How to Wear an Oversized Cardigan without Looking Frumpy

November 3, 2017

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

How to Wear an Oversized Cardigan without Looking Frumpy (keep reading for more examples below as well)

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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!
  4. 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!

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Shop Great Cardigans

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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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99 Comments

  • Reply Kara Aragon November 4, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    All of your looks are great. I especially love your new one. Stripes & plaid combo is great.

    Kara Aragon
    http://www.thekaragon.com

  • Reply Mary-Katherine Minnis November 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    This is honestly such a great blog post topic idea! I 100% agree with your tips, especially #3 and #4! Just like you I tend to stick to longer cardigans and the thought of “saving” your waist had me cracking up because it’s so true!

    xo MK
    http://www.goldhattedlover.com

  • Reply Gabrielle November 4, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Giiiirl you could NEVER look frumpy! Absolutely love this outfit, particularly with the plaid blanket scarf and gorgeous Gucci GG Marmont bag. Have a fabulous weekend!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

  • Reply Annabelle November 4, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Great post, I adore oversized cardigans, so comfy and snuggly!

    x Annabelle
    travelsandtea.com

  • Reply Daniel Poon November 4, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Thanks for sharing. The cardigan looks so amazing on you!

    Daniel x

    The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez

  • Reply Shivi Frnz November 4, 2017 at 5:23 am

    Great suggestions Amy. I agree that mid-thigh cardigans are better than anything.
    http://www.knowingandsharing.com

  • Reply Mercy November 4, 2017 at 3:23 am

    These are great tips and photos! Love the stars cardigan, that is a fab find!

    http://www.busyandfab.com

  • Reply Jessica November 4, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Lovely cardigan there. Love the plaid scarf too!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  • Reply Mica November 3, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    Your cardi looks so cosy and I love the blanket scarf with it! πŸ™‚ So strange seeing you start to layer up when I just bought a bunch of shorts for our upcoming summer, haha!

    I only have a couple long cardigans like this, it’s definitely something I need practice with styling, but so that I can avoid looking stumpy rather than frumpy, haha! Sometimes I feel they make me look shorter than I am!

    Hope you are having a lovely weekend πŸ™‚

    Away From The Blue Blog

  • Reply venussmileygal November 3, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    This are great tips on wearing cardigans… I love wearing cardigans and a bit picky when buying one because I consider the look when wearing it. Its good to know helpful points to consider when i buy one next time.

    (β—•β€Ώβ—•βœΏ) EmoteraGoddess.com | Instagram | Bloglovin

  • Reply Laura November 3, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    Great tips! I agree, I like longer cardigans because they make your silhouette look longer and don’t add an extra layer that ends right at the widest part of your body!

  • Reply Cindy Elena November 3, 2017 at 7:45 pm

    I think cardigans are perfect for the fall-winter season and I just loveeee how you styled the second to last look.

    xo | Cindy Elena
    http://www.boringclothes.com

  • Reply Stella November 3, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    The looks are really fantastic! I love these oversized cardigans!!

    β™˜ http://www.sugarpopfashion.com β™˜

  • Reply Laura Boswell November 3, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    I love these tips! I love how you paired the over sized cardigan with the scarf, it looks so pretty.

  • Reply Valerie Price November 3, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    These tips are so helpful, and I’m loving this oversized cardigan with the plaid scarf…very beautiful!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

  • Reply Liz H. November 3, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    I absolutely love this outfit! it looks perfect paired with the scarf!

    Liz
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

  • Reply districtofchic November 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    I love oversized cardi’s more than anything and that white blouse/white boots looks may be one of my all-time faves of yours!

    District of Chic

  • Reply Hey Lena! November 3, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Super cute looks! And def a staple of minds as well!

    -L.
    LenaRevealed.com

  • Reply The Fashion Folks November 3, 2017 at 11:49 am

    These are great ideas! I love to match it with high waisted pants to give the look some structure. And love your white cardigan, it looks so cozy! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  • Reply Rach November 3, 2017 at 11:47 am

    These are great tips! I love wearing blanket scarves during the winter months and you are right they can be frumpy! Love your scarf!
    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

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