How to Style a Grey Cardigan

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: December 3, 2021 References

Grey cardigans are the perfect staple piece for any wardrobe. With so many styling options, it can be hard to choose what outfit to wear! By picking out fun, complementary colors and pieces, you can wear your grey cardigan with confidence every time. Whether you're breaking out your sweaters for autumn or just want to feel cozy and cute year-round, we've created a list of outfit ideas for styling a grey cardigan. Which one fits with your personal style?

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Create a classic look with a white shirt.

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You can wear this outfit almost anywhere at any time. Pair your grey cardigan with a white T-shirt, tank top, button-down, or crop top underneath for a look that pops instantly.^{[1]
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- Lighter grey cardigans will blend in with the white color, while darker grey ones will pop against it.
- You can pair this outfit with some jeans and boots for a fall or winter look.
- Or, try some khaki shorts and sandals during warmer weather.

Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Use a plaid top to brighten up your outfit.

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A plaid shirt will give your look a little visual interest. Try wearing a red, blue, or green plaid shirt under your grey cardigan for a pop of color and pattern.^{[2]
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- You can leave your cardigan open to show off your shirt, or you can button it up for a more sophisticated look.
- Pair your outfit with a beanie to stay cozy during the winter time.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Try light wash jeans for an effortless outfit.

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Light wash bottoms always look good with a grey cardigan. Go for skinny jeans, capris, or even jean shorts to look great every time.^{[3]
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- For a more modern look, go for ripped or distressed jeans.
- Try a vintage outfit with flared jeans and a grey cardigan.
- Go for cropped jeans that hit at your ankle for an interesting silhouette.

Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Try a sporty outfit with leggings.

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Keep your look casual on your day off. Put on a pair of classic black leggings, then pair your outfit with a white T-shirt and your grey cardigan.^{[4]
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- This look works best with a longer cardigan that hits just below your bum.
- Pair your outfit with running shoes and a beanie if it’s cold out.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Look chic in a black outfit.

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Darker grey cardigans look great with an all-black outfit. Try pants and a shirt, a long dress and tights, or a skirt and a button-down with your cardigan on top.^{[5]
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- If all black is a little too much for you, go for navy blue instead.

Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Try an all-grey outfit for a monochromatic, chic outfit.

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Turn heads in an outfit made entirely of grey tones. Pair your cardigan with a grey top, grey trousers, and a grey overcoat to hit the art museum or go out to a fancy brunch.^{[6]
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- Don’t worry about matching all of your greys—in fact, varying tones will make your outfit look more put together.
- Add a pop of color with your shoes or a handbag.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Create casual looks with sneakers.

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Pair your cardigan with running shoes or sneakers for a sporty look. Try wearing leggings, jeans, or a tennis skirt with your cardigan to complete your outfit.^{[7]
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- White sneakers always look great with grey, while black or navy ones will blend in more with your outfit.
- Or, add a pop of color to your look with red, blue, or green sneakers.

Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Elevate your outfit with a pair of heels.

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You can make any outfit a little more fancy with the right shoes. Try kitten heels for a day at the office, wedges for a spring evening, or stilettos for a night out on the town.^{[8]
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- Black heels always look chic and sophisticated with a grey cardigan.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Accessorize with a neutral handbag.

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Let your grey cardigan stand out with natural colors. Grab a purse, handbag, or clutch that’s grey, white, or black for the perfect outfit every time.^{[9]
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- You could also wear a black satchel or fanny pack for a more modern look.
- For a casual outfit, try a neutral backpack instead.

Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Brighten up your look with a fun scarf.

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Grey is a neutral, so you can pair it with almost anything. Make your outfit stand out with pinks, reds, blues, and greens, especially during the spring and summer.^{[10]
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- You can also add color in with your handbag or your jewelry.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Pair your look with silver jewelry.

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Grab your silver rings, necklaces, and earrings for a perfect outfit. Silver always looks great with grey, and they’re so similar that you almost can’t go wrong.^{[11]
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- Make your look feel a little edgier by wearing a chain necklace or a statement necklace.
- Dress your outfit up with long, dangly earrings, or keep it simple with small studs.

Community Q&A

Question

What color pants go with a grey cardigan?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

White, black, red, and navy are great go-to colors. Pink and purple also go beautifully with grey.