How to Style a Cardigan With a Dress

A great-fitting, women’s dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable isn’t difficult to find if you look in the right places. When the fabric hangs just right, accentuates all the right parts, and is in a color that makes you shine, you want to wear it all the time. Unfortunately, wearing the same dress every day may make you feel like you're wearing more of a uniform than an occasional outfit. In addition, the different seasons might prevent you from wearing it comfortably. After all, that spaghetti-strap dress won’t feel too warm in the wintertime.

There are some ways to get away with these tricks though, without anyone noticing. And the easiest, most practical way is to wear your favorite dress with a women’s cardigan sweater. Here are our tips on how to style a cardigan with a dress so you can wear it more often and look extra stylish.

How to Style a Cardigan With a Dress When the Temperatures Rise

Wearing a sweater during the summer months may not seem like an obvious choice for styling a dress, but it makes a lot of sense. After all, how often are summer temperatures so perfect that the air hitting your skin is the exact temperature that you want it to be? Whether outside on a nice sunny day or inside in an air-conditioned office, a lightweight cardigan with three-quarter sleeves can be a big help. It doesn’t have to be buttoned or even have buttons. It just needs to cover the shoulders and part of the upper arms to look stylish and keep the chill at bay. Cropped cardigans work great too during warmer months, especially with fitted A-line summer dresses or maxi dresses.

Cardigans With Dresses for Fall and Winter

Unless it’s specifically a sundress, flowy maxi dress, or a dress made of a thin summer fabric like linen, you can totally get away with wearing certain dresses all season long. Just pair one of your favorite dresses with a warm cardigan in a heavier fabric, thicker than a cardigan you’d wear in spring or summer. Think chunky cable knits and super-soft cashmere, for example. A sheath dress is a perfect example of the type of dress that looks amazing with the help of a warm cardigan sweater. Make it a jacket-type cardigan that is longer than the dress itself. With some heels, boots or ankle boots, this look really comes together, turning a warm hug from a sweater into an ultimate fashion statement.

Cardigans with Dresses for Formal Events

Some cardigan sweaters actually dress up a dress instead of simply making you feel warm when you wear it. Examples of such cardigans are those that are made of high-end fabrics and attention-grabbing colors like metallics. They can easily turn that little black dress (LBD) into a luxurious bold dress that gets all the attention. One example of a high-end cardigan is the classic cashmere cardigan. Cashmere is unmatched in terms of softness and sophistication. As a result, it works with your body instead of against it, making it great for wearing over a dress when you want to add a touch of sophistication. Alternatively, you could wear a cardigan made of any material with embellishments and designs. Embellishments like lace, for example, effortlessly elevate a sweater to make it look more formal. Similarly, a delicately crocheted cardigan can certainly make a dress look formal, although it won’t likely add much in terms of warmth.

Cardigans With Spring Dresses

Springtime isn’t always warm enough for wearing dresses on their own. But when you have a cute outfit that you plan on wearing to brunch, do you really want to cover it up with a spring or winter coat? Weather permitting, try an open-front cardigan instead. That way, you can let the dress show while also keeping warm and even adding a bit of flair. Keep the color in mind though. You don’t want a dark cardigan overpowering or even hiding a light-colored dress. You can, however, mix pastels or wear nude colors. Just make sure your shoes match. Nude pumps work great for lighter-colored dresses and cardigans.

There isn’t really one specific type of dress that can be styled with a cardigan, just like there isn’t just one type of cardigan out there for you to wear. Just know that cardigans are a great option when you want to not only style your dress differently but also stay warm and comfortable.