Here is how to wear a cardigan or sweater over your shoulders: lay the garment with the back across your shoulders, let the sleeves fall forward and cross them loosely or tie a single open knot. Choose a fine-knit style in a calm colour, so it falls like a scarf and not like a bundle. In March this is the handiest way to bring an extra layer: around you in the morning, on your shoulders in the afternoon, without having to stuff it into a bag.
Why this style works in March in particular
Spring rarely begins all at once. A morning of five degrees can turn into a sunny afternoon of fifteen, and indoors it is often warmer than you expect. A coat is then too much, just a blouse or polo too little. A knitted layer over your shoulders solves that. You have it to hand when it cools down, and at the same time it adds something to your silhouette: a second colour near your face, a horizontal line at the shoulders and a nonchalant feel that still looks considered.
The style has a long history in the classic wardrobe. Think of sailors, tennis players and the Italian summer: a sweater over the shoulders belonged to people who spent the whole day outdoors and adapted to the weather. What makes it so timeless is that it is not a trend but a practical habit that happens to look good too.
Which cardigan or sweater works best
Not every knitted piece drapes equally well. Pay attention to three things:
- Weight: fine knits fall smoothly and lie flat on your shoulders. A thick cable-knit sweater quickly becomes a roll around your neck.
- Shape: a cardigan with buttons is easier than a sweater, because you can let it fall open. A crew-neck sweater works too, as long as it isn't too tight.
- Colour: choose a shade that contrasts calmly with what is underneath. Light grey on navy, cream on black, light blue on white. The same block of colour from head to toe works less well, because the layer then disappears.
For women, the Veronique cardigan in light blue is a good start. It is fine-knitted from 100% lyocell, feels cool and soft and has white accents that stay nicely visible when the sleeves cross. If you prefer a bit more structure, choose the Eleanor ribbed cardigan in white. The rib gives the cardigan body, so it keeps a neat line over the shoulders.
For men, the Maximilian wool cardigan in beige is the classic choice. It is made of 100% wool and has a business cut, so it looks polished both worn and over the shoulders. Beige is also a colour that goes with almost everything you wear in spring.
How to wear it: three ways
- Loosely draped: lay the cardigan over your shoulders and let the sleeves hang straight down. This is the most understated version and works well over a blouse or shirt at the office.
- Sleeves crossed: cross the sleeves once over your chest, without a knot. The cardigan stays in place better when you cycle or move a lot, and still looks relaxed.
- Open knot: tie a loose knot in the sleeves. This is the sporty variant, suitable for the weekend or a walk. Don't pull the knot tight, otherwise tension builds in the knit and it stretches.
A fourth variant is seen more and more among women: the cardigan over one shoulder, with one sleeve forward and one back. It is playful, but calls for a cardigan that isn't too heavy, otherwise it keeps slipping away.
What to wear underneath
Because the knitted layer draws attention to your upper body, a calm base works best. For men a white shirt is the most versatile base layer. The Hamilton shirt in white has an Italian collar that falls open nicely without a tie, leaving room for the cardigan around your neck. Wear it with navy or grey trousers and loafers, and you have a spring look that works both at the office and on a terrace.
For women, a blouse or fine-knit top works with high-waisted trousers. Arabelli trousers in navy blue with a white top and the light blue Veronique cardigan over it give a fresh contrast that suits spring. With the white Eleanor cardigan over a black or navy base you make the same idea a little crisper.
Common mistakes
A cardigan over your shoulders looks simple, but a few details make the difference between polished and sloppy:
- Knot too tight: this pulls the knit out of shape and can permanently distort the sleeves.
- Cardigan too big: an oversized style hangs over your back like a blanket. Choose your normal size.
- Busy base layer: a large print under a coloured cardigan becomes restless. Keep one of the two plain.
- Always the same side: alternate how you cross the sleeves, so the knit isn't always stressed in the same place.
Caring for your knitted layer
A cardigan you often wear over your shoulders comes into contact with your skin less than one you put on. So you need to wash it less often. Airing it after wearing is usually enough. If you wash it, do so on a low programme and lay the cardigan flat to dry, so the shoulders and sleeves keep their shape. On our care instructions page you can read what to look out for per material, and on the page about lyocell you will find more about the properties of this soft fibre.
If you would like to see more options, browse the complete collections of women's knitwear and men's knitwear.
Shop the look
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Arabelli: high-waisted trousers with pleats, navy blue
Frequently asked questions
Isn't a sweater over your shoulders old-fashioned?
Not if you keep it calm. A fine-knit cardigan in a neutral colour, loosely draped, looks modern and polished. It only becomes dated if the knot is tight and the colours contrast sharply.
How do I stop the cardigan slipping off my shoulders?
Cross the sleeves once or tie a loose knot. A cardigan with some structure, such as ribbed knit, also stays in place better than a very smooth style.
Can I wear this to the office too?
Yes. Over a shirt or blouse with smart trousers, a draped cardigan is a polished layer you can put on at any moment when the air conditioning or heating is set too cold or too warm.
