It goes without saying that sweaters are a great winter staple. And, while styles of sweaters for women tend to change only subtly from year to year, there are plenty of ways you can style your sweater this winter to make countless different sweater outfits. In this article you’ll find the best winter sweaters for women as well as how to wear them.
Types of winter sweaters for women
Before we talk about how to wear your sweater, how about what type of sweater to choose?
There are so many different sweater styles you can choose from, but below are the main ones to think about adding to your closet this winter.
As with all of your clothing, think about what is flattering for your body type.
V-neck sweaters for women
A V-neck sweater is the most universally flattering sweater style there is.
That’s because the V-neck naturally elongates the figure by drawing the eye up and down rather than across.
You could opt for a classic neutral shade, or something brighter to liven up your outfit.
Rachel (above) chooses a bright yellow v-neck with her jeans. If you love yellow, you’ll also want to take a look at how to wear yellow.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans and knee high boots.
Chelsea28 oversize V-neck high/low sweater
Round-neck sweaters for women
Another classic style when looking for winter sweaters for women, the round neck, or crew neck, tends to draw attention to your face, and can be a particularly flattering option if you have a long neck.
Nic (above) layers her round neck sweater over her classic white shirt.
Get her look with this similar sweater, jeans, booties and sunglasses.
Everlane cashmere crew sweater
Turtleneck sweaters
A great layering piece for winter, you can wear your turtleneck on its own, or layer a block color turtleneck under a dress.
Ariane (above) opts for a stylish neutral outfit and wears her gray turtleneck with a brown skirt and matching boots.
Check out this similar sweater, skirt, boots, bag, tights and sunglasses.
Reformation turtleneck cashmere sweater
Boatneck sweaters for women
A boatneck sweater can be a particularly flattering option for pear shapes as it helps to balance wider hips.
Ky (above) pairs her boatneck with leopard print jeans.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, printed pants and boots.
Tommy Bahama boatneck ribbed sweater
Winter sweaters for women: The cardigan
Cardigans can have an unfair reputation for being frumpy, but they really can be one of the most flattering knitwear options you can choose.
You can opt for a tie-waist to show off your figure, or choose a long option to look taller and slimmer.
Daphne (above) chooses a poncho-style cardigan which she wears with her jeans and ankle booties.
Check out this similar cardigan, long sleeve top, jeans, booties and necklace.
Tory Burch colorblock cashmere sweater
Off the shoulder sweater
An off-the-shoulder sweater can be the perfect way to add some subtle glamour to your jeans, or you could style one with a skirt for a night out.
Erin (above) wears her off-the-shoulder sweater with jeans and sneakers.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans and sneakers.
Lulus off the shoulder sweater
Trendy winter sweaters for women
If you already have all of the sweater styles above in your closet, there’s always an on-trend style of sweater you can choose to update your looks.
This does, of course, incorporate lots of different styles, but every season you’ll find there’s a fresh twist on the sweater.
Trends this year include bell sleeves, cropped styles, fluffy or oversized sweaters, and cold shoulders.
There are lots of other variations on these sweater styles, but hopefully that has got you thinking about what is most flattering for you.
Marina (above) chooses a sweater with on-trend sleeve details.
Check out this similar sweater, pants, booties, bag, sunglasses and earrings.
Oversize sweater
Another trend this year when it comes to winter sweaters for women is the oversized sweater. To make sure you keep your outfit in balance, you could wear your oversized knitwear with slim pants like Charlotte (above).
Check out this similar oversize sweater, leggings, shoes, sunglasses and a Gucci bag.
Liny Xin cashmere oversized knitted sweater
Winter sweater outfits ideas for this season
So, now that you have chosen your most flattering winter sweaters, how to you incorporate them into stylish winter outfits?
Below are 13 ideas for you. Don’t forget to let me know in the comments in you have a favorite way to wear your sweater.
1. All neutrals
Who says you have to give up neutrals when colder weather sets in?
An all-neutral look can still look chic for winter. It tends to work best if you choose a creamier white rather than a shade which is too stark.
Beige, taupe or tan may sometimes be seen as a frumpy option but by switching your outfit around so you wear your beige on top and your white on the bottom (rather than the more conventional beige pants and white sweater), you can make your look instantly more modern. You could also opt for soft grays.
While there are some beautiful richly-hued jewel colors among the fall color trends for 2020, whites, creams, camels and pale grays can also look stunning when looking at sweaters for women in stores, or shopping your closet. They can create real impact when worn together.
Tanasha (above) looks super stylish in her white turtleneck, beige coat and over-the-knee white boots.
Check out this similar turtleneck sweater, coat, jeans, boots, handbag and beret.
VERO MODA long wrap coat – Halogen cashmere turtleneck sweater – Jag Jeans skinny jeans – Aetrex bootie – Street Level reversible tote – Ettika square earrings
2. Sweater with wide-legged pants
Wide-legged pants are a stylish option no matter what the season. High-waisted styles can go beautifully with shorter, cropped sweater styles.
Halogen short double breasted coat – Zella funnel neck pullover – ASKK NY high waist wide leg crop jeans – Calvin Klein bootie – Sole Society leopard crossbody bag – Ettika hoop earrrings
For more inspiration take a look at how to wear wide leg pants.
3. Wear your sweater with a leather skirt
If you have a leather skirt in your closet, you can style it for winter with a sweater in a solid or block color.
Again, play around with where your sweater falls to make sure it ends at the most flattering part on your body.
Adding a sweater to your outfit, rather than a more formal blouse is a great way to wear your leather skirt in a more casual setting for daytime.
Patricia (above) tucks her turtleneck into her leather skirt for a glamorous look which would work for any time of day.
Check out this similar sweater, jacket, skirt, pumps, handbag, beret and sunglasses.
Sam Edelman wool blend coat – Alex Mill cashmere sweater – Frank & Eileen button-up shirt – BLANKNYC faux leather skirt – VANELi knee high boot – Dreubea faux leather tote – Sterling Forever dangling pearl bolo necklace
4. Wear your sweater under a blazer
This combination can be a great look for the office or for weekends. You’ll want to choose a sweater which is lightweight so you don’t add too much bulk.
Joy (above) opts for a striking red, white and blue outfit with a white sweater underneath her velvet blazer.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, blazer, pants, pumps, handbag and necklace.
Below is another option for you which would be a great casual Christmas party look.
Chelsea28 plaid blazer – Vince turtleneck top – Wit & Wisdom stripe fray hem skinny jeans – Nine West pointed toe boot – Dreubea faux leather tote – Ettika hoop earrrings
5. Layered with other knits
To stay warm AND stylish, you could layer your sweater with other knits. A turtleneck is a great layering option to wear under a poncho.
Halogen V-neck cashmere poncho – Vince turtleneck top – Zella high waist leggings – Dr. Scholl’s boot – Dreubea faux leather tote – Uncommon James by Kristin Cavallari textured hoop earrings
6. Layered over a white shirt
To instantly add extra interest to your sweater outfits, you could layer a classic white shirt under your knitwear.
Sarah (above) wears her shirt under a blue sweater, and adds extra on-trend elements to her look with her loafers and over-the-shoulder bag.
Check out this similar sweater, white shirt, pants, loafers and belt bag.
Ted Baker London mixed media layer sweater – BOSS houndstooth plaid pants – Street Level reversible tote – SARTO by Franco Sarto bootie – Canvas Jewelry statement chain necklace
7. With your favorite jeans
It goes without saying that your sweaters are a fabulous pairing with your favorite jeans.
Mo (above) shows how you can still wear your white jeans for winter.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans, loafers, scarf, hoop earrings and sunglasses.
Blank Noir textured leather and ponte moto jacket – Cotton Emporium leopard sweater – Joe’s high waist bootcut jeans – THE MARC JACOBS leather crossbody bag – Calvin Klein bootie – Uncommon James by Kristin Cavallari textured hoop earrings
8. With your leggings
If you love the comfort of leggings, I’m sure you already wear yours with a tunic top.
You can continue to wear your leggings in the colder months by looking for a long jumper.
A moto jacket worn over the top will add interest by working with a shorter layer worn over a longer-length sweater. Or you could opt for a coat which skims your hips.
Lou (above) keeps her look totally monochrome, but she adds interest through the textures in her outfit.
Check out this similar turtleneck sweater, jacket, leggings and lace-up boots.
Via Spiga wool blend coat – Liny Xin cashmere oversized knitted sweater – Zella high waist leggings – Calvin Klein bootie – Sole Society leopard crossbody bag – Dean Davidson drop stud earrings
There are plenty more tips in this extensive guide on how to wear leggings over 40 or beyond.
9. A sweater with a midi skirt
A cozy sweater can be a soft, glamorous option with a midi skirt.
You could opt for a more casual sweater style and sneakers for daywear, or choose an off-the-shoulder number for an evening out.
Sandra (above) opts for a glamorous daywear look in soft neutrals.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, skirt, boots, belt and beret.
BLANKNYC suede moto jacket – Lulus off the shoulder sweater – Reformation wrap midi silk skirt – Nine West pointed toe boot – Street Level reversible tote – Akola hoop earrings
10. As a dress
A sweater doesn’t have to end at your waist or hips. A sweater dress can be one of the easiest, most stylish outfits for winter and fall.
You don’t need to worry about matching separates. You can simply pop on your dress with tights and boots.
Oxana (above) wears soft beiges and grays for a stylish winter neutral look.
Steal her look with this similar sweater dress, coat, sneakers, handbag and sunglasses.
Via Spiga faux fur trim belted coat – AFRM turtleneck sweater dress – Calvin Klein knee high boot – Dreubea faux leather tote – Wander Agio plaid scarf – Dean Davidson huggie earrings
11. Layered under a dress
Again, a turtleneck is put to good use as a layering option.
Victoria Beckham has been layering hers under a shirt dress recently. It means you can continue wearing a thinner dress for fall and winter. Team yours with knee-high boots.
Elena (above) wears a black turtleneck under her animal print dress.
Check out this similar turtleneck top, dress, booties, bag and sunglasses.
Donna Rico leopard faux wrap dress – Halogen long sleeve turtleneck – Calvin Klein knee high boot – THE MARC JACOBS leather crossbody bag – Akola hoop earrings
12. Over a dress
As well as under a dress, you could, of course, think about wearing your knitwear over a dress. Slip dresses are particularly on-trend right now.
However, if you prefer not to show your arms, and you want to add extra warmth, you could add a cardigan or sweater over your dress.
You’ll find more dresses with sleeves in this article.
Reformation cardigan set – Reformation silk dress – SPANX power shorts – Dr. Scholl’s leopard print sneakers – THE MARC JACOBS leather crossbody bag – Akola drop earrings
13. For the party season: Sweater and skirt outfit
Who doesn’t love a Christmas jumper as the festive season approaches, but that doesn’t mean that you have to adorn your sweater with reindeers and flashing baubles (unless you want to of course).
A more subtle approach will keep you stylish for parties or Christmas morning.
Jas (above) wears an on-trend puff sleeve sweater with her tiered metallic skirt.
Check out this metallic skirt that you can wear with this similar sweater, ankle strap sandals and hoop earrings.
Donna Karan asymmetrical sweater – Max Mara crop wide leg pants – Sam Edelman slingback pump – Kurt Geiger London leather clutch – Stella + Ruby chiffon hoop earrings
Winter sweaters together in one capsule
Below, you can see many of the sweaters used in this article, together in one capsule wardrobe for winter. You can see you could switch around the bottoms and tops to create many more outfits.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
More winter sweater inspiration for you
Below is a previous season winter capsule featuring timeless looks which should still provide you with inspiration for the upcoming weeks.
How will you be wearing your sweater this winter? Have these winter sweaters for women outfit ideas given you some inspiration?
Continue reading:
- Where To Shop For The Best Cashmere Sweaters
- How To Wear A Cardigan Without Looking Frumpy: 8 Cardigan Outfits For You To Try
- The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
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Feature image by Sandra
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As an hourglass, I only wear super fine crew neck or cowl neck merino sweaters. Very thin cashmere works too. Nothing bulky or boxy, and I prefer plain knits with roll edges or narrow ribbing at the hems.
Lightweight pullovers with drapery cowl necks can be flattering options too.
One of mine also has ruching along the side seams, which was extremely flattering to my curvy figure even when (or especially when) I was a little plumper.
I love cashmere and have had very good luck amassing a collection in like-new condition from eBay, for a fraction of retail prices. A retro-style chain belt — back in style again, apparently — is a great way to add a subtle, waist-enhancing accent to a plain lightweight pullover or cardigan. I even wear a few longer necklaces as chain belts. I can still add a scarf up above without looking over-accessorized.
I also love little vintage cardigans, like the screen-printed fuzzy angora beauties of mid-century vintage, which are fun with denim jeggings, flats, and vintage or retro-flavored handbags. But I have to admit those aren’t as flattering as longer, clinger, v-neck cardis on me.
I meant “drapey” cowl necks, but that meddling Otto Korrecht helpfully “fixed” my “typo” for me.
This is one of my favourite dressing items: a sweater with trousers. I usually tuck a longer one in at the front, that way hiding my little bottom. Although lately I am also tucking them in completely when I wear trousers with wide legs.
Greetje