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Fashion Sense · Ms. EvelyssHow to Style a Cardigan With a Dress (Cropped, Long, Belted or Over the Shoulders)
Match the cardigan's length to the dress. A cropped cardigan buttoned over a midi dress creates a waist; a long, open cardigan suits straight or slip dresses if its hem clearly misses the dress hem. Keep the knit fine over slinky fabrics and chunky over sturdy ones, and belt it for shape.
“A cardigan over a dress goes wrong in one place: the hem. When the cardigan stops at your widest point, or a few centimetres above the dress, the whole outfit looks unfinished. Decide where it ends and everything else falls into place.”Her take
The length rule: where should the cardigan end?
Aim for the cardigan to finish at one of three points: your natural waist, your high hip, or well below the dress's hem as a long layer. Avoid the hem landing at the fullest part of your hips, and avoid it stopping just 5-10cm above the dress hem, which makes both look as though they are the wrong length.
If you only buy one cardigan to wear with dresses, choose a cropped or waist-length one with buttons. It works with more dress shapes than any other length.
Cropped cardigan over a midi dress
This is the most flattering pairing for most people. Button the cardigan fully, or button just the top two or three, so it sits at your waist and the dress skirt flows from underneath. The result looks like a two-piece rather than two separate garments.
If the cardigan is a little long, fold the bottom hem under on the inside or tuck the front edge into a belt worn at your waist. Fine knits work best for this; chunky ones bunch.
Long cardigan over a dress
Long cardigans suit straight, column and slip dresses. Wear it open to create two long vertical lines down the front, and choose one that ends either at mid-thigh over a midi dress or at mid-calf over a knee-length dress.
Add a belt at the waist, over the cardigan or under it on the dress, if you want shape. Keep shoes substantial, such as knee boots or chunky loafers, to balance the length.
Match the knit to the dress fabric
Weight matters as much as length. Fine knits, such as merino or cotton, sit smoothly over silky, slinky or thin jersey dresses. Chunky or cable knits suit sturdier dresses in wool, cord, denim or thick jersey; on a slip dress they can drag the fabric and look heavy.
Colour is easiest when you either match the cardigan to one colour in the dress, or go tonal: oatmeal over cream, chocolate over camel, navy over black.
- Slip dress: fine-knit cropped cardigan or long, thin cardigan.
- Floral tea dress: cropped cardigan in a colour picked from the print.
- Knitted midi dress: cardigan in the same colour for a twinset look.
- Shirt dress: belted long cardigan or a cropped cardigan worn open.
Cardigan over the shoulders
Draping a fine cardigan over your shoulders, or knotting the sleeves loosely at your chest, adds polish to a sleeveless or strappy dress without covering it. It suits evenings, summer weddings and restaurants with air conditioning.
To keep it from sliding, choose a lightweight knit and either fasten the top button only, or tie the sleeves once in a loose knot rather than a tight one.
Wearing a cardigan and dress to work
For the office, choose a structured fine-knit cardigan with neat buttons, worn buttoned over a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress in wool, crepe or ponte. It reads almost like a soft jacket.
Opaque tights and loafers or low block-heeled boots keep it practical for a British winter commute.
Questions people ask
Should a cardigan be longer than the dress?
Only if it is clearly a long layer, finishing at least 10cm beyond the dress hem. Otherwise keep it at the waist or hip.
Should I button a cardigan over a dress?
Buttoning a cropped cardigan creates a waist and looks neat. Long cardigans usually look better open, with a belt if you want shape.
How do I style a cardigan that's too big?
Belt it at your waist over a fitted dress, push the sleeves up to the elbow, and wear substantial shoes to balance the volume. Or fold the hem under and button it to make it look cropped.
What shoes go with a cardigan and dress?
Loafers, ballet flats or ankle boots for cropped cardigans; knee-high boots or chunky loafers for long ones.
Can I wear a cardigan over a wedding guest dress?
Yes, a fine-knit cardigan in a colour that matches the dress or the shoes works, especially for a church or a winter wedding. Avoid chunky knits with silky dresses.
The takeaway
Decide where the cardigan ends, at the waist, the hip or as a long layer, then match the knit's weight to the dress and belt it for shape.
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