Length:  First, think about the length.  A ladies long cardigan can fall anywhere from your hips to the top of your knees.  If you are a tall woman, you can get away with something that is a lot longer.  If you are a smaller or petite woman, I wouldn’t go too long unless  you are really skinny.  The length may look overwhelming.  If you’ve seen Mary-Kate or Ashley Olson, you’ve seen how the long cardigan can completely cover a person where only the face is peeking out and you can’t see their bodies.  Ladies – this look doesn’t flatter anyone.  Make sure that the long cardigan falls at a good place, otherwise it will look obvious that you are trying to cover up those hips or thighs.

Material:  This is important because the long cardigan sweater has to drape over your body.  Again, if you are pretty skinny, you can go ahead and buy a thinner material.  Thin cashmere, light wool, or just cotton will work in this case.  However, if you are a bit larger, then you should look for a materials that is firmer and falls better over the body.  Something flimsy will drape all over your body and reveal everything.  Something more solid will allow you to look fashionable and cover up a few of those flaws you are trying to hide.

Banana Republic Long Cardigan

Fit:  This is an important point.  Make sure the cardigan falls, but does not hug your body.  Unless you are a stick, hugging your body will reveal everything.  Buying something too big will make you look larger than you really are.  So, the key is to buy something that will button up easily, but still be a little bit fitted around your thighs and butt.  By doing that, you will find the most flattering cut.

Style:  There are many stylish cardigans these days.  However, for the long one, you want to go with something more conservative.  That’s because you will usually pair it with something flashier underneath.  Going for something with too many ruffles, what I call “bells and whistles” is probably a mistake.  Since the cashmere cardigan already covers up half of your body, you don’t want to add something extra to make it look like your entire body is covered with ruffles or sequins or whatever else.  Choose a solid neutral color and buy a long cardigan in that color.