How to Style a Cardigan at Any Age (Especially Over 50)

When the weather starts to cool down, one of the first things I grab is a cardigan. They’re soft, easy to throw on, and perfect for layering when the mornings are cool and the afternoons warm up. Cardigans have been in style for decades, but the way you wear them now is what keeps them from looking dated.

If you’re looking for more great sweaters to try, head over to Twenty Five Budget Friendly Fall Sweaters that Look Expensive next.

What Counts as a Cardigan These Days?

When I say cardigan, I don’t just mean the basic button-front version you might be picturing. Cardigans have come a long way, and now you can find cropped ones that double as tops, long duster styles that feel almost like coats, wrap cardigans you can tie or belt, and even chunky knits that give you that warm, cozy feel on a chilly day.

The beauty of a cardigan is that it’s versatile. You can wear it with jeans and sneakers to the grocery store, layer it over a dress for church, or belt it for a little extra shape when you’re heading out to dinner. If it opens in the front and layers like a sweater, it falls into the cardigan family.

Which Cardigan Length Works Best Over 50?

Here’s my rule of thumb: cardigans that hit right at your hip bone or just below flatter just about everyone. They’re easy to wear with jeans, skirts, or dresses. However, if you want to wear longer cardigans, they work best when paired with slim pants or leggings to balance out the extra fabric.

How to Style a Cardigan to Not Look Frumpy

Keep It Easy With Layers

One of the simplest ways to style a cardigan is to wear it open over a tee, blouse, or even a button-down. The fun part is mixing up the layers underneath.

Playing with fabrics makes a big difference, too. A thinner cardigan over a lightweight top keeps things neat, while a chunkier cardigan over a simple tee feels cozy and relaxed. You can create numerous different looks simply by swapping what is underneath.

Button It Up

Don’t overlook wearing your cardigan as the top itself. Button it all the way, tuck the front just a bit into your jeans or skirt, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new outfit. Cropped cardigans are especially suitable for this style, as they hit right at the waist.

Wear It As Part of a Set

One of my favorite ways to wear a cardigan is as part of a matching set. You know the ones I am talking about, the cardigan with a little shell or tank that goes with it. I have had a few of these in my closet over the years, and they are a lifesaver when I want to look like I tried without actually trying.

The beauty of a set is how easy it is. You can wear the cardigan open with the matching shell, button it up, and let the tank peek out, or even mix and match the pieces with other things you already own.

Outfit Ideas with Cardigans

Sometimes the easiest way to get inspired is to see a few outfit formulas laid out. Here are some cardigan looks you can copy or tweak with what you already have in your closet.

Cardigan + Dark Wash Jeans + Mules

Open Sweater + Black Tee + Black Leggings + Sneakers

Cardigan + Slim Black Pants + Pumps

Duster Cardigan + Tucked In Button Up + Jeans

Cropped Cardigan + Tank + Midi Skirt

Cardigans to Buy Now for Fall 2025:

This one is like a cross between a cardigan and a jacket, and I love that. It has that cozy cardigan feel, but the texture and structure give it a little extra style. Wear it with jeans, and you can honestly choose any shoe you want to complete your look. It would look great with a flat, loafer, boot, or sneaker!

Y’all know I can’t resist a little animal print, and this cardigan is such a fun way to wear it. The leopard pattern acts like a neutral, so you can pair it with black, denim, or even a pop of color. It’s a statement without being over the top.

I am always drawn to a cardigan with pockets, and this one is no exception. It has a relaxed, easy fit that makes it perfect for layering. The pockets give it that casual vibe we all love, but it still looks put together.

This is such a pretty, feminine cardigan. The pointelle stitching adds just the right amount of detail, so it feels special without being fussy. It would look great over a shell or even layered with a blouse for a softer look.

If you are looking for that one cardigan you’ll reach for over and over, this is it. The open-front style makes it so versatile, and it’s lightweight enough to wear year-round. Pair it with jeans, trousers, or even a dress!

How fun is this collared cardigan? It looks like you layered two pieces, but without all the tugging and pulling to fix your undershirt all the time!

This cardigan just looks cozy the minute you see it. The marled knit gives it a beautiful mix of tones that makes it easy to pair with just about anything in your closet. I like that it has texture without being heavy, so you can wear it now and layer it later. It is the kind of piece you will keep by the door and grab on repeat because it works with jeans, leggings, or even over a simple dress.

Shop More Cardigan Sweaters for Women Over 50:

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