Cardigans have always been a popular layering in any season. But I specifically love buttoned cardigans because they are versatile and look great on everyone. And when it comes to looking effortless in them, jeans are my go to option and I am sure you are on the same boat since you clicked this post.
If you are wondering how to update your buttoned cardigan style and avoid looking frumpy, I am sharing my style tips and formulas that will help you effortlessly style your cardigans with any style of jeans.
Do's and Don'ts of Styling Cardigan With Jeans
There are some style rules that I follow when I pair buttoned cardigans with jeans to ensure that I look put together and together they look good. As you practice these style formulas, they will become an habit and you would not feel like you need to remember anything. It will come naturally to you.
Balance The Proportion of Fit of Jeans with Cardigan
This is a rule that you can use with any top and bottom combinations. And its not at all complicated.
- If you are wearing a fitted top, your bottom should be loose fit.
- If you are wearing a loose fit top, you can wear a structured or fitted bottom.
This is the exact rule we can also use here as well. If you are wearing a fitted buttoned cardigan, you can wear straight leg jeans, wide leg jeans, slouchy jeans. These jeans will look flattering with a buttoned cardigan that is hugs your body.
If you are wearing a loose fit or oversized cardigan, wear a fitted jeans like skinny jeans, mom style skinny jeans, flared jeans, cropped flared jeans and narrow straight leg jeans. This way you don’t look wider than you are. The fitted jeans keep you looking structured even when you are loosing the shape with the top.
Cardigan as a Top
You don’t have to always wear a cardigan as a layering piece. That’s the beauty of a short buttoned cardigan. You can wear it as a top as well. And because of the button details, it looks chic and elevates the casual denim look. And the awesome part is you can wear both round neck and V neck buttoned cardigans as tops.
While the round neck buttoned cardigan will give you a structured look which is great for work, a V neck cardigan can be a special occasion look as well.
Layering Formula
Ofcourse we can wear cardigans as a layering piece specially in spring, summer and fall as a lighter third layer. This keeps your outfit appropriate for the weather and still gives you an option to layer when it gets cold.
There are some layering principles or formulas that I have found after trial and error to be much more stylish than others. Again these principles are simple, but they help you to come up with combinations effortlessly.
- Wear a V neck cardigan with crewneck or turtleneck top. This way the necklines are not clashing with each and won’t make you look top heavy. V necks naturally make your top area look slender and with this layering top you can still wear higher necklines without feeling conscious about your top area.
- Wear a Round neck or Collared Cardigan with deeper neck tops. This the exact opposite of the one above. When you have a round neck buttoned cardigan or a collared cardigan, make sure to wear it with a deeper neck like square neck, V neck, U neck tops. This way the collar detail of the cardigan is enhanced and your top looks much more flattering.
Ways To Wear Cardigan With Jeans
I also want to share some was outfit formulas that you can use to style your cardigans with jeans for various occasions. You can save all of these formulas to your Pinterest boards as well for convenience.
Printed Shirt with Matching Cardigan And Jeans
This outfit looks classy yet fun in everyday. Printed shirts look chic with jeans. They add more detail and elevate your denim outfit. And instead of wearing a blazer that will cover all that up, you can pick a matching shade of cardigan with button details.
This outfit still looks sophisticated but its comfortable and you will look chic too.
This outfit combination will actually look great with wide leg or straight leg jeans. And if you have a smart casual or business casual work dress code, try this outfit and see how chic it looks.
Short Cardigan with Jeans And T Shirt
This outfit formula is perfect for everyday outfit where you really don’t want to put a lot of effort, but you also want to look put together.
This is also great for smart casual work wear. Pick a basic jeans and tshirt outfit and add a contrasting shade of cardigan. It can be colored or black and white. complete the outfit with loafer mules for a casual yet sophisticated outfit.
And the awesome part is that you can replicate this in any color combination.
Short Cardigan with Jeans And T Shirt
You can create similar look with long cardigan or you can also wear coatigan instead. Pick the style a contrasting shade of long cardigan with jeans and tshirt. Add loafer mules to compliment the casual laidback look.
This outfit will keep you cozy and is flattering on all body type. And it’s really easy to pull off in any color combinations.
V Neck Buttoned Cardigan with Striped T Shirt
A v neck buttoned cardigan in black is a versatile cardigan you can wear with a lot of outfit. But it can look a bit basic pairing with jeans. Simply swap a basic white tee with striped tshirt and see how your outfit looks much more stylish.
The striped details elevate your outfit and you look put together even if this outfit is casual. Add loafer mules or boots depending on the weather and you are ready for anything.
Colored Cardigan with White Jeans
White jeans is tough to style in colder months, but you can easily create a chic look with cardigan. Pick a colored v neck cardigan and wear it with white jeans. You can add any style of footwear to change up your outfit.
This is another really easy outfit where you look chic and white jeans makes the outfit appear luxe and classy.
[Cardigan] [White Jeans] [Loafer Mules]
Striped Cardigan with White Jeans
This outfit is perfect for a sweater on sweater look. If you wear a colored or black or white sweater under a striped cardigan, it won’t feel like you’re doubling up on knitwear. Usually this looks a bit too much and you have to pay real attention on the pattern of the knit.
But if you pick a striped cardigan with a colored sweater, you can effortlessly style them with any jeans. But white jeans will tie everything together. Add your favorite boots and you are done.
Long Cardigan with Corduroy Jeans
Corduroy jeans are a popular pick in the cold seasons. They look classy and are really cozy. You can also create a chic and casual outfit with a colored corduroy jeans with a simple white top and pair a black or matching shade of long cardigan.
You can wear white leather sneakers if you are wearing white tee or add black boots to match the cardigan shade. Pair it with a crossbody bag for an everyday look.
Colored Cardigan with White Shirt and Jeans
This outfit is perfect for work where the cardigan acts as a blazer all thanks to the white button down shirt. Pair it with blue jeans and loafer for a casual look. You can also swap blue jeans with black jeans for a much more put together touch.
The collar detail of the shirt elevates the outfit while the cardigan adds a softer touch to the overall look. You look polished but still laidback and comfortable.
[Cardigan] [Button down shirt] [Loafers] [Blue Jeans]
Striped Cardigan As a Top With Jeans
You can also wear the striped button cardigan as a top with a simple blue jeans. Add a pair of black loafers or pumps and create a chic outfit that you can wear everyday.
This entire look is easy to create but looks classy and sophisticated. And when the weather gets cooler, simply add a black coat with it.
Oversized Cardigan With Black Jeans
Black jeans is the perfect bottom that you can pair with an oversized cardigan and not look bulky. Just add a simple black or white top underneath and pick a non black oversized cardigan.
The black jeans give your bottom a slim look, so the oversized cardigan balances the promotion. Add loafers or black ankle boots depending on the weather conditions.
[Cardigan] [Black Jeans] [Black Loafers] [White Tee]
How To Dress Up Your Cardigan and Jeans Outfit
There are some simple ways you can dress up your cardigan and jeans outfit. These will not only elevate your cardigan and denim outfit, you can create party outfits too.
Wear a Belt
If you are wearing open from long cardigan or V neck cardigan as a third layer. Your outfit can look a bit basic and laidback. But if you wear a belt with your jeans, you will add some more detail to your outfit.
For some reason a belt instantly makes your jeans outfit look sophisticated.
Add Necklace
You can also elevate your plain cardigan and jeans by adding necklaces to your outfit. There are two ways to go about it.
If you are wearing a crewneck tee or crewneck cardigan, then just pick a simple link chain necklace with pendant. It’s simple and will instantly make the outfit fancier.
If you are wearing a V neck cardigan, you can actually add layered necklaces, they not only look flattering but will also make your outfit put together.
Wear Chunky Earrings
If you are wearing thick cardigan and cannot wear necklaces, go for dangly earrings or gold hoop earrings that are more elevated than a simple stud earrings.
They again add a luxe touch to your outfit. And will elevate your casual cardigan and jeans outfit.
This is a great way to add some fun earrings if you are creating a casual party outfit with cardigan and jeans.
Add a Scarf
Depending on the weather conditions, you can switch your scarves here. But they are a great way to add more details to your cardigan and jeans look. It instantly dresses up your outfit.
You can pick fun patterned silk scarf in warmer months or pick cashmere scarves for cooler months. Just make sure the color coordinates with something you are wearing.
