Women's cardigans are a stylish and functional wardrobe staple, and cropped cardigans are even better for adding a bit of fun and excitement to your outfits. A cropped cardigan is perfect for those days when you want to show off your cute new outfit but still be warm.
Women's cropped cardigans come in all kinds of styles. Length-wise, they usually fall somewhere between the hips and the chest. A cropped knit cardigan is great for the spring and summer when you want to layer light pieces or cover up during cooler nights. Tie-front cropped bolero cardigans or shrug open-front cardigans will keep your shoulders warm while complementing sleeveless tops and summer dresses. Short-sleeve cropped cardigans are also stylish choices for spring and summer outfits.
A crop knitted cardigan may not offer as much coverage and coziness as an oversized cardigan or knit sweaters, but it's great for layering in the fall and winter as well. A cropped cashmere cardigan or chunky knits such as cable knit cardigans would be ideal for colder days. Or double up by throwing a long-sleeve cropped bolero cardigan sweater over knit tops or sweater dresses for an extra layer of warmth.
Cropped cardigans are versatile pieces that can be easily dressed up or down. Whether you're looking for something to wear to work or a night out on the town, there's a cropped cardigan for you. Any occasion is the perfect occasion to rock a cropped cardigan!
A V-neck button-down sweater cardigan is a trusty basic for office-appropriate ensembles. Having long-sleeve cardigans on hand is essential for those working in air-conditioned offices! Wear a cropped rib knit V-neck cardigan over a matching top or shift dress for a cute work outfit. A pink cropped cardigan would add a rosy touch to your work day, while a crop cardigan in cream is a classic choice to keep on your office chair.
For casual looks, try pairing a colorful crochet cropped cardigan with jeans and chunky sneakers for a Y2K aesthetic, or go low-key in a button-down short-sleeve cardigan with a crop top and cargo pants. For a night out, grab a V-neck open-front knit cardigan to go with your mini dresses. For special occasions, a knitted bolero shrug is a classy option to complement party dresses and wedding guest dresses.
Need a cover-up? No problem! Cropped cardigans make great beach cover-ups. Just throw a lightweight tie-front cropped cardigan or draped open-front cardigan over your bathing suit or bikini and you're good to go. Cropped cardigans can even be part of festival outfits. Simply wear a cropped cardigan by itself as a cardigan crop top for a bold and sexy look that makes you stand out in the crowd. Style a tie-front bolero cardigan like a tie-up crop top, or flaunt the plunging V-neck of a clingy cropped button-down cardigan.
Not sure what kind of cropped cardigan sweater to buy? We've got you covered with a simple style guide for cardigan shopping. Follow these tips and you'll be looking chic in no time.
Get the right cardigan for your body type.
If you're petite, look for a cropped cardigan that hits at or above the waist. This will help create the illusion of a longer torso. If you're taller, pair a cropped button-down knit cardigan with high-waist pants or skirts for a more proportional look. Those with curvy or apple-shaped figures can look to open-front cropped cardigans in thin knits for a comfortable and flattering fit. For pear-shaped figures, try chunky knits and avoid cardigans that hit right at your hips.
Find the right fit.
Cropped cardigans are perfect for those who want to accentuate an hourglass silhouette. A slim-fit button-front cropped cardigan that cinches right above the waist will draw attention to your waistline and highlight your curves. For a more laid-back look, try a cropped cardigan with an oversized fit. Whether you're going for a figure-hugging or relaxed fit, cropped cardigans should sit comfortably on your shoulders, without being so tight that arm movement is restricted or so loose that the cardigan easily slips off. If you're between clothing sizes, it's better to size up.
Pick your knit.
Cropped cardigans are available in a variety of knitted fabrics, so choose one that suits your needs. For spring and summer, try a lightweight jersey knit, pointelle knit or rib knit cardigan. A cable knit wool or cashmere cardigan is wonderfully cozy for fall and winter.
Choose details that suit your style.
Cropped cardigans can give off very different vibes depending on the length, sleeve style, neckline, embellishments and closure type, such as button front, tie front or just open front. Find your ideal combination of details and styles for different looks, whether it's crew neck or V neck, short sleeve or long sleeve, plain or patterned. Balloon sleeve or puff sleeve cardigans will add something extra to your ensembles, while a dolman sleeve cardigan anchors a relaxed silhouette. A cropped bolero cardigan with ruffle trims can create a feminine and flirty look. Knit cardigan sweaters with pocket details and gold-tone buttons exude sophistication. Color-block cropped cardigans are a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit, and a rib knit cardigan sweater with metallic threads will let you shine.
Consider prints and patterns.
Cardigans may be wardrobe basics but they don't have to look basic. Don't limit yourself to just a plain ribbed cardigan as there are many choices for prints and patterns. Cropped cardigans in plaid, argyle or houndstooth patterns are especially popular for preppy outfits. Try a plaid crop cardigan and crop top set with a pleated skirt for a preppy look with a touch of Y2K. A button-down ribbed knitted cardigan featuring floral prints or appliques is a romantic match with spring and summer day dresses. A pink cropped cardigan with heart or cherry prints ups the sweetness for a cute outfit, while an animal print cardigan gives an edgier look. For a playful spin, try a polka dot or tie-dye print cropped cardigan.
Keep the occasion in mind.
A button-through navy blue or white cropped cardigan is perfect for your office capsule wardrobe. An open-front bolero cardigan adds a touch of elegance to your special occasion dresses, like bridal shower dresses and cocktail dresses. A front tie-up crop cardigan is great for weekends and casual days out. If you want something that can be worn all year round for nearly any occasion, you can never go wrong with a classic black cropped cardigan.
Everyday clothing doesn't have to be boring! Cropped cardigans are a great way to add a little personality to your look and show off your sense of style. No matter what your style is, there's a cropped sweater cardigan out there for you. Experiment with different cardigan styles until you find one that you love, and don't forget to have fun with it!
With YesStyle's massive selection of women's cropped cardigans, you'll never run out of cute, comfortable and budget-friendly options. If you're thinking of adding cropped cardigans to your go-to outfits, YesStyle has you covered – whether you're shopping for a classic piece like a V-neck button-down rib knit cardigan sweater or more updated takes like a short-sleeve cropped cardigan, bolero shrug cardigan or printed knitted cardigan. Have fun mixing, matching and layering with cropped cardigans to create your unique look!
