"I passed by my local florist last week and spotted some fresh tulips for sale (on a snow-covered sidewalk—imagine that). I decided to take a photo for two reasons: 1. I’ve missed seeing them on display and 2. I needed a reminder that yes—no matter how far off it may feel—spring is indeed on its way. The excitement about spring’s arrival, though, hasn’t exactly translated into a desire to get a jumpstart on spring shopping—well, not yet at least. Fortunately, no matter the season, there’s one failsafe option I know I can style a million times over: a cardigan, that is.
It’s the season-less staple you reach for when the weather’s off by a few degrees, it’s the added statement you drape over your shoulders when the outfit isn’t quite outfitting, and one of the few pieces we’ve carried with us since girlhood. (I realize now that I never actually wanted an American Girl doll, I just wanted Kit’s mauve cardigan). Sweater weather or not, I usually find a reason to keep my cardi collection out of purgatory (read: my NYC, basement-level storage unit. IYKYK.), but come this point in this season, I’m tired of styling them in the same routine ways. Ahead, I’ve compiled six fresh ways I’ll be reinventing my cardigans this spring and since I figure I’m not alone in this feeling, I can’t not share them with you, too.
1. Buttoned just at the top
No matter how backwards of a gesture it may feel to button only the top button of your cardigan, I promise you there is no cooler, laissez-faire look. Keep it casual and pair it with jeans and a tee, or skip the extra layer and show off some skin. You may not feel it, but either way you choose to style it will scream, “yeah, I know exactly what I’m doing here.”
2. Styled with white jeans
White jeans aren’t inherently ground-breaking this time of year, but the dichotomy of a winter knit with a summer pant is instant cool girl-coded. 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 it with an oversized tee and ankle-length skirt or top-to-bottom athleisure, a cardigan will make your entire ‘fit look intentional.
4. Dressed up with a midi skirt and heels
I don’t know about you, but there are days when I crave styling a cardi with something other than jeans. Cue: this chic midi 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 resy in a similar look is already palpable.
5. Buttoned all the way up
The difficulty with which I struggled to find the right top dissipated the second I realized that my fully-buttoned cardigans could take their place. Now, more often than not, you can find me in a buttoned-up cardi with jeans or trousers and a fun, statement shoe for the ultimate effortlessly cool look.
6. Paired with a trench coat and loafers
You don’t necessarily need to own a cardi in a fun color—although, bonus points if you do—to make the look above, so long as you have a classic trench and a luxe set of loafers. The reason this look is so captivating? The shapeless cardigan is balanced by the structured coat and shoes, therefore, taking a laid-back style and making it look a 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.