The Cardigan Is The Only Layering Piece You Need This Spring

Miley really did mean it when she “stepped off the plane at LAX with a dream and a cardigan.” These are two essentials that every traveler should have in their wardrobe. As someone who moved to New England, I've realized just how important sweaters are in my wardrobe. My favorite knitwear is on heavy rotation from September to mid-May, and I often find myself reaching for it on cooler summer mornings and nights as well.

Due to the marine layer in my coastal climate, the weather can be quite unpredictable, making layers essential. As a result, I’ve become particularly reliant on cardigans, which serve as a great alternative to jackets. They can be worn over a coordinating knit or a vintage tee, or added for a pop of color while still showing a bit of skin.

However, it’s easy for cardigans to start veering into the territory of Mrs. Doubtfire or Mr. Rogers. While it’s not a bad idea to evoke nostalgia for trusted childcare providers, I think it’s important to find more playful ways to style this versatile knit. Here are the ways I’ve done it.

Show off a Graphic Tee

The primary function of a cardigan is to showcase what you’re wearing underneath. A graphic tee, such as my vintage souvenir shirt, paired with a fun print like stripes or florals, adds a playful touch to cardigan layering. Wearing a vintage tee under a cardigan reminds me of the "emo" style from the 2000s, and I quite like it! This casual combination is perfect for running errands on a Saturday. I styled it with my reliable Christy Dawn plaid skirt and Khaite Adidas sneakers. It’s a fun way to feature a graphic tee before we fully transition to short-sleeve weather.

Break Up Color Blocking

I recently purchased a Miu Miu floral mohair cardigan from The RealReal, and I can confidently say it's one of my top ten best wardrobe purchases ever. I initially fell in love with the turtleneck sweater from the 2018 pre-fall collection, which features a colorful and black design. However, I find the cardigan version to be much more versatile.

The colors in the knit pair well with almost anything, and I’ve been wearing it frequently with my new favorite Free People cargo pants in a rich ochre shade, often layered with a bright-colored top underneath. Practicing color blocking with my base layers has helped me navigate a bleak winter—both in terms of weather and fashion. I’ve been thrilled to wear the printed cardigan as my only outerwear instead of the black shearling jacket I had relied on all season.

Twin-Set It and Forget it

There’s no denying the preppy roots of a twinset, and I think that’s perfectly fine! While the idea of a matching knit set is sweet, it can sometimes feel a bit stuffy. To make it feel more modern, I paired it with baggy jeans and a black leather trench coat, which added a cooler vibe. I embraced the preppy aesthetic with my accessories, choosing a Clare V braided belt, Margaux flats, and my go-to Stems Napa Valley floral-and-striped silk scarf. To add a touch of Gen Z flair, I included my high school-era Gucci cosmetic bag. This look was perfect for an al fresco lunch and some shopping on a sunny day.

Pile on the Prints

Creating a print-on-print look may seem complicated, but I actually find it an easy way to get dressed. I'm particularly obsessed with this Daughter argyle pattern, and the vibrant Easter egg colors begged to be paired with the lily-printed silk pajama pants I've had from Equipment for ages. I love using cardigans as a flirty top that shows some skin without making me feel too cold—it's one of the challenges I face with typical "going out tops." This outfit was incredibly comfortable, and even though I only wore it to school pickup and the ice cream shop, I definitely want to try it again soon for casual drinks out.