So last weekend I dug out that Miu Miu cardigan I snagged secondhand months ago – honestly forgot I had it! Tag was still on. Figured it was time to actually wear it instead of letting it gather dust. Here’s exactly how my styling experiments went down.
First Try: Way Too Basic
Grabbed my usual skinny jeans and a plain white tee. Tossed the cardigan on top. Buttoned it up. Looked in the mirror… and yawned. Seriously, it just looked sloppy and kinda frumpy? Like I couldn’t be bothered. Felt like I wasted the cardigan’s vibe. Nope.
Unbuttoning & Adding Layers
Took the cardigan off. Left it completely unbuttoned. Then tried it over a simple ribbed tank dress I wear to death. Still felt… blah. Fine for grocery shopping, maybe, but not “fashion pro.” Where was the pop? Swapped the dress for a silky cami and high-waisted trousers. Better! The drape of the silk helped. Tied a skinny scarf loosely around my neck – instant upgrade. Small win!
The “Unexpected Combo” Gamble
Got bolder. Saw someone online wear a cardigan over a hoodie. Tried my cropped black hoodie underneath. Sleeves poked out, chunky sneakers on… felt surprisingly cool and comfy! Played with proportions. Tucked just the front corners of the cardigan into my favorite ripped denim shorts. Added chunky silver jewelry – hoops and a bracelet stack. Big improvement! Felt more intentional.
Accessorizing Saved My Butt
Big lesson? Accessories matter SO much with a simple piece like this.
- Belts are Magic: Threw a thin black leather belt over the unbuttoned cardigan (over the tank dress look). Cinched it. BOOM. Waist definition!
- Bags Matter: My huge tote bag killed the vibe with the high-waisted trousers look. Swapped for a small, structured shoulder bag. World of difference.
- Shoes Change Everything: Ballet flats made it look sweet, chunky loafers felt smarter, my worn-in combat boots gave it edge. Pick your weapon.
What Actually Worked For Me
After way too many mirror selfies, here’s my no-fail formula:
- Keep it open: Unbuttoned always looks chicer and less stiff.
- Contrast Textures: Pair with silk, leather, denim – not other fluffy knits.
- Show some skin/anchor: V-neck cami underneath or cropped top showing a sliver. Or high-waisted bottoms.
- ONE bold accessory: Statement belt OR chunky necklace OR cool bag. Not all three!
- Play with proportions: Cropped cardigan? Try wide-leg pants. Longer cardigan? Go for tighter bottoms.
Took me like 2 hours of awkward posing, honest! Not all combos worked. That one time I tried it over a collared shirt? Disaster zone. Belting it over bulky sweatshirt? Nope. But finding those few combos that felt effortless and cool? Worth the struggle. Don’t be afraid to just try things on!
