This post was originally published in October 2020. It has been updated to give you the best information about cardigan outfits for fall.
During the autumn season, cardigan outfits are my go-to. They’re so chic with very little effort.
Can’t figure out what to wear on a fall day? Put together a totally simple ensemble – then add a cardigan. Since this season often brings about days that are cool in the morning and warmer in the afternoon, cardigans are the perfect “third piece” for your look. There’s a reason why light layers are so appealing.
I’m a massive fan of open cardigans, especially draped styles. They elevate any look. My suggestion is to choose one in a warm, neutral color for your wardrobe. I ordered this caramel-colored cardigan from Chicwish, and for the last several years, it’s been a fantastic addition to my fall fashion rack.
shop the look
open cardigan | white t-shirt | blue skinny jeans | similar cognac chelsea boots | similar handbag | similar gold layered necklace
It’s so simple to create comfy and cozy cardigan outfits for fall.
Take my look, for example. I started with the simplest pairing of all time: blue jeans and a white t-shirt. After that, I added the cardigan, boots, a bag, and a layered necklace. I put practically zero thought into this outfit, and yet, if I were to run errands in this, I would feel 100% put-together and confident.
This open cardigan would also be great to wear with a fall graphic tee and sneakers if I wanted to dress it down – or I could elevate it further with a feminine skirt, tights, and loafers to stay stylish and comfortable in an office environment. There are so many options with cardigans!
related posts
15 Neutral Sweaters You Need for Fall // Where to Purchase the Best Fall Graphic Tees // How to Dress for a Rainy Fall Day
Do you enjoy wearing cardigan outfits in the fall?
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JoJo Hall says
Great post! I have a ton of cardigans and I have a feeling Iβm going to be buying more this fall lol.
Stephanie Whitman says
Cardigans are always a good idea, if you ask me!
Lizzie says
This color is fantastic on you! Absolutely love this entire outfit! Cardigans are such a fall staple and look amazing styled with anything!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much! The caramel color definitely has my heart hehe!
Kileen says
I love wearing cardigans during fall so much! I love wearing it this way too! With a shirt and jeans and some cute ankle boots. Such a cute outfit!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
There are so many options with cardigans. They’re incredibly versatile!
Amanda says
That camel color looks amazing on you. Esp paired with that cute little purse.
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much. I’m a huge fan of the warm, caramel tones and lately, I’ve been mixing caramel with cognac all the time!
Rach says
I love wearing cardigans! I pretty much wear them all year around. It’s the PERFECT layering piece. I really love the colors of you. It has the perfect Fall vibe to it.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Same here! They’re the perfect layering piece and they’re just so cozy. It’s like a wearable blanket haha!
Cristina says
I adore open cardigans! I wear them all year round because they are such a versatile piece of clothing!
When I feel fancy, I like to style them with different brooches, to keep them wrapped around the body.
Stephanie Whitman says
They really are. They’re perfect for so many occasions. I love the idea of a brooch to keep them wrapped. So classy!
Jennifer Prince says
Ok, I love the cardi, mind you, but WHEN did you get that cute haircut? I love it so much! And I am SO glad to see you rocking skinny jeans. I keep hearing that they are trending out, but I will WEAR THEM KICKING AND SCREAMING UNTIL THE BITTER END. Lol! I love me some skinnies!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! I got it at the beginning of last month π The shorter cut “debuted” in my rainy day fall outfit, but my scarf was up so high that you could barely tell – and my date night post with B had the blanket wrapped around us so it wasn’t as visible there either. I think this is the first post where it’s been noticeable. And friend… skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere! Sure, the straight leg and wide leg pants are definitely awesome options, but skinny jeans are still totally applicable π
Lee says
Cute! I love that dark camel color on you!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you! I love the warm neutral tones with all my heart.
Greta says
What a great sweater for fall! It’s such an amazing color on you and such a versatile piece.
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s kind of you! I felt like an autumn leaf in this outfit, between the cardigan, accessories, and my hair haha!
Hayley says
Thanks for sharing these tips! I have quite a few open cardigans but normally only stick to the t-shirt/jeans ensemble so this has inspired me to try out a few alternatives! π
Also I love how much your outfit flawlessly perfects that fall style aesthetic.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s definitely easy to get into a routine with certain pieces, but finding new ways to wear them is so satisfying!
Charity says
I love that cardigan! Cardigans are my favorite to wear during the fall!
Stephanie Whitman says
Me too! They’re just so cozy!
Sarah Lindner says
I live in cardigans this time of year and keep my closet stocked with all the options! I love how you styled this warm neutral look…perfect for fall! xoxo, Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
You’re a cardigan and t-shirt queen, no doubt!
Maria Koss says
The colour is amazing! I love a good cozy cardigan for fall π
Stephanie Whitman says
I love the color so much. It’s just so warm and beautiful. I gravitate towards it every day!
Becky says
I am such a big fan of open cardigans – it feels just a little bit like a stereotype that the librarian is so into cardigans but I embrace it! I just got a new one today that is color blocked with black, white, and gray – it’s really cute and comfy and I love that you can pair it with such a simple outfit! I agree that cardigans help create a cute look without too much effort.
Christa says
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! I live in a warm climate, so I often use a cardigan instead of a coat. They’re so cozy!
Venus says
Cute Outfit. I honestly don’t know how many cardigans I’ve bought just for the fall season. They look good with almost any outfit.
Candace Hampton says
Cardigans are a fall staple for me too! They are so effortless and can be so funky and unique. And, you’re right, you can so easily dress them up or down. I am a little obsessed!
Neely Moldovan says
I love how you styled this! I am such a fan of open cardigans in the fall. Nothing more cozy.
Rebecca says
This is truly the best combo for fall! Especially here when we need layers. I also love how you guys captured evening in the Bottom. Amazing.
xx Rebecca // http://www.rebeccapiersol.me
Lovely says
Such a wonderful fall look. I adore your boots and bag.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Carolyn says
I am just swooning over the color of this cardigan! It’s one of my favorite colors for fall and I love how you styled it. Outfits like this are so simple yet you’re right, you still look so put together! I love to wear cardigans for fall as well- in fact, I’m wearing one right now haha!
Nailil says
I love cardigans this time of year. They’re really a must have for fall. π
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Abiodun says
Love wearing cardigans in the fall to layer under my coats! Your cardigans color is super pretty. Looking forward to getting a few neutral colors that will go with anything in my wardrobe.
Carrington | Chaos and Coffee says
I love this outfit! Definitely giving me all the fall vibes. Such a pretty color cardigan too for autumn. Xx.
Sarah Lennon says
Love the way you styled this cardigan, I have added so many new ones to my closet for this season and I can’t wait to wear them all!!
Jenny in Neverland says
Your style is just perfect and your photos are gorgeous! I am a huge fan of a cardigan! I need to invest in some more for this year, I think!
Nicole Flint says
Cardigans are an essential for Fall and Winter! I have been loving all of the fun styles lately. Such a great third piece to add to your outfit!
Anna English says
I think I gravitate towards caridgans more than sweaters! I love being able to bundle myself up when it’s chilly out.
Em says
I love this simple outfit and love cardigans for layering!
I'm All Booked Up says
I have a lot of open cardigans. I’m wearing one right now lol. They’re perfect for a lowkey and cozy autumn outfit.
Jenni @ I on Image says
I love cardigans! I like how you styled yours with denim as it’s always in and also a practical look. Recently I got a pleated leather-look skirt which looks great with a cardigan. Enjoy the new month in style xx
GWT says
I’m a summer girl but cozy season is good for a few things. One being cardigans. I love that sunset copper colour and how you’ve set it with the rest of the outfit. Stylish