I asked for topics people would like covered on the blog, and one of them was how to wear an oversized cardigan without looking frumpy. Such a good idea! Oversized cardigans are all the rage lately. I can see why. They are cozy and easy layers. Here’s the thing, they can be unflattering. Below are some general guidelines I stick to when wearing them.
How to Wear an Oversized Cardigan without Looking Frumpy (keep reading for more examples below as well)
- Consider the weight of the cardigan when you buy it. Look for a nice, heavy material but also one that isn’t overly “puffy” if you know what I mean. Puffy weight sweaters = puffy appearance
- Layer a top underneath that fits nicely. Think a fitted t-shirt as I have done in this post, a cami, a thin blouse. I.e. do not add a thick weight, bulky top underneath. Bulky top below = bulk
- Consider wearing a higher waist pant/jean and tucking your top in to visually create/save your waist line. Having a waist below all that material is a good thing!
- Personally, I like oversized cardigans that hit mid-thigh or below. I find ones that hit closer to the hip area just draw attention to and add bulk to, well, my hip area. Nobody wants that!
Shop Great Cardigans
Shop Great Layering Pieces
Previous Examples of How to Wear an Oversized Cardigan without Looking Frumpy
Star Cardigan Post Here
Cream Cardigan & Cami Post Here
Black Long Cardigan Post Here
Cream on Cream Post Here
Fringe Cardigan Post Here
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102 Comments
Hi, Amy. I was scrolling through Pinterest, looking for ways to wear a long cable knit cardigan I recently bought. I thought your post was great, I think you’re adorable, and I personally love ripped jeans {I’m 48} and didn’t feel like they took anything away from any of the looks.
Please ignore the mean comments here. I’m 69 yrs old and find your posts quite helpful and informative. I’ve recently lost quite a bit of weight due to health reasons so I’m having to learn to dress differently. Thank you ??
I just recently found your blog and find it to be really helpful! I just wish I could take you shopping with me!
I am quite late to this party and likely comments are turned off but I have to leave one anyway. I have never seen comments so mean as many are here. For crying out loud ladies this blogger is adorable and ripped jeans are so current. I’m 66 and I wear them and I don’t care if anyone else doesn’t like it. The only difference is that no one would say that to my face although some might think it. Anyway this girl is putting herself out there and doesn’t deserve nasty comments that undoubtedly you wouldn’t say to her face. I think she looks great.
I don’t think I want advice from anyone who wears a pair of horrid jeans with holes in both knees. You look beautiful otherwise, but those jeans………
I don’t see where anyone forced you to take her advice. All these rude comments… Your mothers should’ve taught you that if you don’t have anything nice today, keep quiet. “You look beautiful otherwise…” Backhanded compliments aren’t really compliments. Keep them to yourself.
I feel like a lot of these comments are mean and self reflecting. If you don’t agree with the opinions of the writer or dislike the look for yourself then move on, but to leave a negative review that is body shaming the model or the writer’s effort is just unnecessary. I hope you people learn to love yourselves.
Just wanted to say thank you so much for leaving me a kind comment! It can be tough sometimes. 🙂 You were a bright spot in my day today!
I was scrolling, and came across your blog.
you look beautiful, and your boots!!!! omg, love love…..
as for the mean comments, just remember, it has nothing to do with you.
some people are just sad, and ugly inside,
just keep doing you. not everyone will like you, and that’s ok.
and oh, kill them with kindness in return.
much love, Nade.
It’s “the emperor has no clothes! problem. people surrounded by yes men cannot improve.
Women should dress any way they want and feel good….baggy ripped jeans are great, I wear them and I’m 75..and I look great in them..I wear long sweaters because I want to cover my butt and I never show deep cleavage..I leave that to the young ones..but I don’t want to dress like an old lady and in this day and age I don’t have to….ladies don’t let other women tell you you dress to young, their probably jealous because they can’t wear them….
Go Maria! You are amazing !
I’m 63 and dress like l’m 35 !
I’m 71 and agree! So many women are unhappy with their weight and can’t pull off these looks effectively that it must make them feel better to bash a model who looks great! So much bravery from behind the safety of their little screens. I weigh 120 at 5’5, the same as I did 50 yrs ago. You can pull off any look if you put the work in, but for God’s sake, take a good, hard look in the mirror and be honest with yourself about what you see. Every look isn’t for everyone.
Sorry but I was completely distracted by the ripped jeans. If the post was the showcase how to wear over sized cardis I think it lost its way a bit by featuring them over jeans that were such a statement.
Idk, the knee hole jeans just make every outfit trashy. I think the only helpful point in this blog was – don’t be caught wearing trashy jeans!
You know what is trashy? Women who judge other women whose style doesn’t match their own! You SERIOUSLY are referring to the jeans that are sold in every single clothing store for women as “trashy?” You are trashy.
I think this gal is lovely. She carries off this look well. I love the cardi choices, just have one comment. I love the worn, ripped Jean look and I’m almost 70! But I’m distracted by the unnatural cut away knee look. My preference is a natural tear or worn look. For us older gals this cutaway look appears too……contrived. Like an older person trying to emulate a far younger one. And missing the mark. Otherwise, great blog, style and model.
Am I missing something? I don’t see any “oversize” sweaters here. They are all long, but the fit is not oversized, looks like the sweaters fit perfectly. Just saying
I’m 63 although a young and hip 63. I wear ripped jeans now and again. I always keep the food more fitted with simple jewelry. I always hit the fashion mark.
T
Sorry, I meant top not food. Darn auto correct
I bet you look amazing in them!! Everyone is allowed to wear whatever style of jeans they like best. 🙂
be 6 ft tall and weigh 9 stone to really carry off a cardigan.
Not at all! I’m 5’5, and I love the long cardigan look on me. The key is to have them long, but not oversized. Too much volume is not a good thing for anyone.
I couldn’t get past the knobby knees sticking out of the 2 holes to even notice the cardigans. Dark jeans and holes don’t look right anyway. The jeans should be lighter and looked lived in in order to pull off such a look. Even then, having sharp knee caps sticking out puts the emphasis of the outfit on the knees. Dark jeans that look pristine otherwise just don’t look right with 2 matching holes. Not flattering for the model.
I think the jeans show how thIs latest trend can look hip . Ripped jeans may not be in everyone’s wardrobe, but this is a great look and she pulled it all together. You can substitute a lighter pair of unripped jeans and that would look cool too!
Thank you so much, Carol! I appreciate your kind comment. You can definitely wear substitute your preferred jean style.
I TOTALLY agree with YOU !
I thought razor cuts were bad yrs ago, prefer that over THIS.?
I agree don’t like jeans with that big of holes and no baggy sweaters seen.
Pretty sure you don’t need to worry about covering your bum at any time. You look drop-dead gorgeous in everything you put on! I think the comments about the ripped jeans sound a bit mean. I don’t wear them, because I feel I’m too old (60+) to look ragged. But on younger women, they’re fine. My daughters, who are mid-30s, wear them and look trendy, not sloppy. Thanks for the information and photos. Even we old(er!) women want to look fresh.
Torn jeans should be banned. They do not look elegant. They look like the person wearing them came from the poor house. Only in America would people pay for holes!
Totally agree. The outfits would be quite elegant without those holes on the pants.
P. S: My comment here is for the outfit only. The model, in the other hand, is exceptional!
These jeans look cheap and stupid with a sweater
Ripped jeans should be tasteful not like bombs went off at the knee cap
I agree with you Lizzy. The out fit looked well up together until you got to the jeans. Sorry, holy jeans are not fashionable.
I couldn’t get past the knobby knees sticking out of the 2 holes to even notice the cardigans. Dark jeans and holes don’t look right anyway. The jeans should be lighter and looked lived in in order to pull off such a look. Even then, having sharp knee caps sticking out puts the emphasis of the outfit on the knees. Dark jeans that look pristine otherwise just don’t look right with 2 matching holes. Not flattering for the model.
wow you people are so mean behind a keyboard! I would die to see your daily outfit photos! if you knew how to dress you wouldn’t be on here searching for advice! I digress!
I didn’t see any oversized cardigans, but I saw long , and I believe that is a big difference.
So basically, just be really skinny with your oversized cardigan.????
lol. i was thinking the same thing Nico
but thank you Amy these are great, i guess alittle tweek here and there to accomodate the few sizes bigger
Hi! I sent a reply over email, but I wanted to post it here too. I don’t think the huge, chunky cardigans do anyone any favors. I think you can buy thicker ones that are longer (i.e. don’t hit at your hip) and wear thinner, tucked in items below them with high waisted pants as I mention. A thicker weight, longer cardigan is still and oversized one in my opinion. 🙂 Those are the style I am featuring here and what I have found to be the most flattering. I hope that helps!!
Hi! I just found your blog on Pinterest and I love it!! I have one question. How do you wear those cute blanket scarves without looking bulky? What’s your secret?!?
Thanks for some great inspiration!
Hi! I’m new to your blog, just clicked over from Pinterest because the title of this post caught my eye! Couldn’t agree more with all your tips! I love these practical posts on how to make trends work, I’ll definitely be back!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. You totally made my day! So glad you found this helpful!