How to style a cardigan: 5 looks from the store
A cardigan is that piece that holds a look together without overpowering it. Worn open, it becomes a jacket; buttoned up, it serves as a top. Here, we show you how to style long and short cardigans, which materials are best for what, and five complete looks currently hanging in our store.
Long or short cardigan?
The simplest rule: A long, loose cardigan needs a clean line underneath, while a short cardigan thrives on a high waist. Long and oversized cuts include the Arch4 Cedar with its wide shawl collar, the KUJTEN Caroline made of 6-ply cashmere, and the Róhe Statement Shoulder Cardigan with structured shoulders. For a shorter look, try the Filippa K Short Cardigan in merino wool, which is slim-fitting and ends at hip height, or the Arch4 Janelle, which features a slightly cropped silhouette.
Cashmere, wool, mohair or cotton
The material determines when you wear a cardigan. Made from 100% cashmere, the Arch4 Cedar and the KUJTEN Caroline are soft, warm, and light enough for layering. Wool with a cashmere blend is used by Ladneri Luce (70% wool, 30% cashmere) and By Aylin Koenig Greta (75% extrafine merino, 25% cashmere). The Gestuz models, made with mohair or alpaca, are fluffy and textured. For the transition season, cardigans with cotton are perfect, such as the GANNI Cotton Cashmere Crochet or the Marant Étoile Lona, which combines cotton and wool.
Five looks with a cardigan
1. Long cardigan with wide jeans
The Arch4 Cedar in Gunmetal Marl has an oversized fit, with a V-neck and a draped shawl collar. It pairs perfectly with the Marant Étoile Rodayna in Faded Black, wide-leg jeans with pleated legs. Since both pieces have a relaxed fit, we keep the rest simple: a basic shirt underneath and the Isabel Marant Dalby Boots in Chocolate.
2. Short cardigan with pleated trousers
The Filippa K Short Cardigan in Laurel Green ends at the hip, making it a great match for a high waist. We pair it with the Róhe Daria in dark brown, crafted from 100% virgin wool with a single pleat and straight leg. Green and brown together create a warm autumn look.
3. Buttoned up as a top with a midi skirt
The Ladneri Luce in Wine features a deep V-neck and a full-length button placket. Buttoned up, you can wear it like a sweater—for example, tucked over the Marant Étoile Bisane, a straight midi skirt made of brown faux suede. The Dalby Boots complete the look.
4. Light-colored cardigan over silk
The By Aylin Koenig Greta in White offers a light, versatile base tone. Worn open over the Róhe Pleated Silk Blouse, made of pure silk with a pleated front, and paired with the Marant Étoile Oriane barrel jeans in light blue, it creates a soft look for the office and the weekend.
5. Wrap cardigan as a statement
The Róhe Off-Shoulder Wrap Cardigan, made of 70% wool and 30% cashmere, leaves one shoulder bare and is fastened at the waist with a safety pin. It is the statement piece of the outfit, so the trousers remain understated: the Marant Étoile Ruthie in Caramel, a pair of straight, ankle-length corduroy trousers.
Alexandra's Point of View: "I ask myself who could wear a piece, how it can be styled, and what looks can emerge from it. I never just think in terms of individual products. I think in terms of complete styles."
Alexandra Jander, Founder and Fashion Curator of ABOUT.ALEXA
Cardigans in beige, gray, black and blue
Light tones like white, bouleau, or dark sand look calm and are easy to combine with almost anything, as seen with the By Aylin Koenig Greta, the KUJTEN Caroline, or the By Malene Birger Montie. The Arch4 Cedar in Gunmetal Marl brings in the gray. Black is the base for sharp looks, such as the By Aylin Koenig Amira made of 100% new wool. Blue is represented by the Gestuz Debbie in Navy Melange. For those who want more color, there is the Róhe Classic in red, the Ladneri Luce in wine, or the Marant Étoile Lona in old pink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I wear with a long cardigan?
A long, loose cardigan pairs well with a clean line underneath: a simple shirt and straight or wide-leg trousers. If both the trousers and the cardigan are loose, muted colors will keep the look cohesive.
What kind of trousers go with a short cardigan?
A short cardigan works best with high-waisted trousers, such as pleated trousers or high-rise jeans, ensuring the waist remains visible.
Can a cardigan be worn buttoned up?
Yes. You can wear a buttoned-up cardigan like a sweater; models with V-necks and full-length button plackets work particularly well with skirts and dress trousers.
Try on cardigans in Dortmund
You can find all models in our Cardigan Collection and at our store at Brauhausstraße 3-5 in Dortmund. You can find matching pieces under Trousers, Jeans, and Skirts. If you would like help styling, book a styling consultation.
