If you fasten all or most of the buttons, a short cardigan can function as a top in much the same way as a pullover. The collection below showcases a range of short button-through cardigans worn as pullovers.
Silhouettes vary from short to very short. Necklines vary from crew and slash, to V-neck and boat necks. Fits vary from tailored and fluid, to oversized. Welts can be tapered and fitted, or wide and boxy. Gauges run from dainty and fine to super chunky. Sleeve lengths run from short to long.
You can wear a buttoned-through cardigan untucked, like most of the examples shown. Or you can tuck the fine-gauge versions. The fluid and roomy fits are best because the buttons don’t gape open (remember to do the sit-down test). A roomier fit is better on a larger bust and/or broader shoulder so that the buttons don’t pull. Creating this look with a short and tight cardigan is tricky because the buttons pull apart and gape.
A fitted camisole or tank is great to wear underneath for warmth and coverage, or even a sleek Heattech thermal tee from Uniqlo if you run really cold. You can also unbutton a few top buttons of a crew neck cardi and allow a lace cami to peak out from under the neckline.
Wearing a short cardigan as a pullover is a handy strategy for styling a flared skirt, which is easily orphaned because you don’t have the right top. You don’t need to tuck or semi-tuck a buttoned-through short cardi, which is extra easy and comfy.
