It’s easy to say that jeans go with everything, but as someone who wears denim every day, I can confirm that’s not strictly true. Still, some pieces shine brighter when paired with jeans, and for me, cardigans are the perfect example.
There’s something so perfect about the mix: the softness of knitwear set against the structure of denim creates just enough contrast to feel interesting, while both share a casual spirit that keeps the pairing grounded. Unlike jumpers, which can sometimes feel a touch too laid-back, cardigans bring a smarter edge without tipping into formality. With the shift in seasons and a renewed desire to return to my favourite styling formula, I turned to Instagram for fresh inspiration.
Below, you’ll find five chic cardigan-and-jeans outfits I’ll be re-creating immediately.
Discover 5 Chic Cardigan and Jeans Outfits to Copy This Season
1. Leather Jacket + Cardigan + Belt + Jeans
Style Notes: As the weather cools, I find a slouchy cardigan layered beneath a roomy leather jacket to be the perfect combination. To avoid things looking too relaxed, I like to tuck the knit into my jeans and finish with a chunky belt for polish. For extra style points, metallic flats instantly elevate the look.
Shop the Look:
Trust me: you'll come back to this roomy jacket trend all season.
Style this over a white tee or wear it on its own.
Khaite's Benny belt remains a fashion person's favourite.
These classic straight-leg jeans are some of the most-worn in my wardrobe.
Add some shimmer to your step.
2. Collared Cardigan + Graphic Tee + Jeans
Style Notes: Instead of reaching for a jacket, try layering a collared cardigan over a white tee. It’s a softer approach to autumn dressing, and works especially well in a playful shade—think the season’s buttery yellows—contrasted against the deep shade of denim, as seen on @lindseyholland.
Shop the Look:
This also comes in grey, navy and brown.
Every great wardrobe starts with a fresh white tee.
These also come in seven other shades.
Trust me: high-vamp flats are set to be a key trend this autumn.
3. Colourful Cardigan + White Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Don’t pack away your white jeans just yet. Balance their freshness with a vibrant cardigan and suede loafers, which nod to cooler weather without losing lightness. Personally, I find cardigans look their neatest buttoned up and tucked in, and extra-chic when cinched with a studded belt.
Shop the Look:
This also comes in five other shades.
Style with straight-leg jeans or wear it over a dress.
These also come in 10 other shades.
Style with white socks to give your look a preppy feel.
4. V-Neck Cardigan + Jeans + Heels
Style Notes: To me, a V-neck cardigan feels the most elevated, perhaps because of that subtle flash of décolletage. This neckline feels like a more natural pairing with heels or mules, making the trio of cardigan, jeans and heeled footwear one of the easiest ways to look dressed up whilst still staying comfortable.
Shop the Look:
Layer this over a white tee or wear it on its own.
Honestly, these look more expensive than they actually are.
Style with jeans or wear with a sleek pencil skirt.
5. Fair Isle Knit + Blue Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: When the chill sets in, nothing beats a cosy Fair Isle knit. To keep the heritage design looking modern, I like it best with straight-leg jeans and classic loafers, especially if they’re in this season’s favourite shade of red.
Shop the Look:
I'm shopping this to style throughout winter's coldest days.
These come in three different lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.
There's something so chic about a square-toe flat.
-
I Just Introduced My 56-Year-Old Mom to Revolve—37 Cyber Monday Deals She and I Agree OnExpensive-looking winter finds ahead.
-
I Just Saved $767 on an Elevated Winter Wardrobe (Thank You, Amazon)Can't get over these Cyber Monday deals.
-
If You Buy Just One Thing From the Reformation Sale, It Should Be This Cult Item—Trust MeIt-girl approved.
-
If Chic Jeans-and-Boots Outfits Are the Goal, Don't Miss These Standout Picks From Zara, Madewell, andReplica StoreBring on a stylish fall and winter closet.
-
Every Celeb From J.Lo to Kate Middleton Knows to Put on This Classic Outfit When They're Unsure of What to WearDon't worry. This look will save you every time.
-
It's Almost Ridiculous to Believe These 27 Anthropologie Black Friday 2025 Finds Won't Sell OutScore 30% off French-girl trench coats, cashmere sweaters, and more.
-
Get Ready—This Is the Pretty Sweater Trend Everyone Will Wear With Jeans and Fur Coats Starting NowElsa Hosk knows best.
-
Of All Her Outfits, *This* Hailey Bieber Look Is Stuck in My BrainAnd I will be re-creating it.
