.
- Straight body types can create curves by belting or layering over dresses.
Shop More Cardigans for Fall and Winter 2025:
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I have a hard time with these cardigans too. I like the unbuttoned style at the top and at the bottom – takes away the prim & proper of the 50’s style cardigan. Great ideas you came up with! I had a petite friend I lost due to illness and she turned me on to jackets instead of soft sweaters in the 2000’s. So I got away from cardigans completely. Keep posting these!!
Hi Bonnie, I like jackets but sometimes you just want something that is a little softer and more comfy. I too had gotten away from cardigans so it’s nice to see there’s more choice now and ways to wear them. The cropped chunkier ones look especially good with the high waisted wide leg jeans that are trending! Cheers, Deb
What great ideas (except a hard pass on that “half tuck”)! I recently purchased the Ann cardigan in that lovely teal as well as the chocolate. Two of your ideas will be my first choices – wearing them with my trouser leg jeans and with my Quince silk skirts. :) I also like your tonal outfit idea and the idea of mixing them with other pieces of clothing that have texture. Thank you so much! I just didn’t want to look “school librarian”. No offense to any actual librarians out there!
Hi Carolyn,
I agree about that half tuck. It looks odd, and a bit sloppy too in my eyes. Thanks for dropping by! Cheers, Deborah