How to Style a Cardigan for Men and Women

24 september 2026

Woman in a Sand and Ivory cardigan with an ivory top and trousers, holding a dog in matching knitwear

A cardigan gives you several ways to change an outfit: wear it open to reveal a shirt underneath, button it over a simple base, or use its trim to introduce another color. Start with the clothes you already reach for, then adjust the layers and proportions.

The looks here use Public Prep’s Sand & Ivory and Navy & Collegiate Blue cardigans. Both have a relaxed unisex fit, a button front, and contrasting ribbed trim.

Wear a cardigan open over a T-shirt

Man wearing the Sand and Ivory cardigan open over a white T-shirt with light blue jeans — Sand & Ivory, worn open with a white T-shirt and light blue denim.

A plain T-shirt leaves room for the cardigan’s color and button line. In this look, the white shirt picks up the ivory trim while light denim keeps the combination relaxed.

For a similar outfit, choose jeans that sit comfortably at the waist and fall cleanly through the leg. Straight-leg denim works for men and women; loafers or simple sneakers can finish the look. Wearing the cardigan open lets the shirt and waistband remain visible, which helps define the outfit’s proportions.

View the Sand & Ivory Cardigan →

Let contrast trim carry the color

Navy and Collegiate Blue cardigan worn over a white crewneck T-shirt, showing the contrast trim and button front — Navy & Collegiate Blue with a white crewneck underneath.

The brighter blue frames the neckline and button front. A white base makes that contrast easy to see. Try it with navy trousers for a more continuous line, or stone-colored trousers to bring lightness to the outfit.

For a collared-shirt variation, choose a shirt that fits comfortably beneath the knit. Keep the collar sitting neatly outside the neckline and check that the sleeves move freely. Buttoning the cardigan changes how much of the shirt is visible; try both ways before deciding.

View the Navy & Collegiate Blue Cardigan →

Build a softer combination with ivory

The opening photograph pairs Sand & Ivory with an ivory tank and trousers. Repeating a light color underneath allows the cardigan’s sand body to stand out without adding another strong contrast.

You can use the same approach over a simple dress or with a skirt. A smooth base layer helps a relaxed cardigan sit comfortably. Compare where the cardigan hem meets the waist and hips, then wear it open or partly buttoned according to the shape you prefer.

The coordinating dog sweater in the photograph is part of Sand & Ivory Packmates. For more ways to share the color combination, read Matching Preppy Style With Your Dog.

Choose the fit for the way you will wear it

These cardigans are made in 450 g/m² jacquard knit, with a 55% cotton and 45% polyester blend. The substantial knit is worth keeping in mind when choosing layers: a lighter shirt or T-shirt leaves more room beneath it.

Both styles are offered in sizes 2XS–3XL. Use the measurements on the individual product page and compare them with a cardigan you like wearing. Consider the shoulder, chest, sleeve, and overall length, as well as the layer you intend to wear underneath. A relaxed unisex fit will sit differently on different bodies.

Each cardigan is made to order. Review the current delivery estimate on the product page when choosing one for a particular date.