Sweater weather has officially arrived! I have to admit, sweaters haven’t always been high up on my wish list. Instead, I tend to gravitate towards editorial outerwear, bold skirts, and statement boots when the weather gets crisp. But lately, I have been changing my tune! Not only are sweaters cozy, but there are so many ways to add a personal spin when styling them. Today I’m going to walk through some of my favorite brands and silhouettes, share lots of sweater outfit ideas, and also touch on how to properly care for these pieces.
My Favorite Sweaters
The first step to creating an incredible sweater outfit is to select an incredible sweater! I don’t know about you, but personally, I am a creature of habit. So, when I find something I love, I stick to it. Therefore, my most-worn sweaters are styles that are well-made, practical, and versatile. However, I do love an emotional sweater purchase every now and then! Those are great for adding a little fun to my sweater game. But for this guide, I’m going to focus on the styles in my closet that get the most mileage as layering pieces, outfit foundations, and beyond.
1. A Classic Crewneck
Is there anything better than a mid-weight classic cashmere crewneck sweater? I would argue “no”! These sweaters are workhorses in my closet, and I love buying them in both neutral and “pop” colors. Their mixing and matching capability allows for truly endless sweater outfit combinations. I have acquired many over the years, but IMHO, the J.Crew classic cashmere crew reigns king (or queen?!)
2. A Chunky Stripe
This should come as no surprise, considering I wrote an entire post about it here, but the La Ligne Marin sweater is a ride or die for me. I love stripes, I love a thicker gauge knit, I love an unexpected color combination, and I love a cashmere blend. You know what checks all of these boxes? This sweater. You can also shop more colors here.
3. An Oversized Sweater
Over the years, I have found myself reaching for more relaxed styles more often, including sweaters. This side slit sweater from Nordstrom has become a fast favorite. In fact, I ended up buying it in three colors! It is such an easy style to wear with just about any type of denim, and it also looks great front-tucked into a skirt. Additionally, the oversized fit would make for a comfortable airport outfit, if you have any upcoming travel plans. I am certain that this style will be in heavy rotation for me this season.
4. A Great Cable Style
Another look that cannot escape my grip each fall? A great cable knit sweater outfit. Unlike some of the other styles, which stay fairly consistent, I find myself constantly on the hunt and rotating between different types of chunky knit sweaters. In recent years, H&M has had a great selection. So fingers crossed they deliver again in 2024! Another go-to cable shopping destination for me is this discounted brand!
Sweater Outfit Ideas Worth Trying
Once you’ve selected a few favorite pieces, it’s time to play around! The great thing about sweaters is that a single style can be worn in so many different ways. You might find me wearing a sweater with leather pants one day, and styling the same piece with wide-leg jeans the next. It all depends on my mood! For this reason, I’m going to highlight a few different types of sweater outfits. Whether you’re wanting a super streamlined simple look or an outfit that really shines, I’ve got you covered!
A Basic Sweater Outfit
The key to pulling off a chic basic look is opting for a great fit, balanced proportions, and colors that compliment each other. One of my favorite sweater outfits happens to be this stripe sweater paired with these straight-leg MOTHER jeans. I wear this with my favorite Adidas sneakers and a great luxury handbag. It’s a combo that just works!
Mini Skirt + Sweater
Mini skirts continue to have a moment this season! I love a great mini paired with an oversized sweater, tights, and loafers or a great pair of boots. This is the perfect example of a sweater outfit that works because of proportions. Go big on top and tiny on the bottom! I would love to see this tweed skirt styled with this oversized sweater and a great pair of loafers. Or, for a monochromatic look, you could style this mini with this sweater and these boots!
Turtleneck + Cropped Kick Flares
One look that I can’t quit each fall is a turtleneck sweater with a cropped kick flare. This has been one of my signature “easy” looks in recent years. I actually just bought these kick flares to wear with a pair of booties and a turtleneck sweater. I am going to finish the entire look off with this Veronica Beard blazer. You can see past examples of this outfit formula here, here and here!
2024 Sweater Outfit Standout: Knit Polo + Wide-Leg Jeans
On my sweater outfit radar this year is the fitted knit polo paired with wide-leg jeans. I just ordered this ribbed polo sweater and I am going to experiment to see which pair of these wide-leg jeans it looks best with. This look feels fresh, easy, and understated, (without being boring). And to finish it off, I’d add lots of layered, gold jewelry! PS…While I do not need another pair of jeans, these did catch my eye as a great option!
How to Ensure a Sweater Outfit Lasts for Years
I will be the first to admit that I can be hard on my clothing. And since sweaters can be so delicate, they unfortunately tend to be the item that I ruin most often. However, over the years I have gotten much better about caring for my clothing. I try my best to ensure that it stays looking new and fresh for months, and even years, to come. Below are three tips that I use when caring for my sweaters. Each has made a huge difference for me!
1. Invest in a Fabric Shaver
Pilling happens! And this isn’t necessarily a sign of poor quality or bad yarns. Actually, some luxury sweaters are intentionally more loosely spun, and therefore can pill more. I don’t mind pilling, but you have to make sure you are addressing it when it happens. I got this fabric tool last year and it works wonders. After wearing a sweater, before putting it away, I will do a once over with this device in any problem areas. And VOILA, it’s like new!
2. Hand Wash & Lay Flat to Dry
When washing any of my delicate sweaters, especially cashmere, I use this formula. I typically hand wash (although, if you trust your washer, you can wash on gentle). And I lay all of my sweaters flat to dry. Additionally, I don’t normally wash sweaters after each wear. Instead, I only wash them as needed, to cut down on their wear and tear!
3. Store Them Properly
This should go without saying, but never hang your sweaters! You don’t want these pieces stretching out. Instead, fold them up nicely and store them somewhere cool and dry. If possible, keep your sweaters near cedar blocks or some other material that will combat moths.
Sweater Outfit 101
There you have it – my tips and tricks for putting together a cozy sweater outfit and keeping it in shape for years to come! There are honestly pieces that I have had for over ten years that I still reach for from time to time. I love that you can easily style an old sweater to make it feel new again! For more fall styling chats, be sure to check out my posts on leather pants outfits, how to wear blazers, and comfortable airport outfit ideas.
