Sweater weather is just around the bend, people. I'm already transitioning out of my lightweight tops and sleeveless blouses, because I'm ready and waiting to embrace chunky knits, turtlenecks, coats, and everything cozy. One thing I refuse to put away, however? My dresses. It's a transitional piece you can always make work, especially when you throw a cardigan in the mix. Here's some outfit inspo and tips on how to wear a cardigan over a dress and look sooo cute doing it.
Off-the-Shoulder
Wearing your cardi off-the-shoulder just shows how cool you are. To recreate this vibe, put on a frilly dress, grab a bright (or not) cardigan and button it haphazardly. Shrug the top part off your shoulder and voila. Fun sneakers are a great touch!
Shop the Off-Shoulder Vibe:
Salomon XT-6 Sneakers
Layer It Up
Layers are your friend when transitioning into chillier seasons and (faux) leather is your bestie when you want to look especially chic. A black, pleated number can be worn with a turtleneck for optimal warmth and a pop of color à la cardigan will make you extra fab.
Shop the Layered Look:
Scoop Women's Faux Leather Pleated Shirtdress
Florian London Mila Bucket Bag
Scrunch Up Your Sleeves
Pull up your sleeves and get down to business with a cardigan sweater, knit dress, and gold accessories. The 'fit doesn't have to be full-on name brand to scream "opulence," btw!
Shop the Scrunched Ensemble:
By Anthropologie V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
RTA Blair Loose Knit Dress in Black
Chan Luu Necklace
Add a Belt
The perfect work 'fit is a white shirtdress, beige cardigan, and tan boots. Button up your cardi and break up your look with a belt for a chill, but boss, feel.
Shop the Belted Aesthetic:
Sezane Basile Cardigan
Reiss Bailey Horseshoe Belt
Wear a Hood
TBH, a hooded cardigan is like finding a dress with pockets! Essentially, you win at life. Unfortch, it's hard to come by, but you'll be happy to know I found one for ya. A matching dress or at least one in a similar hue proves you got your life together.
Shop the Hooded Vibe:
Bwogeeya Women Hooded Long Cardigan Cable Knit
Enter Your Maximalist Era
If "everything everywhere all at once" is your aesthetic, wear a bedazzled knit over a metallic dress for all the drama. Then, take things up a notch with leopard print platforms.
Shop the Maximalist Style:
Gemini Leopard Satin
Add Denim
A denim dress is a lifesaver for the days you have no idea what to wear. Give it some flair with with a multi-colored cardigan and a pretty, structured bag.
Shop the Denim Look
Lands' End Women's Plus Size Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress
JW Pei Joy Shoulder Bag - Deep Claret
Button It Up
Ofc, you can always just button up your cardigan! Keep it simple with an adorable shift dress but you can also dress everything up with mesh socks and Mary-Janes.
Shop the Posh Ensemble
Urban Revivo Crew Neck Straight Knitted Cardigan
Reformation Citron Linen Dress Es
Sock Candy Heart Floral Sheer Crew Sock
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
