How to style a cardigan: long or short over tunics, dresses and trousers

An open cardigan is one of the most versatile pieces in the wardrobe. It turns a simple dress into an outfit, gives a tunic a frame and can be taken off at any time. For it to look harmonious, the relationship between the lengths matters most. In this guide you will learn which cardigan length goes with which piece and how to combine a cardigan in plus sizes with a tunic, a dress and trousers.

Long or shorter: which cardigan length suits you?

Many of our cardigans are either around 90 cm or around 105 cm long. Depending on your height, the shorter version ends at the thigh and the longer one at about the knee. Both lengths have their strengths:

• The long cardigan forms two continuous vertical lines when you wear it open. This creates a clear line and looks calm. It goes well over tops that are clearly shorter.
• The shorter cardigan shows more of the piece underneath. It goes over long tunics and dresses whose hem should remain visible.

One example of a long cardigan is the blue cardigan with lurex yarn. It is around 105 cm long, open at the front, has long sleeves and two pockets. The delicate glitter yarn gives it an elegant shimmer. The merino-touch jersey cardigan in lime is also around 105 cm long, with an open front and two pockets. The coral red jacquard cardigan is shorter at around 90 cm. It has an oversized A-line cut and is made of 97 % cotton.

Cardigan over a tunic: choosing lengths deliberately

With a cardigan and a tunic, one simple rule applies: the two pieces should differ clearly in length. If both are the same length, the edge blurs and the outfit loses its line. There are two ways to go:

Short over long

The cardigan ends above the tunic. The long hooded jersey tunic is around 105 cm long. The coral red jacquard cardigan of around 90 cm ends a good way above it, so the grey tunic remains visible at the bottom. The hood of the tunic gives the outfit a casual touch.

Long over short

The cardigan is longer than the tunic and frames it. The black and white striped jersey tunic is around 86 cm long. A cardigan of 105 cm over it shows the stripes in the middle and creates a calm, plain surface on the outside.

You can read how to wear the cardigan in winter as the middle layer between tunic and coat in our guide to the layered look in winter.

Cardigan with a dress

Over a dress, the cardigan takes on the role of a light jacket. This works particularly well with short-sleeved dresses, which you can then also wear on cooler days or at the office. The calf-length jersey dress in black is around 126 cm long, loosely cut and has short sleeves and a round neck. The blue cardigan with lurex yarn ends at around 105 cm, clearly above the hem of the dress. This keeps two distinct lengths visible, and the blue adds a touch of colour to the black dress.

With dresses that have a full skirt, such as a balloon dress, a shorter cardigan often looks lighter because it does not cover the volume of the skirt as well.

Cardigan with trousers

Even without a tunic or dress, the cardigan makes a complete outfit. Under the cardigan you wear a blouse or a top, together with trousers. The black cotton blouse with V-neck is around 90 cm long and cut in an A-line. With the long merino-touch cardigan over it, you get two staggered lengths. The black Marlene trousers with check pattern have an elasticated waist and drape fluidly. Wide trousers and a long cardigan together create a continuous, calm line. If you prefer a slimmer look at the bottom, choose leggings.

Colour and material

A cardigan is a good place for colour because it can be combined with simple pieces in black, grey or white. Coral red, royal blue or lime look fresh and clear over a black dress or a black and white tunic.

• Jacquard knit: the coral red cardigan is made of jacquard knit with a high cotton content.
• Lurex: the glitter yarn in the blue cardigan adds a fine shimmer that also suits more festive occasions.
• Merino-touch: the name describes the soft feel. The material is a blend of 53 % viscose, 45 % polyester and 2 % elastane, not merino wool.

You can see all styles in our cardigan collection.

Three cardigan outfits to recreate

1. Casual with a tunic: grey hooded jersey tunic, slim trousers or leggings and the coral red jacquard cardigan on top.
2. With a dress: calf-length black jersey dress and the blue cardigan with lurex yarn.
3. With trousers: black cotton blouse, Marlene trousers with check pattern and the long merino-touch cardigan in lime.

Which size fits?

According to our size chart, size 1 is intended for German dress sizes 44 to 52 (hip circumference 120 to 146 cm), size 2 for 54 to 60 (hip circumference 146 to 160 cm). Many cardigans have an oversized cut and are open at the front, so they also fit over a dress or a tunic. The length of each style is listed on the product page.

Frequently asked questions about styling cardigans

How do I style a long cardigan?

A long cardigan works best over pieces that are clearly shorter, such as a tunic of around 85 cm or a blouse. Worn open, it forms vertical lines. Slim trousers, leggings or flowing Marlene trousers look good underneath.

How long should a cardigan be?

That depends on what you wear underneath. Over long tunics and dresses a shorter cardigan looks harmonious, over shorter tops a long one. What matters is a clear difference between the two lengths.

Does a cardigan go over a dress?

Yes. Especially with short-sleeved dresses, a cardigan replaces the jacket. The cardigan should be noticeably shorter than the dress.

What colour should a cardigan be?

A black or grey cardigan goes with almost everything. A coloured cardigan in coral red, blue or lime adds an accent over simple pieces.