How to Style a Cardigan for Casual and Work Looks
By Volcom® | Skate, Surf & Swimwear, Snowboarding Clothes ... | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to style a cardigan for both casual weekends and polished work outfits with these easy steps. From open-front wraps to button-front boyfriend styles, get outfit ideas that work.
Quick Answer
Style a cardigan for casual looks by pairing an open-front wrap with leggings or jeans, and for work by layering a button-front cardigan over a blouse or shell.
Why the Right Cardigan Matters for Both Settings
A cardigan is one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe, but not every style works equally well for casual weekends and office days. The key is choosing the right cut and fabric. Open-front wraps like the Women's Go Go Wrap Cardigan create a relaxed silhouette that flatters without trying, making them ideal for off-duty days. Button-front cardigans with a cleaner shape, like the Women's Boyfriend Cardigan, can be dressed up for work when worn over a blouse or shell.
The trade-off: an open-front wrap may feel too casual for a formal office, while a chunky boyfriend cardigan might not layer neatly under a blazer. Knowing which style to reach for saves you from second-guessing your outfit.
How to Style a Cardigan: Step-by-Step
- Choose the Right Cardigan for the Occasion: For casual looks, pick an open-front wrap cardigan like the Go Go Wrap Cardigan. For work, go with a button-front cardigan like the Boyfriend Cardigan in a neutral color. A common mistake is wearing a chunky, open-front cardigan to a meeting where a cleaner silhouette is expected.
- Layer It Over a Simple Base: For casual: wear the wrap cardigan over a plain tee or tank with jeans or leggings. For work: button the cardigan over a collared blouse or a silk shell, leaving the top button undone for a relaxed polish. Avoid bulky sweaters under the cardigan—it will add unwanted volume and ruin the line.
- Balance Proportions: If your cardigan is long and flowing (like a wrap style), pair it with slim-fit bottoms. If it's cropped or fitted, you can wear wider-leg pants or a skirt. An oversized cardigan with wide-leg pants can look sloppy rather than intentionally relaxed.
- Add Accessories to Define the Look: For casual looks, add a crossbody bag and sneakers. For work, swap in a structured tote, loafers or low heels, and a simple necklace that sits above the cardigan's neckline. Avoid a long pendant necklace that gets lost in the cardigan's drape—stick to a shorter chain or stud earrings.
- Use the Cardigan as a Light Jacket: On mild days, wear the cardigan unbuttoned over a dress or jumpsuit. The open front creates a vertical line that lengthens your silhouette. Make sure the dress or jumpsuit isn't too long—if both pieces end at the same point, it can look boxy.
Product Facts
- Women's Go Go Wrap Cardigan: Textured pointelle, open-front wrap with fitted long sleeves and a waterfall drape. The waterfall drape creates a slimming, relaxed line that works beautifully over leggings or skinny jeans for a casual coffee-run look.
Women's Go Go Wrap Cardigan - Women's Boyfriend Cardigan: Dropped shoulders, Y-neck, classic button front in clean Egret, with patch pockets. The button front and clean color make it easy to layer over a work blouse, while the patch pockets keep your phone or lip balm handy during the day.
Women's Boyfriend Cardigan
