A red cardigan might just be one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit! A red knit is versatile, timeless, and can be styled nearly all year long, no matter your climate. And I’m not alone in my thinking either – French women also love to add a red cardigan to their looks, whether it’s tied around their shoulders or tucked into their classic denim. If you have one sitting in your closet right now that you’re just not sure how to style, keep reading for 10 outfit ideas to help inspire you!
A Red Cardigan for Every Budget
1. red cardigan + white tee + leopard print jeans + gold jewelry + mary janes
cardigan | jeans | t-shirt | mary janes | bag | watch | earrings
If you love embracing a new trend now and again, you’ll love this first look. Leopard print jeans have been everywhere lately, and although we believe that leopard print is timeless here at MCO, there’s no denying that this style also happens to be trendy right now!
Start your outfit with a pair of leopard print jeans. You can find them in all sorts of styles, whether you prefer a barrel-leg shape like the pair above, or a more traditional wide-leg version. A white t-shirt on top adds contrast to the bright red of your cardigan and the darker jeans. When it comes to styling your cardigan, you can leave it all the way buttoned, leave just the top button done, or wrap it around your shoulders if you live in a warm climate.
Think simple when it comes to your accessories. A black pair of Mary Janes, a sleek shoulder bag, gold hoop earrings, and a gold watch are all you need to complement your statement-making look.
2. red cardigan + white tee + mini skirt + gold jewelry + handbag + knee-high boots
cardigan | t-shirt | skirt | boots | bag | watch | earrings
When it comes to transitional summer to fall weather, there’s no better piece to reach for than your bright red cardigan. This color belongs in both a warm and cool weather palette, so it feels right at home in the in-between seasons.
For a transitional look, stick to cool layers to beat the lingering summer heat. Try a navy mini skirt paired with a white t-shirt for an easy outfit combo that’s as chic as it is comfortable. Then, go for a more fall-appropriate shoe, like brown leather knee-high boots. Accessorize with a gold watch, gold hoop earrings, and a patterned shoulder bag to round out your ensemble.
3. red cardigan + white tee + jeans + bucket bag + loafers + earrings
cardigan | t-shirt | jeans | bag | loafers | earrings
A red cardigan fits right in with a capsule wardrobe, even though it’s a bright color. That’s because it can pair well with everything from neutrals to animal prints, and is versatile enough to style with nearly any look. For a casual Saturday outfit, try pairing it with a classic wardrobe formula – a white t-shirt and jeans.
Once you have your outfit base, it’s time to accessorize! A leopard print bucket bag is a great way to add interest to your look with pattern. Then, introduce a new texture with sleek leather loafers. A pair of small gold hoops is the cherry on top.
4. red cardigan + tank top + white skirt + sandals + basket bag + sunglasses
cardigan | top | skirt | shoes | bag | bracelet | sunglasses
You don’t have to save your red cardigan for cool weather – it also looks right at home with your bright summer looks, too. Just as cherry tomatoes fit right in with a summer garden, so too does cherry red fit in with your bright white pieces for hot summer days!
To stroll your local botanical garden or enjoy a cup of tea outdoors, pair your red sweater with a white tank top and a long white skirt. Accessorize with seasonal staples like leather sandals, a basket bag, gold jewelry, and chic oval sunglasses.
5. red cardigan + black jeans + neck scarf + shoulder bag + ankle boots
cardigan | pants | boots | scarf | earrings | bag
Style a date night look with the help of a red sweater. Red cardigan outfit ideas can be worn for nearly any occasion, from work to the weekend!
If you’re headed to drinks or dinner, pair your red knit with black or dark-wash jeans. As for your footwear, add a pair of black leather boots. (Your choice if you prefer a flat version or one with heels.) Reach for a leopard print scarf to tie around your neck, or the strap of your handbag. Before you head out the door to enjoy your night, go for a pair of classy gold earrings to finish your look!
6. red cardigan + mac coat + ponte pants + ballet flats + tote bag + watch
cardigan | pants | coat | flats | bag | watch | headband
Do you love a feminine, classy look? Is Audrey Hepburn one of your all-time favorite style icons? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, try pairing your red sweater with preppy, vintage-inspired staples like ponte pants, an a-line Mac coat, and ballet flats.
For a day at the office, you’ll want to accessorize with chic, yet functional items. A Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag might just be one of the best work bags on the market. Round out your look with a leather watch and a black headband.
7. red cardigan + denim shirt + mini skirt + tall boots + saddle bag + silver jewelry
cardigan | shirt | skirt | boots | bag | earrings
“Western chic” has been a buzzword this year in fashion, and you can use your red cardigan to try out the trendy aesthetic. But first, you’ll want to start with a denim-on-denim base. Pair a chambray button-up with a denim mini skirt, or classic jeans if you prefer. Tie your red cardigan over your shoulders to add the perfect pop of color to your neutral look.
Drive the Western look home with knee-high boots, a suede saddle bag, and silver jewelry. This look is the perfect way to experiment with “Western chic” without feeling like you’re wearing a costume.
8. red cardigan + white dress + pearls + sunglasses + ballet flats + basket bag
cardigan | flats | dress | basket | sunglasses | scarf | earrings
Here’s another look for those who live in a warm climate, or want to style their red cardigan in the summertime! Red and white make for a chic color combination in the warmer months. This pairing gives you great contrast for an eye-catching outfit idea.
Start your spring or summer look with a breezy white linen dress – another capsule wardrobe staple. Then, layer on your red cardigan before you try the sandwich method to choose your footwear! Bright red ballet flats complete the “sandwich” of your white dress and red cardigan on top.
Accessorize with vintage-inspired pieces that Jane Birkin would approve of – pearl earrings, chic sunglasses, and a woven basket bag with a silk polka dot scarf tied around the handle.
9. red cardigan + button-down shirt + pearls + loafers + watch + tote bag
cardigan | pants | shirt | bag | watch | loafers | earrings
Cardigans are also ideal for the office, where you might be battling with an air conditioner turned way up all year round. It’s the perfect piece to have hanging on the back of your chair, in case it gets chilly. Plus, it’s easy to take on and off throughout the day if needed.
If you’re headed to a big meeting, create a layered look with tan pants, a striped button-down, and your red sweater. Accessorize with a navy work bag, sophisticated loafers, a gold watch, and pearl stud earrings, and you’ll be best-dressed at the office.
10. red cardigan + graphic tee + denim skirt + shoulder bag + knee-high boots
cardigan | boots | bag | skirt | earrings | t-shirt
Red cardigan outfit ideas can also be playful and casual! On game day, style your red cardigan with a jersey graphic tee and denim mini skirt – or jeans if you prefer more coverage. As for shoes, try a pair of chic (but also comfortable) knee-high boots. Accessorize with a small shoulder bag that can fit all of your necessities, and small gold hoops.
A Red Cardigan Look for Every Occasion
Cardigans reign supreme in my closet. I’ve always loved their versatility and classic look, and hopefully, these red cardigan outfit ideas have proved to you just how many ways you can style them! No matter where you’re headed, this pop of color can be the cherry on top of any chic outfit.
Looking for more casual fall outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered! Up Next: 9 Fall Outfits Casual Dress Lovers Will Want to Recreate
