How to wear a long cardigan (for every body shape & type)

From the runway to stores like Target, the long cardigan is everywhere.

And for a good reason.

It’s comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear. The perfect layering piece, a long cardigan can go with anything from a pair of jeans to a ball gown.

And…the best part is that the long cardigan can be worn by any body type and shape! Here’s how:

Pssst. Not sure what body shape you are? Click here to take the quiz!

Apple:

Apple shaped women are wider throughout the waist than the hips and chest (here’s everything you need to know about dressing Apple body shapes).

Apples will look best with their long cardigan unbelted and open. Resist the urge to close up the cardigan as it will actually make you look taller and skinnier when you can see the rest of your outfit under the cardigan.

See more apple outfit ideas on this Pinterest board.

Rectangle:

Rectangle shaped women have a straight up-and-down almost athletic shape (here’s everything you need to know about dressing Rectangle body shapes).

Rectangles tend to look better when long cardigans are wrapped and belted. This gives the illusion of volume and a waistline. It also makes the wearer appear curvier than they actually are.

See more rectangle outfit ideas on this Pinterest board.

Hourglass:

Hourglass shaped women are fuller in the chest and hips and have a smaller defined waist (here’s everything you need to know about dressing an Hourglass body shape).

A baggy cardigan can hide your curves and make you appear larger than you are. For that reason, opt for more fitted options. If you can’t find a more fitted cardigan, try adding a belt to your outfit or looking for sheer cardigans. Either option will keep you from looking like a blob.

See more Hourlgass outfit ideas on this Pinterest board.

Inverted Triangle:

An Inverted Triangle shaped woman has wider shoulders, a defined waist, and more narrow hips. Here is everything you need to know about dressing an Inverted Triangle body shape!

Choose a long cardigan that will draw the eye away from your shoulder area. For example, look for cardigans with: accent pockets, vertical stripes, multiple colors, or patterns.

See more inverted triangle outfit ideas on this Pinterest board

Pear:

Pear shaped women are smaller through the chest, have a defined waist, and are fuller through the hips (psst. here is everything you need to know about dressing a Pear body shape).

The most important thing for pears to watch out for are cardigans that end at the widest part of the hips. This will make your hips/booty area appear bigger. Instead, choose a cardigan that is shorter or longer.

See more pear outfit ideas here.

Special Sizes:

Plus: Choose your cardigan based on your body shape (above!) Need help finding clothes that fit your figure? Check out this post.

Tall: Long cardigans were made for you. Choose the one that works best for your body shape. Looking for clothes that are just for Tall people? You need to read this post.

Petite: Long cardigans don’t have to make you look short. Opt for a neutral color cardigan that is different than the color of the rest of your outfit underneath to make you appear taller (like the picture below!) Not sure where to find petite sized cardigans? Check out this blog post.

What’s your favorite way to wear a cardigan?

Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo, Leslie