How to Style Longline Cardigans and Honest & Unsponsored Best Buys

Longline cardigans are the ultimate layering piece that instantly elevates any outfit whilst providing effortless comfort and versatility. I've spent years styling women of all shapes and sizes, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that a well-chosen longline cardigan is one of the hardest-working pieces you'll ever own—it's the fashion equivalent of having a brilliant friend who makes you look better just by being there.

Why Longline Cardigans Work

The magic of a longline cardigan lies in its ability to create vertical lines that elongate your silhouette whilst adding sophistication to the most casual of outfits. Unlike their cropped counterparts, longline styles—typically falling anywhere from mid-thigh to knee length—offer more coverage and create a streamlined look that's both flattering and incredibly chic. I've watched them transform simple jeans-and-tee combinations into polished ensembles countless times in my styling sessions.

The Five Styling Formulas That Actually Work

The Belted Power Move: This is my go-to for creating definition. Take your longline cardigan and cinch it at the waist with a leather belt over a simple slip dress or tailored trousers. The belt breaks up the length and highlights your waist, giving you an hourglass shape even if Mother Nature didn't. Pair with ankle boots and you've got instant Parisian chic.

The Layered Sophisticate: Layer your longline cardigan over a crisp white shirt and slim-fit trousers or a pencil skirt. Leave it unbuttoned and let it drape naturally. This creates beautiful vertical lines and works brilliantly for the office or client meetings. I always tell my clients to roll up the shirt sleeves slightly for that "I've got this" confidence.

The Weekend Casual: Throw it over a fitted turtleneck, straight-leg jeans, and white trainers. The contrast between the relaxed cardigan and the streamlined pieces underneath creates a balanced, effortlessly cool look. This is what I live in at weekends, honestly.

The Dress Transformer: Wear your longline cardigan as a dress itself over leggings or slim trousers. Choose a chunky knit style with interesting texture, add a statement belt, and finish with knee-high boots. It's unexpectedly elegant and incredibly comfortable for long days.

The Evening Edge: Don't underestimate a longline cardigan for evening wear. A fine-knit or cashmere style in black or navy over a silk camisole, tailored trousers, and heeled boots creates understated elegance. Add statement earrings and you're set for dinner or drinks without trying too hard.

Body Shape Considerations

For petite frames, look for cardigans that hit just above the knee rather than mid-calf, which can swamp your proportions. Avoid oversized styles and stick to more fitted options. For tall women, you can embrace the drama of longer lengths and chunkier knits—you've got the height to carry it beautifully. If you're pear-shaped, choose cardigans that hit below the widest part of your hips to create a sleek line. Apple shapes benefit from open-front styles that create vertical lines and avoid belt details at the natural waist. Hourglass figures should definitely belt their cardigans to show off that enviable waist.

High Street Heroes

Zara consistently delivers on-trend longline cardigans with excellent drape and contemporary silhouettes. Their wool-blend options are particularly good value and wear beautifully season after season.

Mango offers sophisticated, minimalist designs that look far more expensive than they are. Their fine-knit longline cardigans in neutral tones are wardrobe staples that style editors consistently recommend.

COS is my absolute favourite for timeless, architectural pieces. Their longline cardigans have that Scandi-cool aesthetic with exceptional quality and clever design details like interesting button placements and oversized collars.

Whistles creates elegant, slightly more fashion-forward options. Their textured knits and colour palette are always beautifully considered, making them perfect for women who want something a bit special without going designer.

Jigsaw excels at luxurious fabrications and flattering cuts. Their cashmere blends are investment pieces that justify the slightly higher price point with superior softness and longevity.

M&S has genuinely upped their game with their Autograph collection. You'll find beautifully made longline cardigans in premium yarns at remarkably accessible prices—perfect for stocking up on multiple colours.

Reiss offers polished, contemporary styles that transition seamlessly from desk to dinner. Their attention to fit and finish means these pieces look expensive and wear exceptionally well.

Me&Em creates modern, elevated basics with impeccable tailoring. Their longline cardigans often feature clever design touches like ribbed details or interesting necklines that make them feel special.

Arket (a Swedish brand worth discovering) delivers minimalist perfection with sustainable credentials. Their longline cardigans are investment pieces with clean lines and exceptional quality at the mid-range price point.

Premium and Designer Options

For those ready to invest, Max Mara creates the ultimate luxurious longline cardigans in sumptuous cashmere and wool blends. These are heirloom pieces that improve with age. The Row offers minimalist perfection for those who appreciate understated luxury, whilst Loro Piana represents the pinnacle of cashmere craftsmanship with longline styles that are impossibly soft and beautifully cut.

Get Your Perfect Fit with Tellar

Here's the thing about longline cardigans—or any piece, really—the styling only works if the fit is right. I've seen too many women buy gorgeous cardigans that don't quite fit properly because sizing varies so dramatically between brands. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes an absolute game-changer.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more squinting at confusing size guides or crossing your fingers when you order online. Here's how brilliantly simple it is:

Measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or simply input your existing brand size. That's it—one measurement session and you're set across all brands.

Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand you're considering—whether it's COS, Reiss, Arket, Zara, or Max Mara. No guesswork, no returns, no frustration.

Always free and works directly in your browser—no downloads, no subscriptions, just straightforward help finding your perfect fit.

As a stylist, I genuinely recommend Tellar to every client because it solves the single biggest frustration in online shopping. When you're investing in quality pieces like a beautiful longline cardigan, knowing your exact size before you buy is invaluable.

More Style Guidance from Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar also offers a Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query imaginable. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. If you've found this guide helpful, you'll love exploring their other expert advice:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide – Everything you need to know about finding your perfect fit

• Jeans Trends 2026 – What denim styles to invest in now

• Ultimate Guide to Dresses & Best Buys – Every dress style decoded with top shopping picks

• Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys – Find your perfect jacket style and fit

The Bottom Line

A well-chosen longline cardigan is one of the smartest investments you can make in your wardrobe. It's that rare piece that works for virtually every occasion, flatters multiple body types when styled correctly, and never really goes out of fashion. Start with one in a neutral tone—camel, grey, navy, or black—and I promise you'll reach for it constantly. The key is getting the fit spot-on, which is where tools like Tellar become genuinely indispensable. Happy styling!