Everyone from Blake Lively to Drew Barrymore to Kate Hudson is sporting the long cardigan. This latest fashion trend is an immediate hit with women because you can style it countless ways and it can be paired with many items in the closet. It can also be dressed up or dressed down making it very versatile. Finally, it comes in so many different styles that it fits and flatters most women – whether tall or short, thin or a bit chubbier.

Why buy a long cardigan

A cardigan is a great item to have in your wardrobe. It is lighter than a jacket so putting it on will not make you feel weighed down. It can also be just as warm as a jacket, especially if you buy a wool or cashmere cardigan. A long cardigan is great since it will keep you warmer than a short cardigan or even a short jacket. These days, the long cardigan can fall all the way to your knees, keeping your entire body warm. Finally, designers are making very trendy long cardigans which stray far away from the old dowdy cardigans that your grandmother used to wear.

A cardigan is a great item to have in your wardrobe. It is lighter than a jacket so putting it on will not make you feel weighed down. It can also be just as warm as a jacket, especially if you buy a wool or cashmere cardigan. A long cardigan is great since it will keep you warmer than a short cardigan or even a short jacket. These days, the long cardigan can fall all the way to your knees, keeping your entire body warm. Finally, designers are making very trendy long cardigans which stray far away from the old dowdy cardigans that your grandmother used to wear.

What to buy

When looking for your cardigan, consider your purpose. Are you looking for one that is more casual that you can pair with jeans? Or are you looking for one to wear out at night? Do you want a warmer one that you can wear during the winter? Or do you want one to last all seasons, something like a thin cotton or thin cashmere cardigan that can be worn throughout the year? Think through the use before choosing. If you’re not sure, look for one that is more neutral in color like black, navy or grey and in a light wool or cashmere material. Also, make sure it fits you well and is not too trendy with too many belts or extra buttons. Look for a more simple one like one made by Vince or Club Monaco or Banana Republic.

There are plenty of ways to style the long cardigan.  The key is to try and pair it with something tighter so that the cardigan can flow around it.  This creates the effect of showing off your body, but covering it at the same time.  The first way is to pair it with leggings or skinny jeans over a tank or t-shirt and some cute heels or stilettos.  You can also wear this look with some knee high boots or flats.  Another way is to dress up the long cardigan.  Wear it over a cute dress either when going out or during the day.  Add some jewelry like a long necklace or dangly earrings to complete the outfit.  You can also wear the long cardigan with a cute belt.  Belting it makes it more like a shirt.  Here, you can wear it open or slightly open.  Belting it will also show off your waist.  Finally, another option is to wear it with shorts.  Make sure the shorts are relatively short and the cardigan ends around the shorts.  When wearing it with shorts, leave it open and make sure you are wearing something tight and tucked in underneath.

Many designers are now making their own versions of the long cardigan.  You can buy designer cardigans in many boutiques or department stores such as Saks or Bloomingdales.  Places like J. Crew, Banana Republic and even Forever 21 all carry their own versions of the long cardigan, with Forever 21 carrying more trendy ones and J. Crew selling more conservative ones.  Traditional designers of wool and cashmere sweaters like Vince, Tse, and Theory also carry very stylish long cashmere cardigans.  Regardless of where you buy it, make sure it fits your style and your own fashion taste.

The long cardigan trend is here to stay.  They keep women extra warm and are very stylish and fashionable.  I would recommend buying a lighter cotton cardigan and a cashmere cardigan.  Both materials will last you throughout the year.  Long cotton cardigans will keep you warn on chilly summer days or can be styled as an outfit on their own.  Cashmere cardigans are great for winter and a great substitute for jackets in the fall or spring.