You wear a cardigan as a top by buttoning a fine-knit, close-fitting cardigan completely or almost completely closed and wearing nothing underneath, or at most an invisible skin-toned bra. Choose a cardigan that fits well but does not pull at the buttons, with a round or slight V-neck. Combine it with high-waist trousers or a skirt, so that the bottom of the cardigan falls nicely at the waistband. The effect is refined and feminine, and perfect for the mild days of May, when a blouse is too warm and a T-shirt too simple.
Why this works
A cardigan is usually seen as a second layer: something you put on over a top when it is fresh. But a good fine-knit cardigan is also very suitable as a top. The button fastening gives an elegant vertical detail, the knit falls softly along your body and you decide how open or closed you wear it. It is a style you see a lot in Paris and Milan, and it gives a classic piece a modern twist. On top of that, you get more out of your wardrobe: one cardigan becomes two garments.
Which cardigan works as a top
- Knit structure: fine knitwear fits close easily, but chunkier knitwear can also work as a top if that is the intended style.
- Fit: slim-fit or regular-fit can both work; what matters is that the fastening is not under unwanted tension.
- Length: short, hip-length or longer can all work. Choose the bottom half based on the proportion you want.
- Neckline: round, V-shaped or a higher neck can all work; look above all at comfort and how much you want to wear open.
- Beautiful buttons: because they are visible, the buttons make the difference.
The Eleanor ribbed cardigan in white is a strong candidate: ribbed knit of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide, so it fits close nicely and keeps its shape. The Veronique cardigan in light blue is fine-knit 100% lyocell with white accents, which come out especially well as a top. In light grey, the Veronique cardigan in light grey with light blue accents, it is just a little more understated.
How to wear it: four ways
- Fully closed: gives the most closed neckline and can work at the office if the dress code allows it.
- Top buttons open: the first two buttons undone for a softer, slightly more summery look. Beautiful with a thin necklace.
- Bottom buttons open: the bottom button or two undone, so the cardigan fans out slightly above high-waist trousers. Playful and relaxed.
- Back to front: only do this if neckline, buttons and labels sit comfortably that way; not every cardigan is designed for it.
The right trousers or skirt
Because a cardigan as a top often falls short, a high waist is essential. That way the cardigan meets your trousers nicely and no strip of skin appears in between. The Arabelli high-waist trousers in black with pleats are an excellent choice for the office: the high waist and the pleats give structure under the soft knit. For a lighter look, the Cosette ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers in white work, forming a sleek, monochrome whole with a white ribbed cardigan.
If you want more movement, flared trousers or a knee-length skirt are a lovely choice. The Florence flared trousers in grey, for example, go beautifully with the light grey or light blue Veronique cardigan.
What do you wear underneath
The idea is that you wear nothing under the cardigan, so that it truly becomes a top. A seamless skin-toned bra is the best choice: it is the least noticeable, even under light knitwear. White or black can become visible through the stitches. If you do want an extra layer, choose a very thin, close-fitting top in a skin tone or the same colour as the cardigan, so the effect is preserved.
Three outfits
| Occasion | Outfit |
|---|---|
| Office | White ribbed cardigan fully closed, black high-waist pleated trousers, loafers |
| Lunch or drinks | Light blue cardigan with two buttons open, white slim-straight trousers, sandals with a thin strap |
| Summer evening | Light grey cardigan with the bottom button open, grey flared trousers, small gold earrings |
A cardigan as a top in different seasons
In May and June you preferably wear a cardigan as a top with light trousers and open shoes. In summer you choose a cardigan in a cool material, such as lyocell, and wear it with the top buttons open. In autumn the same style works with a warmer cardigan in wool or a wool blend, combined with dark trousers and loafers. That way the cardigan as a top is not a one-season trend, but a way of wearing it that lasts all year.
Accessories
Because a cardigan as a top has a soft, refined look, small, elegant accessories suit best. A thin necklace that falls into the neckline, small earrings or a slim watch. A belt over the cardigan can work too, if you want to emphasise your waist; then choose a narrow leather belt. A large bag and jewellery that draws a lot of attention take away the calm of the whole.
Care
If you wear a cardigan directly on the skin, you wash it more often than when you use it as a top layer. Wash fine knitwear inside out on a low programme or by hand, with a mild detergent, and dry it flat. That way the rib and the shape stay beautiful. On our page about viscose you can read more about how best to treat this material.
Discover all cardigans in our knitwear for Women collection, find the right trousers at the trousers for Women or be inspired by our Dinner & Dates collection.
Shop the look
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, black
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers, white
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, grey
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a cardigan with nothing underneath to the office?
Yes, if the dress code allows it and the fastening gives enough coverage. High-waist trousers are one of several combinations.
Which bra do you wear under a cardigan as a top?
That depends on your preference and the coverage of the cardigan. Under light knitwear, a skin tone is often less noticeable than a strongly contrasting colour.
Should the cardigan be a size smaller?
No. Choose your normal size based on the product size chart and above all check that the buttons do not pull. A smaller size is not automatically better.
