How to Choose the Most Flattering Cardigans for Women

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I love the magic a third layer can add to your outfit. It takes a simple top and pants to the next level and turns just wearing clothes into actually styling them. Blazers, vests, and cardigans are all great options, especially this time of year. But today, I want to focus on cardigans because they’re super versatile and perfect for casual lifestyles. I’ve put together a list of some of the best cardigan styles to consider, plus tips on picking the most flattering shape for you.

How to Choose the Right Cardigan

Your choice should depend on your personal style, the weather, the occasion, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Cardigans serve both practical and aesthetic objectives, so choose a neckline that flatters your face and silhouette. I’m a big fan of V-necks because they elongate my look without making my shoulders look broader than they are.

Types of Cardigans

• Oversized cardigans are perfect for a relaxed and casual look. They’re often in chunky knits that add to their coziness and look great over leggings or slim-legged or skinny jeans. They can add bulk to your upper body, so consider balancing them with dark bottoms and heavier footwear options like boots.
• Longline cardigans provide extra coverage and can work as a lightweight coat in transitional seasons. The bottom edge will draw a visual line horizontally, so be sure it’s not at the widest part of your hips.
• Belted cardigans are a flattering choice for women with an hourglass shape. Steer clear of bulkier fabrics, which add bulk around your midsection.
• Classic V-neck cardigans are perfect for layering over button-up shirts and blouses. They’re a versatile option that can be dressed up or down. The V shape draws the eye up and down the body, which has a slimming effect and helps elongate your look.
• Drop shoulder cardigans have been the rage for years. They can either visibly enlarge your shoulders or draw attention to sloping shoulders.

Cropped Cardigans

Cropped cardigans are great for emphasizing a high waist and are a flattering proportion for shorter women. They help your legs look longer and pair well with the wider-leg pants and jeans that are so popular now. They can also give your outfit a retro and feminine look.

This Caslon Textured cardigan falls right into the current “lady jacket” trend with it’s textured knit, cropped length, and metallic button closure. It’s 100% Pima cotton so will be cozy now and a comfortable weight to wear as we go into spring. It comes in 4 colors in sizes XXS-XXL. I styled my navy one with flare leg jeans, comfy loafers, a white blouse. The texture and gold-toned button add plenty of interest so I kept my accessories minimal with some simple earrings.

More Cropped Cardigans

Zip-Front Cardigan

Cardigans with zippers have a sportier vibe than ones with buttons or open fronts. They’re also quicker to fasten and more contemporary looking than traditional button-up cardigans.

This Zella zip-up is oversized and super cozy. I could have even gone down to an XS!. The two-way zipper and stand collar really give this a sassy look. It’s probably intended for workout wear but I found the knit luxurious enough to wear for daytime. This comes in 3 colors and is selling out pretty fast. It has an all over rib that makes it feel closer to a knit jacket than sweater. I styled it with these wide-leg ponte knit pants, black tank and suede booties.

More Zip Up Caridgans

Pattern Cardigans

A patterned cardigan can add a lot of interest to an outfit. They’re super popular this time of year with either an all over pattern, fair isle pattern, or details on just the sleeve cuff and hem. Subtle jewelry and accessories are often best to let the pattern take center stage. The area that is patterned will draw attention and look visually larger so beware of placement.

This fair isle inspired Jacquard cardigan has a flattering V-neck and a slightly oversized shape which gives it a more casual vibe. It’s a black and cream pattern with a blend of fibers including spandex so it’ll hold it’s shape. I styled it with flare jeans, comfy retro sneakers and simple mother of pearl earrings that pick up the cream in the pattern.

More Patterned Cardigans

Open Front Cardigans

I have a lot of open front cardigans in my wardrobe because I find them easy to toss on over everything. The open design creates a vertical line that helps elongate your look. They’re available with or with collars. Shawl collered versions create a longer line than ones with notched collars.

This Nordstrom long rib cardigan is incredibly cozy and warm. It’s a soft blend of nylon, wool and cotton that drapes nicely because of the rib. I love the raglan sleeves which keep it looking fitted rather than oversized and sloppy. This comes in 4 colors and runs large. I’m wearing it over a column of deep gray with these fabulous double knit ponte pants and a gray turtleneck. I added my long necklace to draw the eye up and down and add visual balance to my broad shoulders.

More Open Front Cardigans

How to Style a Cardigan

Choose a cardigan that fits you comfortably and isn’t too tight or loose…unless that’s the look you’re going for. You should be able to move and lift your arms comfortably without it pulling across the back or under the arms. If you see whisker lines across the bust from the underarms, try going up a size.

Accessorize with belts, necklaces, scarves, and brooches. Self-belts (same knit fabric as the cardigan) tend to give a grandpa vibe, so l like to switch mine out.

Nordstrom carries every type of cardigan you could wish for so you can find one to suit your personal aesthetic. They always have the latest styles and varying price points to suit any budget. Nordstrom offers BOPUS, ROTUS (reserve online, try on in-store), and curbside pickup. They also offer the best customer service with free shipping both ways. Their Nordy Club (free to join here) earns you notes to spend on future purchases.

Are you a fan of cardigans? Which type are your favorite?

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