Katalina’s Journal: How to Style a Cardigan Without Looking Frumpy

Cardigans Are Back — Although We're Not Sure They Ever Left

Let's talk about cardigans.

Because somewhere along the way, the cardigan got an unfair reputation for being the boring thing you keep at your desk because the air conditioning is freezing.

Absolutely not.

A great cardigan can be one of the hardest-working pieces in your closet.

The difference is all in how you style it.

Welcome back to Katalina's Journal, where today we're sharing our favorite ways to style women's cardigans for fall without feeling frumpy, bulky or like you borrowed someone's office sweater.

Because cozy AND cute can absolutely happen at the same time.

1. Cardigan + Fitted Tank + Denim

Start here.

One of the easiest ways to balance a relaxed cardigan is with something fitted underneath.

We love a Nikibiki tank or cami because it creates a clean base without adding extra bulk.

Add your favorite denim and wear the cardigan open.

Finish with jewelry and a great handbag.

That's it.

It's simple, but it works.

SHOP: Nikibiki

2. Button Your Cardigan and Wear It as a Top

You don't always need to layer something underneath.

Button the cardigan and make the cardigan the outfit.

Depending on the neckline, you can wear it completely buttoned or leave the top few buttons open.

Pair it with denim or a wide-leg pant.

Add a necklace.

Done.

This can make a cardigan feel completely different from wearing it open over another top.

3. Pair an Oversized Cardigan With Something Fitted

Here's one of the easiest styling rules to remember:

Volume + volume can sometimes overwhelm you.

If your cardigan is oversized and relaxed, try balancing it with something more fitted elsewhere.

An oversized cardigan with a fitted tank and straight or fitted denim creates shape.

If you're wearing wide-leg pants instead, try a shorter cardigan or a more fitted top underneath.

It's not about rules.

It's about proportion.

4. Cardigan + Wide-Leg Pants

Yes, you CAN wear a cardigan with wide-leg pants.

We just talked about this in our wide-leg pants Journal, and it's one of our favorite fall combinations.

Start with a fitted tank.

Add your wide-leg pants.

Then layer the cardigan over the top.

Now you've got three pieces creating one really easy outfit.

This works especially well with neutral colors.

Think:

Ivory + camel.

Chocolate + cream.

Black + denim.

Taupe + white.

Or ignore all of that and wear hot pink because you feel like it.

We support both approaches. 😂

SHOP: Made in Italy Pants

5. Throw a Cardigan Over a Dress

Don't put your dresses away just because summer is ending.

A cardigan is one of the easiest ways to transition a dress into fall.

Wear the cardigan open for a relaxed look.

Drape it over your shoulders when you don't need it yet.

Or button it and let the dress peek out underneath.

Add boots, sneakers, sandals or whatever makes sense for the weather.

One summer dress just earned itself another season.

SHOP: Dresses

6. Try the Tonal Look

This is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look elevated.

Choose pieces in the same color family.

Cream cardigan + ivory tank + beige pants.

Chocolate cardigan + neutral top + denim.

Camel cardigan + cream pants.

The pieces don't need to match exactly.

In fact, slightly different shades can make the outfit more interesting.

It's effortless without looking accidental.

7. Let the Cardigan Be the Statement

Not every cardigan needs to be beige.

Sometimes the cardigan IS the fun part.

Try embroidery.

Texture.

A beautiful print.

Unexpected buttons.

A bold color.

Interesting sleeves.

Then keep everything else simple.

Great cardigan + tank + denim.

Let one piece do the talking.

This is especially good if you're someone who normally lives in basics but wants to make your outfits a little more interesting.

What Should You Wear Under a Cardigan?

This is one of the easiest places to overthink things.

You don't need anything complicated.

Try:

A fitted tank.

A cami.

A simple tee.

A bodysuit.

A lightweight blouse.

Or, depending on the cardigan, nothing underneath except your favorite bra or bralette if the neckline and fit allow it.

Our biggest tip is to pay attention to bulk.

If the cardigan already has a lot of texture or volume, a thinner layer underneath usually creates a cleaner silhouette.

How Should a Cardigan Fit?

There isn't one correct answer.

A fitted cardigan gives you a more polished silhouette.

A cropped cardigan can work beautifully with high-rise denim and wide-leg pants.

A relaxed cardigan gives you that effortless cozy look.

And an oversized cardigan can become almost jacket-like.

The question isn't:

“What cardigan is everyone wearing?”

It's:

“What cardigan works with MY closet?”

That's what matters.

Cardigans for Fall in Capitola

This is practically cardigan territory.

Fall in Capitola, California can mean a beautiful sunny afternoon followed by a much cooler evening near the water.

Having a layer you can take on and off is exactly what you want.

Throw one over a tank while you're exploring Capitola Village, take it off when the sun comes out, then put it right back on later.

And if you're coming into town for the Capitola Beach Festival this weekend, bring the cardigan.

Seriously.

INTERNAL LINK: “Capitola Beach Festival” → Monday's festival guide

Can You Wear Cardigans in Scottsdale?

Absolutely.

You just have to respect the weather. 😂

For fall in Scottsdale, Arizona, we're choosing lightweight cardigans and knits rather than pretending it's suddenly winter.

Wear one over a tank for restaurants, shopping and air conditioning, then bring it into your evening outfit as temperatures eventually start cooling.

You still get the fall look without dressing for a climate you're not actually in.

Find Your Fall Cardigan at Katalina's

The best cardigan isn't necessarily the trendiest one.

It's the one you keep reaching for.

The one that works with your denim.

Your tanks.

Your dresses.

Your wide-leg pants.

And half the things you already own.

That's the kind of piece we want at Katalina's Boutique.

Shop women's sweaters and cardigans, Nikibiki basics, Made in Italy fashion, denim, dresses and New Arrivals online, visit us in Capitola, California, or shop our curated selection at Katalina's Closet in Scottsdale, Arizona.

And if you're standing in the fitting room wondering:

“Is this cute... or am I giving grandma?”

Come find us.

We'll tell you. 😂

Until next time,

Katalina's Journal