How to Style a Long Cardigan: Outfit Ideas for Women

The easiest way to style a long cardigan is with simple trousers, a calm top and no more than two colours. Worn open, it adds a second layer that holds the outfit together.

A long cardigan, often called a longline cardigan, ends below the hip, at thigh or knee height. In autumn it replaces a jacket, in winter it is the middle layer and in spring it is enough on its own. Here you can read which trousers, dresses and skirts go with it, which colours work calmly together and how to wear it in every season. For shorter styles, see the guide How to style a cardigan.

Longer cardigans for women: which lengths are there?

Longer cardigans for women come in roughly three lengths. They are guidelines, as every cardigan falls a little differently.

• Hip to thigh length: It ends below the bottom and is easy to wear with trousers and jeans.
• Knee length: This is the classic longline cardigan. It goes with trousers, dresses and skirts alike.
• Calf to maxi length: It is the boldest option and is usually worn open, much like a light coat.

As a rule of thumb, the longer the cardigan, the calmer the rest of the outfit should be. You can find a selection in our knitted cardigans for women.

How to style a long cardigan: which trousers work?

A long cardigan goes with trousers that end cleanly and calmly at the bottom. Straight-cut tailored trousers, jeans and wide-leg trousers are the most common partners.

Jeans. Light or dark blue jeans with a long cardigan in brown, beige or grey is the easiest combination for everyday. A white or cream T-shirt goes well with it.

Tailored trousers. Tailored trousers in black, brown or beige make the outfit look tidier. The long cardigan then takes the role of a blazer.

Wide-leg trousers. With wide-leg trousers, wear a simple top and the cardigan open. That way there is not too much fabric at once.

Leggings. With leggings, the long cardigan is a classic for comfortable days. Ankle boots or trainers go well with it.

You can find trousers in many colours and cuts in the trousers for women.

Wearing a long cardigan with a dress or skirt

With a dress, the long cardigan is an easy solution for cool days. It is important that the hem and the cardigan do not end at almost the same height. If the dress ends above the knee, the cardigan can end clearly below it. With a midi or maxi dress, wear it open so the hem stays visible underneath. You can find a selection in the dresses for women. More on dresses with cardigans is in our guide How to style a dress with a cardigan.

The same principle applies to a skirt. On top you wear a simple T-shirt or a fine jumper, and the cardigan stays open. Ankle boots or boots finish the outfit at the bottom. You can find skirts in different lengths in the skirts for women.

Which colours go with a long cardigan?

A long cardigan is a large area of colour. That is why it looks calmest in earthy and neutral shades. Cream, beige, white and light blue go with a brown cardigan. Brown, white, black and denim blue go with a beige cardigan. A grey cardigan can be combined with black, white and pink.

• Tone on tone: Cardigan, top and trousers in related shades, for example beige, cream and sand. The outfit stays calm and easy to wear.
• Contrast: A dark cardigan over a light top, or a light one over a dark top. This creates a clear accent.
• Pattern: If the cardigan has a pattern, keep the top and trousers plain. Two strong patterns side by side quickly compete.

Long cardigan in autumn, winter and spring

Autumn. The long cardigan is the alternative to a jacket. With jeans, ankle boots and a scarf, the outfit is ready for cool days. You can find more layering ideas in the guide Autumn outfits for women.

Winter. Now it is the middle layer between a polo neck jumper and a coat or winter jacket. Indoors you wear it on its own, outdoors underneath. A sleeveless knit works on the same principle, and you can find ideas in the guide How to style a knitted waistcoat.

Spring and summer evenings. A fine knit over a top or dress is enough on cooler evenings. Light colours such as cream, white and sand go well with it.

Which shoes and accessories go with it?

Ankle boots, trainers, loafers and ballet flats go with a long cardigan. The chunkier the knit, the sturdier the shoes can be.

A slim belt over the buttoned cardigan defines the waist. A scarf in a colour from the outfit completes the look, especially in autumn. For a bag, a simple style in brown, black or cream is enough.

Long cardigan outfit: three ideas

Everyday. Long cardigan in brown, white T-shirt, light jeans and white trainers. Comfortable and quickly put together.

Office. Beige cardigan open, with a thin black jumper, black tailored trousers and loafers. The cardigan replaces the blazer.

Dress. Black midi dress, a long cardigan in grey or taupe open over it and ankle boots. A slim belt on the dress defines the waist.

Matching items in the shop: Cardigans for women and brown cardigans.

Frequently asked questions

From what length is a cardigan called long?

Usually from thigh height. A classic longline cardigan ends at knee height, and even longer styles reach the calf.

Can I wear a long cardigan with jeans?

Yes, it is the easiest combination. Add a simple white or cream T-shirt and ankle boots or trainers.

Should I wear a long cardigan open or buttoned?

Open is the classic, as the outfit underneath stays visible. Buttoned, preferably with a slim belt, it replaces the top.

How do I wear a long cardigan with a dress?

Open, and so that the dress and the cardigan do not end at almost the same length. If the dress ends above the knee, the cardigan can end clearly below it.

Can I wear a long cardigan to the office?

Yes, in calm colours such as beige, grey or brown with tailored trousers and closed shoes. The cardigan then replaces the blazer.

Which colour should I choose for a long cardigan?

Brown, beige and grey are particularly easy to combine. They go with denim blue, black, cream and white.