Three Classy Ways to Wear a Cropped Cardigan

Hi ladies! If you have been noticing a lot of cropped cardigans lately, here’s the reason why. High-waisted pants and jeans are trending, and there’s no better way to showcase this new style than wearing them with a short top. I recently picked up this pretty, cropped cardigan and have been experimenting with how to style it. Here are three ways I like to wear my cropped cardigan to look classy and modern.

cardigan | pants | necklace | earrings | bracelet | boots

1. Buttoned Up

When you want to project elegance,  less is always more. So the simple, elegant way to wear a cropped cardigan is, on its own, buttoned up with some beautiful, black high-waisted pants. It’s a classic look that will take you from the office to dinner or anywhere else, and you will always look and feel appropriate. Be sure to add some beautiful gold or silver jewelry and a pair of leather or suede booties to look professional and polished.

Worried about tummy control in a pair of pants like this? I was too, but honestly, these bestselling pants do a fantastic job flattening your stomach and holding everything in place. These are Spanx Perfect Pant Hi-Rise Flares. They are made from a thick 4- way stretch Ponte fabric and have a unique hidden core shape technology that is miraculous!

There are no buttons or zippers. You pull them on, and they’re buttery soft too. They are long, so you do have to wear heels with them, but look how they make your legs go on for miles! Wearing them with a cropped cardigan only emphasizes how tall you look! You can see some other photos of me wearing Spanx Hi-Rise Flares here. I think they are one of the best high-waisted pants of the season.

cardigan | shirt | jeans | boots

2. Layered with a  Long Shirt

Preppy looks with a twist are also hot, so here’s a way to add that vibe to a cropped cardigan. All you do is layer a long button-up shirt under your cardigan and leave the bottom half of the shirt hanging out. I think white is always chic with any color cardigan and makes this pretty lavender one pop. I  like to unbutton the last one or two buttons of the shirt so the shirt doesn’t look so stiff. Then I pop the collar to look sporty and youthful. You can even push up the sleeves, which is a fresh look.

I’m wearing this cropped cardigan with Levis straight-leg jeans. I have two pairs – a black and a dark wash pair that I wear all the time. They’re a great fit ( true to size), and the straight leg is so popular now.

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cardigan | black top | black jeans | belt

3. Worn Unbuttoned with a Column of Color

Another great way to wear a cropped cardigan is unbuttoned with a column of color. A column of color is simply a single line of dark color, worn head to toe like this black top + black pants + black boots. When you layer a bright top, like this cardigan, overtop of all black or all navy or any other dark color, and wear it open, the eye is drawn up and down the center of your body. This instantly makes you look taller and slimmer! A column of color is also a very sophisticated look!

I haven’t talked much about the cardigan itself. It is a fabulous find from The Drop @amazonfashion. If you are unfamiliar with The Drop, it is a popular Amazon fashion brand with on-trend styles inspired by influencers. You must check it out. They have great prices and good quality. I’ve become a huge fan.

My favorite things about this sweater are the relaxed drop shoulders and the pretty Princess sleeves. The sleeves add a feminine spin to this classic menswear style; of course, that lavender color is to die for! This is also a fall trend- wearing bright colors we usually see in spring for Fall (although this cardigan comes in neutral colors too). You can read my complete Fall 2022 color report here to learn more.

As you can see, there are no rules about what kind of pants to wear with cropped cardigans. I’m wearing skinny black jeans here. The only thing I suggest is that any pants you wear are high-waisted. You don’t want a muffin top hanging out, or even if you don’t have one, it’s not attractive to try and look like you are 16 (hah!) Plus, pairing high-waisted with a cropped cardigan or top is more modern and elegant.

My Favorite Way

Have you bought a cropped cardigan yet? Do you have a favorite way to wear it? If I had to pick, I really love the shirt/cardigan combo. It feels fresh and new, almost like I’m wearing one of those that are so popular this Fall. And, of course, this color is super energizing! To shop these looks, just click the links below.

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