How to Pair a Cream-Colored Sweater to Look the Best

When a garment is incredibly versatile, it can make narrowing down an outfit quite a challenge. If you have a goes-with-everything cream sweater in your closet, avoid this overwhelming styling moment by considering a few basic looks that range from a preppy vibe to urban minimalism.

Go Sleek

Pair a cream sweater with black for a sleek appearance, whether you're going for a casual or dressed-up look. Women, consider throwing on an oversized cowl-neck sweater with a pair of slim black trousers.

Or, for a posh addition to an all black outfit, look for a cream cardigan or shrug sweater with a visually stunning texture, such as angora. Pop the sweater over a black dress or black blouse and trousers, and add black dress shoes for a strong finish.

Men can achieve a polished appearance by adding a cream-hued crewneck with a pair of black wool or corduroy trousers.

Go Preppy

Soft neutrals work well when you're pulling together a preppy ensemble, so reach for other solid, neutral pieces for an easy-to-achieve modern prep look. Start with a cotton cream sweater in a crewneck silhouette. Pull on a pair of chinos or shorts in a solid, desaturated hue, such as faded navy or medium brown. For a more structured appearance, add a pale-blue Oxford shirt under your sweater, wearing the collar worn over the neckline. Slide your feet into a pair of brown shoes, either loafers or Oxfords, and you're set.

Add Color and Print

A pale neutral, like cream, acts as a perfect basis for adding color and texture to your ensemble. For example, a cable knit sweater with a pair of black, straight-leg jeans is complemented beautifully by an animal-print or plaid scarf and boldly colored shoes.

Additionally, a chunky-knit cream sweater looks stunning with a patterned flowy skirt that falls just above or below the knees. Finish the ensemble with a pair of nude ankle boots -- any skirt color combination works beautifully with your neutral pieces.

Go Downtown Chic

While cream doesn't quite lend the same dark, gritty factor you might typically associate with an urban-inspired, downtown look, it's a simple way to brighten up a minimalistic outfit without killing its edge.

Men and women can wear an oversized, marled cream sweater over a pair of distressed gray jeans or Army-green cargo pants.

Pull on a pair of black boots -- either combat style or a simple silhouette with buckle detailing -- and your look is complete. Add a black blazer or moto-style jacket with the ensemble to complete the urban vibe.