"This week, I passed by the ultimate metaphor for this time of year: a florist selling tulips on a snow-covered sidewalk. I decided to take a photo for two reasons: 1. I’ve missed seeing them on display and 2. I needed a reminder that no matter how far off spring may feel, it is indeed on its way. But my excitement about spring’s arrival hasn’t exactly translated into a desire to get a jump start on spring shopping just yet. Fortunately, though, no matter the season, there’s one foolproof piece I know I can style a million times over: a cardigan.
Cardigans are the season-less staple that can be worn when the weather’s off by a few degrees, draped over your shoulders when the outfit isn’t quite outfitting, or thrown into a bag on days you might need an added layer later on. Sweater weather or not, I usually find a reason to keep my cardigan collection out of purgatory. (Read: my NYC, basement-level storage unit. IYKYK.) Toward the end of winter, though, I usually hit a point where I’m tired of styling them the same ways I have been since September. Ahead, I’ve compiled six fresh ways I’ll be reinventing my cardigans this spring to take advantage of them during transitional weather.
1. Buttoned just at the top
No matter how backwards of a gesture it may feel to close only the top button of your cardigan, I promise you that there is no cooler look. Keep it casual and pair yours with your favorite jeans and a tee or tank layered underneath. While the pieces themselves are basic, the styling puts a totally fresh spin on the cardigan.
2. With white jeans
White jeans aren’t inherently ground-breaking in the springtime, but the dichotomy of a winter knit with a summer pant is instantly cool girl-coded. And when topped with statement accessories? Try getting me to wear anything else this spring.
3. Draped over the shoulders
This two-second styling hack yields major it-girl results. The next time you’re running late and haven’t checked the weather app, tie a cardigan over your shoulders and thank us later. Whether you’re pairing yours with an oversized tee and ankle-length skirt or an easy athleisure set, a cardigan casually draped over the shoulders will make your entire ‘fit look intentional.
4. With a midi skirt and heels
I don’t know about you, but there are days when I crave styling a cardigan with something other than jeans. The answer? This chic skirt-and-heels combo. I’ll likely switch the sky-high pumps for slingback kitten heels, but the excitement to show up to this weekend’s dinner reservation in a similar look is already palpable.
5. Buttoned all the way up
No more searching for the perfect top when a buttoned-up cardigan does the trick. Now, more often than not, you can find me in a cardigan buttoned all the way up paired with jeans or trousers and a statement shoe for an effortlessly cool look.
6. With a trench coat and loafers
You don’t necessarily need to own a cardigan in a fun color—bonus points if you do, though—to recreate the look above, so long as you have a classic trench and a luxe pair of loafers. The reason this look is so captivating? The shapeless cardigan is balanced by the structured coat and shoes, making the laid-back style lot whole more put together.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.