Cardigans are the unsung heroes of any wardrobe—effortlessly stylish, endlessly versatile, and always ready to layer. Whether you're dressing for a cozy night in, a day at the office, or a quick coffee run, there's a cardigan style that fits the moment. From timeless button-ups to statement-making dusters, this guide breaks down every type so you can find your perfect fit. Let’s wrap you in comfort—and a little extra style.
Button-Up
Of all the different types of cardigans, this wardrobe staple perfectly balances polished style and comfort. With a timeless V-neck silhouette, the button-up cardigan transitions effortlessly from chilly office days to evening drinks with friends.
Style it with:
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Straight-leg jeans, a simple white tee and ballet flats
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Bike shorts and a crop top
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A slip dress and added necklace stack
For a cozy and versatile button-up cardigan, try our Solid Marshmallow Button Cardigan. The plush, lightweight fabric drapes beautifully, elevating any look.
Shop Softies Solid Marshmallow Button Cardigan
Open Front
These flowing cardigans create elegant movement without closures. The relaxed drape adds a minimalistic dimension to simple outfits, making it perfect for casual affairs.
Pair it with:
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A lace crop top, high-waisted denim and white sneakers
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A solid-colored shift dress and ankle boots
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Slouchy lounge pants, a basic tee and suede boots
Wrap
This cardigan style has extended front panels that cross over one another and is secured with a tie or belt at the waist. The design creates a flattering V-neckline and defined waistline that enhances your natural shape.
This style embodies minimalist elegance with lines that add visual interest. It makes for an iconic office look while still feeling relaxed and effortless.
When putting together the whole outfit, try these pairings with your wrap:
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Relaxed trousers and Italian leather heeled mules
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Light wash denim, Converse and a French market tote
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A simple A-line skirt and Mary Janes
Cropped
The cropped cardigan hits at or just above the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that accentuates your waistline. This shorter style often features ties or buttons.
Cropped cardigans are wonderful for adding warmth and visual interest without overwhelming your outfit.
This style also pairs well with these outfits:
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An A-line midi dress, kitten heels and a leather baguette bag
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High-waisted jeans and a tucked-in blouse
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Denim shorts and a small cropped tee
If you’re looking for cozy, yet stylish types of cardigans, try on the Solid Marshmallow Crop Cardigan. This cropped cardigan offers a classy fit that stops right at the hip with sumptuous cloud-soft fabric you’ll never want to take off.
Shop Softies Solid Marshmallow Crop Cardigan
Zip-Up
For sporty-casual vibes, zip-ups are sleek and practical. The full-length zipper lets you adjust your layers quickly, bridging athletic wear and everyday fashion.
Try the fashion-forward approach to these cardigans: Zip the top halfway down and the bottom halfway up to create an inverted "V" with your base layer peeking through.
This style pairs well with mid-rise denim and skirts, or sportier looks like shorts, a tucked-in shirt and a slouchy crossbody bag.
Zip cardigan
Hoodie
A little whimsical and utterly comfortable, hoodie cardigans offer coziness from your head to your fingertips. This style often features an open front or a button front, perfect for weekend lounging or travel days.
Style it with these simple pairings:
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Slim-fitting jeans and a baby tee
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Leggings and athletic shoes
You can also layer your hoodie over pajamas or loungewear for the ultimate in plushy comfort.
Hoodie cardigan
Shawl Collar
Shawl collar cardigans have a rounded, turned-over collar that continues into a lapel, elegantly draping around the neckline. This sophisticated detail makes the cardigan appear refined and almost scholarly.
The style originated in men’s fashion, and while the details for how it came about are murky, many believe the collar came from the Victorian smoking jacket. These days, it’s an increasingly popular choice for women’s office wear.
Pair your shawl collar cardigan with these outfits:
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Tailored trousers, a simple blouse and an oversized shoulder bag
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An ankle-length shift dress and Oxfords
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A lightweight turtleneck and wide-leg pants
Shrug
The slouchy shrug cardigan is a compact, shortened style that covers just the shoulders and upper arms.
Perfect for quick coverage during work-from-home video calls or when you need just a touch of warmth around the house, shrugs are the ultimate grab-and-go layer that won't overpower your outfit.
If you’re looking for an iconic cozy shrug, our Solid Marshmallow Shrug delivers comfort in a flattering, versatile design.
Try styling it with these ideas:
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Paired with jeans and a tank top
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Layered over loungewear
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Worn over a sleeveless blouse and pajama pants (for a quick video conference!)
Shop Softies Solid Marshmallow Shrug
Longline
Longline cardigans extend past the hips, reaching mid-thigh or floor-length to create a dramatic silhouette. This style often has a belted closure or open front and offers the coziness of a bathrobe with the sophistication of an elegant coat.
These pieces are best for layering during late fall and winter, adding dimension to simple outfits while providing extra warmth across your entire silhouette.
Style these cardigans with everything from slim denim and sneakers to mini dresses, stockings and ankle boots.
Duster
Dusters offer a master class in drama with their floor-length and ankle-skimming designs. Originally crafted from canvas in the 18th century to protect travelers on horseback, they evolved into fashionable statements in the 1920s. From there, they became a timeless staple piece for any elegant wardrobe.
Nowadays, you can find dusters in every fabric—from lightweight linen for summer evenings to plush velour for luxurious lounging. Their impressive length and boxy silhouette bring a dramatic touch to even the simplest outfits.
Style dusters with the following:
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A tank top, loose pants and strappy sandals
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Denim shorts and knee-high boots
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A mini dress and statement sunglasses
Cape
While capes might evoke images of fantasy realms or regency ballrooms, modern capes are a way to elevate any silhouette. Depending on the cut and material, capes layer nicely over both evening wear and casual outfits.
For formal occasions, dramatic long neutral capes pair beautifully with elegant gowns. For everyday, shorter styles add volume and visual interest to jeans and boots or pleated skirts and polished kitten heels.
Cape Cardigan
How to Choose the Right Cardigan
With so many gorgeous options, you might find yourself stuck deciding which style is right for you.
Here are some things to consider when building your cardigan collection:
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Body type – Think about the length and cut. Cropped styles highlight the waist, while longline versions create a slimming effect. Meanwhile, an open front elongates the torso, while wrapped styles define the waistline.
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Occasion – Office environments often call for structured, put-together styles like button-ups, wraps or shawl collars in fine knits. If you’re lounging at home, go for plush, open-front or hoodie styles that prioritize comfort. Wrap styles and cropped cardigans are perfect for daytime outings, transitioning easily into cozy candlelit dinners.
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Season – Lightweight cotton or linen blends are a dream for summer evenings, while heavier wool or cashmere provides necessary warmth in winter. Also, consider whether you need to add layers. Thinner cardigans work well under coats, while heavier ones might serve as outerwear by themselves.
Find Your Perfect Cardigan
No matter your style or the season, the right cardigan can pull your whole look together while keeping you cozy. With so many silhouettes to choose from—each as comfortable as it is chic—it’s never been easier to build a wardrobe of go-to layers. Ready to find your new favorite? Discover the full collection of Softies cardigans.
