While plaid blazers, leather pants and baguette bags are the top fall trends, the comfort-and-wearability of the chunky cardigan is unsurpassed. These oversize, cozy knits are what we reach for year after years to layer over everything. What’s the best way you can wear a chunky cardigan in 2021? We are glad you asked. These are seven fashion-forward, super fashionable outfits that we cannot wait to wear as soon as possible, and two we would rather not.
#1 PAIR CASUAL COLORES WITH SPECIAL ACCESSORIES
For a chic and unexpected combination, button your cardi up and wear it as a shirt. Tuck it into straight-leg jeans or cargo trousers and add pearls or sparkly jewellery, a handbag, and some sexy shoes.
Outfit idea:
- Everlane cardigan ($150)
- ASOS Design pants ($43)
- Gorjana necklace ($75)
- Boss bag ($198)
- Nina heels ($99)
#2 SPICE UP THINGS WITH A FEW STATEMENT BOOTS
Trendiest looks have one thing in common. They combine comfort with pizazz. Combining your favorite jeans and cardi with bold red snakeskin boot (or gold lame) boots will make a stylish outfit that can take you through any weekend.
Outfit idea:
- Letsfrans cardigan ($74)
- Gap tank top ($17)
- Agolde jeans ($168)
- Object bag ($76)
- INC International Concepts boots ($100)
#3 WEAR A MAXI CRIGAN AS A DRESS
Since we began spending more time at home in 2020, sweaters that can double as robes have been a staple in our daily wardrobe. We love the posh twist this gives to such a comfortable piece. You’re ready to go out for dinner with a few layers of necklaces, a thin belt, and pumps or pointed-toe ankle boots.
Outfit idea:
- Tory Burch cardigan ($498)
- Lulus dress ($44)
- B-Low belt ($155)
- Necklaces in pieces ($23)
- Linea Paolo heels ($98)
#4 PAIR NEUTRAL KNITS & PATTERNED PANTS
No matter if your bottoms have a snakeskin print or unnatural pink-and orange zebra stripes, a cable knit sweater in neutral colors (cream, gray, and black are all great choices) will help you to balance such a bold piece. You can keep the rest of your outfit simple but you should not be afraid to add a little color with a monochrome mini-bag.
Outfit idea:
- BDG cardigan ($64)
- Everlane tank top ($90)
- Jen 7 pants ($99)
- Bottega Veneta bag ($1,675)
- Franco Sarto heels ($109)
#5 BRIGHT COLORS ARE KEY TO JAZZ UP CASUAL BASICS
The cozy combination of mom jeans, dad sneakers and an oversize knit is our favorite. However, too many casual pieces can make you appear a little lazy. You can add some bold colors to your look, such as a lime green top or bubblegum pink cardigan, or a more sophisticated piece like a bodysuit or pointed-toe flats.
Outfit idea:
- Naadam cardigan ($275)
- Bandier tank top ($68)
- Agolde jeans ($198)
- New Balance sneakers ($185)
#6 TRY A MATCHING KNIT SECTION
All types of sweater sets are expected to be big this fall and winter. These include long, robe-like cardigans, and coordinating knit dresses that go well with the lace up ankle boots you’ve been seeing all over lately. Coincidence? We don’t think so.
Outfit idea:
- Nordstrom cardigan ($99)
- ASOS Design tights ($12)
- Dr. Martens boots ($180)
#7 GIVE SPORTY BIKE SHORTS A PREPPY TWIST
Even though bike shorts are growing in popularity, so is the fall. But how do you make this summer favorite more appropriate for fall? All you need is a cardigan that’s hip-length and a matching T-shirt. You should choose a sweater that is at least 2 or 3 inches longer than your shorts. We recommend switching out those stilettos with flat sandals, loafers, or sneakers.
Outfit idea:
- One Grey Day cardigan ($218)
- Outdoor Voices T-shirt ($38)
- BP shorts ($10)
- Tory Burch bag ($698)
- Converse sneakers ($55)
#8 SKIP: SUPER CHUNKY KNITS WITH SLINKY SLIP DRESSES
It is not that any combination of cardigan and silk dress will work. There is just too much difference between slinky slips and kitchy knits. To strike a stylish balance, choose a lighter knit or a longer dress.
#9 SKIP: OVERSIZE ALL THINGS
This was something we mentioned earlier. Layering a chunky sweater over loose jeans, and accessorizing with chunky sneakers or a large bag is too much fabric for one person. It will look like your laundry basket has swallowed you whole.
