5+ Ways to Style a Cardigan Dress

Recently, I realized that I haven’t blogged about our latest post yet. Edited Parts arrival! For the brand, I focused on wardrobe essentials that cannot be easily changed (like knitting, boots) and I looked for something like this. cardigan dress for the last few years. I’m very happy with how this turned out and how it can go from stylish to casual year-round PLUS, it’s both bumpy and nurse-friendly.

For a seemingly simple piece, the development process took the longest as we tried to customize a very comfortable and soft yarn blend with Lenzing™ Ecovero™ viscose. This is not a comfortable fit or curvy hug; more shape grazing and straight cutting edges for a number of reasons. In order for this to be used both as a dress + a cardigan, the knitting is not too tight, otherwise, when the buttons are opened, both sides are pulled back and the front cannot be closed. Making the knit fit the waist more accentuated the lower abdomen, so I chose a relaxed fit with a belt to add optional waist definition. Most EP customers who bought 2 sizes to try on kept the smaller size, so if you’re arguing between sizes I’d go down for a more fitting look (the material is very stretchy). Also, please note that as with most knits, there will be some shrinkage when machine washed and dried.

I’ll have to go through the samples and share some more behind the scenes working on the EP! By the way, here are a few ideas for styling such a part:

blank canvas

Here is the dress that comes with an optional belted sash that you can replace with any favorite belt. The sleeve length is quite small and I folded it once in the photo below for bracelet length. For fit reference, I’m about 32-25-33 these days, wearing xxs at 5 feet tall so for someone taller it might be above knee length. Again, the ribbed knit has tons of stretch.

1. For Warmer Weather

I love the look of a longer cardigan worn over a much shorter piece, whether it’s shorts, a mini dress or a skirt. Plus, black + camel + cream is the most reliable color trio you can apply to countless other outfit pairings for any climate.

2. For Colder Weather

A long black cardigan will work on any denim color – blue, white, gray, just to name a few. To set this look year-round, add a neutral tank and replace it with seasonal shoes.

3. Dressed up

Office fit with a not-too-low neckline and buttons that can be closed or opened completely to show some leg. You can replace any favorite belt to add waist definition.

4. Dressed up

My usual ensemble when lounging around the house! I love that this cardigan dress is bright enough for an office, but also soft and comfortable enough to curl up on the couch. Also my dear Zella joggers are still in very good condition after some crazy wear. Unfortunately I haven’t seen a size XXS stocked in these for a while, but I’ve linked the kids versions (super discounted right now!!) below. Zella girls’ Large size (10-12) should be slightly smaller than women’s xxs.

5. On the Move

Sneakers – check. Hands free bag – check it out. Versatile layers in unpredictable weather – check it out. This is an easy and casual look for traveling, sightseeing, running errands or hanging out with the kids at the playground!