Cardigan over a Dress

• Pair a short cardigan over a dress for a feminine and classic style. Most button-up cardigans are more casual than dressy; therefore, pair it with a simple summer dress that is sleeveless or has short sleeves. Dresses that coordinate with the neckline of the cardigan, such as a scoop-neck dress with a scoop-neck cardigan, can be left unbuttoned or buttoned. Necklines that clash with the dress neckline should be left open so there is not a noticeable difference in the style. If you leave the cardigan open, consider wearing a long necklace to draw the eye downward to create a visually slimming appearance. Play around with the cardigan and the dress to find a color and style that works best.
  
  

Cardigan with a Skirt

• Wear your short cardigan with a skirt to spice up your style. The cardigan is the perfect transition piece for warm to cold weather and vice versa. Pair the cardigan with a jean skirt and a basic white T-shirt for a casual and sophisticated style. Another option includes wearing the short cardigan with a fitted shirt and long maxi skirt for a boho-chic style. The only style of skirt to avoid when wearing the short, button-up cardigan is the high-waist skirt. This style will only expose a small amount of midriff making your body look shorter.
  
  

Cardigan with Shorts

• Dress yourself up in a cardigan and shorts. For the fashion-forward gal, wear the cardigan with shorts and heels or gladiator sandals. Pair a funky or fitted T-shirt under an open cardigan so the undershirt hugs your body and the cardigan stays open. Layer necklaces around your neck and coordinate a matching set of earrings or a bracelet and watch combination. Since shorts are casual, play up the cardigan with accessories.
  
  

Cardigan with Pants

• Like a denim skirt, wearing the cardigan with jeans is a casual style that combines sophistication and contemporary. Pair a solid color cardigan with a patterned shirt, or vise versa, and your favorite pair of jeans. If jeans are not your style, then consider wearing the cardigan to work with a pair of slacks on casual Friday. If you have a short torso and wear pants, then wear heels to elongate your legs to give the illusion of a longer body frame. This will counteract the short cardigan and any illusion of a short torso.