How to Wear a White Cardigan

Co-authored by Dina Scherer and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: March 22, 2023 References

A white cardigan is a staple piece for many people’s closets since it goes with so much. They can be kind of intimidating to wear since they are a lot of fabric of 1 solid color. To style your white cardigan, try creating a casual outfit with leggings and a fitted T-shirt. Or, wear your cardigan to work with some black slacks and heels.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating Casual Outfits

1
Add a fitted T-shirt underneath for a casual, classic look. Cardigans add a lot of fabric to your upper body. The best way to pair them is to add a fitted T-shirt that conforms to your body. You can choose a v-neck to show more skin or stick with a scoop neck for a classic look.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Solid-colored shirts of any color look great under a white cardigan, while adding stripes or a patterned shirt can be a real eye-catcher.
2
Layer a turtleneck under the cardigan for a cozy outfit.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} Cardigans keep you warm when it’s cold out. If you don’t want to show any skin, throw on a turtleneck top to bundle up. Black turtlenecks create a nice contrast, while tan or cream turtlenecks make a monochromatic look.^{[3]
X
Research source}^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
- This outfit works great with some slim-fitting jeans a small handbag.
Advertisement
3
Throw on some black jeans for a contrasting outfit. Black and white are a classic color combination that looks great on everyone. Throw on some black denim jeans and your white cardigan for a great color contrast.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Tip: If you want a contrasting look but don’t like wearing jeans, consider putting on a pair of jeggings, which are jeans made out of stretchy, comfortable material.
4
Wear dark blue jeans for a classic look. White and dark blue always look good together. Take advantage of this classic combination by putting on your white cardigan and some dark wash jeans.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Light wash jeans also go well with a white cardigan, but they don’t create as much of a contrast.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
5
Get comfortable with some black leggings. Cardigans are comfy and cozy. Match your upper half by putting on some stretchy leggings. This looks great with a longer white cardigan that hits at about mid-thigh.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- This is a great outfit to transition from casual to workout attire.
- Add a knitted headband to this outfit to keep your ears warm while you’re out and about.
6
Stay cool with some form-fitting shorts. Cardigans are great to throw on in the summer if it gets chilly. Put on some tight-fitting shorts to contrast with the flowy cardigan up top. Light wash shorts brighten up an outfit, while dark wash ones create a nice contrast.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you have a longer cardigan that hits below mid-thigh, you might not want to wear it with shorts. This can make it look like you aren’t wearing any pants at all!
7
Use tennis shoes to make your cardigan more casual. If you’re wearing your cardigan to run errands or go to the gym, you can dress it down with a pair of sneakers. Black shoes always look great with a white cardigan, while bright-colored shoes will stand out against your neutral upper half.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Pair black sneakers, leggings, and a white cardigan for a gym-ready outfit.
8
Wear brown boots for a classic look. Creamy white cardigans look amazing with light brown boots that hit right at your ankle. Choose some heeled booties for a more formal look, or stay casual with some flat heeled boots that lace up.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Brown boots are a great staple to have in your wardrobe for the fall and winter time.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up a White Cardigan

1
Put a long cardigan over a mini skirt to elevate it. Pair your longer cardigan with a mini skirt that is the same length as your cardigan to wear it out. This is a daring way to wear your cardigan since you’ll be wearing one length all around/^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Add heels to elongate your legs in this outfit and some simple jewelry to complete this look.
- You can also pair your white cardigan with a romper and some sandals during the summer.
2
Wear an all-white outfit for a monochromatic style.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} All-white is a bold look and works great for summer parties and events. Throw on a fitted white T-shirt and some white jeans to complete your one-tone outfit.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Wear neutral-colored shoes to let your white outfit stand out and pair it with a brown handbag for complementary colors.
3
Make your cardigan pop with an all-black outfit. If you want your cardigan to stand out, pair some black jeans or a skirt with a black fitted shirt. The black and white color combination looks chic and crisp while staying true to the classic style of the white cardigan.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Wear some large black sunglasses and strappy black sandals during the summer to complete this chic outfit.
4
Elevate your cardigan with black heels. If you want to take your cardigan to a more formal event, throw on a pair of black heels to make your outfit stand out. Use skinny heels with black tights for a classic styled outfit, or pair some chunky heels with your cardigan for a more fashion-forward look.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Tip: You can also wear some dark wash skinny jeans, black heels, and a tank top under your white cardigan for a night-out look.
5
Add chunky jewelry to make a statement. Just because cardigans are a lot of fabric doesn’t mean that they have to be the focus of your outfit. Put on a statement necklace or a few large bracelets to play into the oversized look of a long cardigan.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Skinny jeans, a v-neck shirt, and a gold statement necklace are a great pairing with a white cardigan for a night out.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing a White Cardigan to Work

1
Put on a blue button-down for a nice contrast. Button-down shirts are a great way to stay professional and comfortable. Light blue button-downs stand out underneath a white cardigan to create crisp, chic looking lines. Choose a plain blue button-down for an easy outfit or wear one with a small pinstripe to stand out.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Tip: Button-downs are a great staple to have for a professional workplace setting.
2
Wear dark dress pants to make your cardigan stand out. Black or navy blue dress pants go great with a white cardigan since they contrast so much. Put on your white cardigan with some slacks to keep it professional while staying cozy.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Throw on some checkered pants and a black top for a fashion-forward yet office appropriate outfit.
3
Spice up a skirt or dress with a long white cardigan. Floral dresses and skirts look great under a long white cardigan. Put on a dress or skirt, some tights, and a white cardigan to take your outfit to work and look both cute and professional.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- Add a black fedora to elevate this outfit even more.
4
Pair it with a white blouse for a monochromatic look. White on white has the potential to wash you out, but with the different lengths between a cardigan and a blouse, this look can create some interesting lines. Put on a delicate white blouse underneath your white cardigan for an all-white, fashion-forward outfit.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- Pair this with some black slacks for a professional look.
5
Keep your jewelry simple and thin. Cardigans are a statement in and of themselves. You can make your cardigan be the largest part of your outfit by keeping your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings small and thin.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Gold chains go great with a white cardigan.
- Silver earrings create a nice flashy contrast between them and your white cardigan.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can you wear with a white cardigan?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

Since a white cardigan is usually a summer item, it pairs really well with anything summery, like white jeans or a light denim.
Question

How do you wear a plain white sweater?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

You can try spicing it up and use the white cardigan to neutralize a piece that's really bright, like a summer dress. Another option is to use it in a full monochromatic look!