Reader Question - Long White Cardigan Outfit Ideas

Dearest Fab Finder,
I just want to say thank you! My roommate introduced me to your blog a month ago and it has been a pleasure reading/seeing the combinations that you put together. You have made me look at my closet and try different combinations (something I wouldn't have done in the past)!
Would you be able to help me with some longer cardigan issues? I purchased 2 white cardigans for $5 & $10 on a clearance rack. They both go to about mid-thigh length. One is short sleeved and of lighter fabric for summer and the other longer sleeved for winter. They are both button ups. I really like them but I am just unsure how to coordinate them with my clothes? Please let me know if you need pictures.

Cheers,
Meredith
Cardigan Clueless

Meredith, welcome to Fab Finds Under $50! It sounds like you scored some great cardis at even better prices! I pulled up a couple of pictures that I believe show cardigans similar to the ones you have recently add to your wardrobe.

Sample Cardigans shown are Left - Banana Republic's Long Linen Cardigan, $89, and Right - Target's Long-Sleeve Open Wrap Cardigan, $20

Personally I think you have almost limitless options as to what to pair the cardis with, but here are a few ideas in particular:

Drawing upon inspiration from First Lady Michelle Obama's Inauguration Outfit and a recent stunning combination in purple that she wore to a ribbon cutting, I think the white cardi would be fantastic left unbuttoned and layered over a dress as these two looks demonstrate.

Floral-print dress - Newport News, on sale for $39
Betsey Johnson Heart Charm Stretch Bracelet - Nordstrom, $50
Preston & York Interlock Belt - Dillards, $26.60
Two Lips Talina - 6pm.com, $36.23

Print Boatneck Dress - Target, $39.99
Forever Flower Brooch - Forever 21, $3.80
Metallic Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $11.86
Oh Deer! Marilyn - 6pm.com, $40.25

Create a streamlined, crisp look for work by pairing with white pants. Once again leave the cardi unbutton and you can either belt the shirt and cardi or just the shirt leaving the cardi loose.

Classic Button-Front Shirt - Old Navy, on sale for $15
Merona® Collection Twill Pant - Target, $32.99
MICHAEL Michael Kors Wide Prong Suede Belt - Nordstrom, $45
Gabriella Rocha Cayden - 6pm.com, $43.70

Pair the cardi with a simple tank and cropped pants and use a brooch to gather the cardi together (similar to what I did here).

Lattice-Crochet Top - Old Navy, on sale for $10
Slim Stretch Capris - Old Navy, on sale for $15
Bejeweled Floral Brooch - Spiegel, on sale for $34
Nine West Jape2 - 6pm.com, $42.55

Lastly, toss the cardi on with jeans and fun pops of color with accessories and great shoes for a casual day or evening out!

Boyfriend Lace Tank - American Eagle, $17.50
Artist Jeans - American Eagle, $29.50
Coleen Dangling Earrings - Forever 21, $4.80
Audrey Scarf - Alloy, $16.50
Soho Lab Hayden - 6pm.com, $28.75

As for winter time looks with the long-sleeve cardi you can do many of the same types of looks, however, it is hard to give examples given the availability of off-season clothes. I hope there are some looks you like and can coordinate with your wardrobe here.

I must say after putting these together I really want a long white cardigan!!!