Cardigans have long been an indispensable item in any women’s wardrobe, but these pieces are getting more important over the past few years. We hope they remain widespread, providing dozens of excellent get-up options. We’ll get to those after a while, but first, what is a sweater or cardigan? Does it cover the waist and hip area? Officially, the hem of a long cardigan falls anywhere between your hip and knees, while a maxi cardigan ends between your knees and the ground.

Most importantly, long sweater coats and cardigans are perfect for layering. They’re an excellent intermediate piece, carrying you through fall, winter, and spring. Let’s have a look at some outerwear for women's outfit ideas that will keep you cozy this winter:

Over a dress

Breezy dresses and skirts are delightful and comfy, but they can’t keep you warm when the temperature drops—fortunately, a long cardigan to save the day. Throw your sweater duster and an infinity scarf over your summer dress to make it cozy for winter. Don’t pack away your summer dresses! Wear it in winter with a cardigan and thick tight.

Layered under light jackets

Who says jeans and faux-leather jackets aren’t warm enough for winter months? Please keep them in your closet by wearing them over a long cardigan for women. This way, you can still show off your lovely outerwear even though it’s frigid outside.

With skinny jeans, a Cami, and a belt

Love skinny jeans but find them too body-conscious? A long cardigan is skimming enough to compliment your figure but loose enough to keep you from feeling bare. Wear a cami beneath, and cinch an eye-catching belt at the slimmest part of your waist to light your curves. If looking long and thin is your aim, wear your long cardigan for women with a pair of knee-high boots. Both create dramatic lengths that will leave you feeling great.

Thick knit and a printed top

A thick-knit cardigan is nicely casual and cozy, and selecting one in a single, neutral color makes it easy to blend this piece with every get-up in your closet. Add a blouse with a unique print beneath for a bit of a twist.

Over a decorated button-down with cuffed sleeves

This look is professional and comfortable, quickly transitioning between work and break. Find a button-down shirt with an outline you love, wear a long cardigan for women on top, then cuff the sleeves of the shirt over those of the sweater. This way, you get a lovely trio of colors and patterns, while the neutral cover-up adds an icy coolness to your look.

With leggings and a tunic

Leggings are a prerequisite in winter, and wearing them with a tunic and outerwear for women makes them work-appropriate. Length is critical when choosing open sweaters to wear with leggings to the office. Long cardigans come off as casual, while shorter ones are more office-perfect.