Cardigans aren’t just for Fall and Winter. They’re so popular right now, stores are carrying short sleeve varieties in a number of different styles and at every price point. The nice thing about cardigans is there are a number of really great, well-made options that are also inexpensive.

How to Wear Short Sleeved Cardigans

Short sleeved cardigans can be worn a number of ways. Since they’re used primarily for layering, you can wear them with pretty much anything.

With a Dress or Skirt

There are three different ways to wear a short sleeve cardigan with a dress.

• Wear unbuttoned and left open.
• Wear open and belted.
• Wear buttoned and belted.

Which style you choose depends on the dress and what look you’re going for. Try each style and decide which fits you best.

With Jeans or Shorts

Wearing a cardigan with jeans or shorts can be done a variety of ways.

• Wear the cardigan loose and open as a top layer.
• Wear open and belted.
• Wear buttoned and belted.
• Wear buttoned as a stand-alone top.

Types of Short Sleeved Cardigans

Like the long sleeved version, there are different types of short sleeved cardigans.

Cropped

Cropped cardigans are great feminine layer for dresses and skirts.

V-Neck

V-Neck cardigans are the basic cardigan you know so well. The buttons start at the bottom of the V, giving you a classic look. These can be trickier to belt.

3/4 sleeve

3/4 sleeve cardigans offer a little more coverage if you need something warmer or don’t want to bare as much of your arms.

Long

Long cardigans are quite elegant and an unexpected style for short sleeved cardigans. They’re perfect for dresses and skirts and can also be worn with jeans.

Draped

Draped cardigans usually don’t button and have a ballerina style to them. These are great for belting or wearing loose for a very layered look.

Inexpensive Short Sleeved Cardigans

They’re so cheap, I’ll buy more than one

Shown: Charlotte Russe Open Knit Cardigan ($15.99), Forever 21 Sweater Cardigan ($17.80), Forever 21 Open Cardigan ($10.50)

Average Priced Short Sleeved Cardigans

Looking for a couple of essential styles

Shown: Banana Republic One Button Cardigan ($39.99), Victoria’s Secret Pointelle Cardigan ($35.00), Maggy London Crop Cardigan ($48.00)

High Priced Short Sleeved Cardigans

Just one classic piece will do

Shown: Calvin Klein Cardigan ($69.50), Anthropologie Summerweight Cardigan ($88.00)


Will you be wearing a short sleeve cardigan as the weather warms? Share which cardigan is your favorite in the comments section.