I still remember the first time I fell in love with long cardigans. It was when I moved to Chicago back in 2014.

Picture this: I was going through a messy divorce, had gained some weight, and was figuring out life in a brand-new country in a city where it felt like the wind was trying to blow me straight into Lake Michigan.

I was always cold. I needed layers. I needed comfort.

And honestly? I needed something that made me feel like me again. Enter: the long cardigan.

It was the perfect piece; soft, cozy, forgiving, and long enough to cover my butt (a quality I came to deeply appreciate in that season of my life). Putting one on felt like wrapping myself in a hug, at a time when I really needed one.

I'm not exaggerating. Even on the days I felt like crawling back into bed, a long cardigan made me look like I had my life together.

Which, if you’ve ever gone through a big life change, you know is a priceless feeling.

But enough of this love story between me and love cardigans. Let's talk about how to style them and how to find 'the one'.

Here's an old photo of me back in 2015 wearing one of my favorite long cardigans ever!

Fun fact: that was my street in Chicago. Where Ways of Style started in 2014. That window you see behind me on the first floor was my apartment. The one that saw me go through a divorce, depression and suicidal thoughts. But also saw me flourish and find myself. Where many loved ones lived with me when they needed a place to crash. Where I got engaged. The place that made it possible for us to save money to travel the world. I guess I got emotional as I was looking at this photo 🥹.

Anyway... long cardigans anyone?

Fast forward to today, and I’m still obsessed with long cardis (even though I don’t get to wear them much anymore).

Living in warm places 99% of the time, and traveling with only a carry-on, means I don’t usually have the luxury of packing them. They take up way too much space. And I have no real use for a long cardigan.

But if I lived in a cooler climate again? Oh girl, I’d wear them every. single. day.

Here’s why:

✅ They take the most basic outfit—jeans and a T-shirt, leggings and a cami—and instantly make it feel intentional.

✅ They give you that effortless, “I just threw this on” vibe… even if you were scrambling five minutes ago.

✅ They work all year. In the dead of winter, they’re a layering dream. On a cool summer evening, they’re the perfect lightweight topper.

✅ They’re flattering on everyone when you pick the right length and fabric.

Basically, they’re the kind of piece that earns its space in your closet, which is exactly what I love teaching you to build.

How to choose 'the one'

Not all cardigans are created equal. The secret is picking one that works for your shape:

• If you’re petite like me: look for mid-thigh styles in lighter knits that won’t overwhelm you. I actually have this one from Quince (size XS - it's oversized!) and I love it because it's an open-front style. If you're looking for something with buttons, this one is a great option and SUPER warm and cozy.
• If you’re tall: you’re the queen of drama—go for those ankle-length dusters or even bold prints. This merino wool one from Quince is a dream!​
• If you’re curvy/hourglass: definition is your best friend. You can belt your cardigan, yes, but you can also highlight your waist with what you wear underneath—a tucked-in top, a fitted dress, or even high-waisted jeans. This way the cardigan adds movement without hiding your shape.
• If you’re straighter/rectangle-shaped: lean into the cardigan’s ability to create curves. Look for cardigans with texture, ribbing, or a slight A-line cut that add dimension.
• If you’re apple-shaped: open-front styles that skim (rather than cling) are your BFF. Look for vertical lines that elongate the torso. Focus on finding open-front cardis that hang beautifully without adding bulk at the midsection.

Two or three really well-chosen long cardigans will cover you year-round.

Mistakes to avoid when styling your long cardigans

I love a good long cardigan, but I'll be honest, they’re not totally foolproof. Wear them the wrong way and suddenly you’ve gone from chic and effortless to… well, kind of frumpy.

Don’t worry, these are easy fixes! Here are a few common mistakes, and how to avoid them.

🚫 Bulky layers under cardigans: puff sleeves and oversized tops don’t play nice under a long cardi. It ends up looking lumpy.

🚫 Going too oversized: yes, we love cozy, but there’s a fine line between “effortless” and “my sweater ate me alive.”

🚫 Pairing with super slouchy bottoms: wide pants + long cardi = proportions fighting each other. Balance it with slimmer pants, leggings, or heels.

Get those three things right, and you’re golden ✨ These are the long cardigans I've had over the years and how I've styled them across seasons.

Thanks so much for reading my emails! Hope this one gets you a little bit closer to your fall styling goals!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🩵

XO,

Aimara

Continue reading on the blog ⬇️

• ​35 long cardigan outfits to inspire you!​
• ​How to create the perfect fall capsule wardrobe (with styling tips by body type)
• ​7 timeless pieces you can wear all year (that will never go out of style)