A brown cardigan is the coziest layer you can own. It's softer than a blazer and warmer than a shirt, and the chocolate, mocha or camel color goes with denim, cream, black and grey. Worn open, buttoned up or as a top on its own, it works for weekends and the office.
Below are eight brown cardigan outfits, plus the colors and shoes that work best. For a sharper layer, see our brown blazer outfits, and for more knitwear, our brown sweater outfits.
What do you wear with a brown cardigan?
A brown cardigan goes with blue jeans, cream, white, black, grey and denim. Wear it open over a white tee, buttoned as a top, or over a slip dress. For shoes, choose loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots or white sneakers. Cream and white make the brown look warm and soft; black makes it look sharper.
Brown cardigan outfits
1. Brown cardigan and blue jeans
A brown cardigan open over a white tee with straight blue jeans. It's the easiest everyday outfit.
Wear it with: brown loafers.
2. Buttoned cardigan as a top
A fitted brown cardigan buttoned up and tucked into cream trousers. It's polished and simple.
Wear it with: a slim gold belt.
3. Brown cardigan and a slip skirt
A brown cardigan over a white tee with a satin slip skirt. Soft knit and shiny satin look great together.
Wear it with: ballet flats.
4. Brown cardigan and black
A brown cardigan with black trousers and a black top. It's warm but still sharp.
Wear it with: black ankle boots.
5. Oversized cardigan and leggings
An oversized chunky brown cardigan with black leggings. It's cozy and easy for running errands.
Wear it with: white sneakers.
6. Brown cardigan and a midi dress
A brown cardigan over a cream knit midi dress. It's soft, warm and pretty.
Wear it with: cream boots.
7. Brown cardigan and a striped shirt
A brown cardigan over a blue striped shirt with white jeans. The stripes make it fresh.
Wear it with: tan loafers.
8. Tonal brown
A brown cardigan with brown trousers and a cream tee. Mixing shades of brown looks rich.
Wear it with: brown boots.
How to wear a brown cardigan
Choose your knit. Fine knits look polished; chunky knits look cozy.
Pick the fit. Cropped cardigans work with high-waisted pants; long ones with leggings and dresses.
Wear it two ways. Open as a layer, or buttoned as a top.
Add one contrast. White, black or denim keeps the outfit from looking flat.
FAQ
What color pants go with a brown cardigan?
Blue jeans, cream, white, black, grey and matching brown. Blue jeans are the easiest.
What shoes go with a brown cardigan?
Loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots and white sneakers.
Can you wear a cardigan as a top?
Yes. Button a fitted cardigan all the way and tuck it into high-waisted pants or a skirt.
Is a brown cardigan in style?
Yes. Brown knitwear is a big fall trend, from cropped fitted cardigans to chunky oversized ones.
The bottom line
Wear a brown cardigan open over a white tee with jeans, or buttoned as a top with cream trousers. Save the outfit you like and browse more outfit ideas.
