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 to make countless different sweater outfits. In this article you’ll find the best winter sweaters for women as well as types of sweaters and how to wear them.

Types of 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.

The Zadig & Voltaire sweater (below) is in a very on-trend shocking pink that will definitely brighten up any of your cold weather sweater outfits. Plus, it has patches on the elbows, which add interest.

Zadig & Voltaire Vivi Patch Cashmere V-Neck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Zadig & Voltaire Vivi Patch Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

Or, for an everyday option, you could try the Amazon Essentials sweater (below). It comes in a huge range of colors, so you could choose a different one for each day of the week. Reviewers say it is a nice lightweight sweater to transition into colder weather.

Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit V-Neck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit V-Neck 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 to choose for your sweater outfits if you have a long neck.

Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater

Sweater outfits: Winter sweaters for women and how to style them

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) mixes orange and pink in her outfit.

Get her look with this similar sweater, skirt, tights, boots, handbag, earrings and belt.

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.

The turtleneck (below) comes in a good choice of neutral and bright shades, and reviewers say it is made from a quality, cozy fabric.

HieasyFit Cotton Turtleneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

HieasyFit Cotton Turtleneck Sweater

funnel neck

In a similar style, but with a neck that stands up rather than folding over, the funnel neck sweater (below) comes in teal, rust or a pale blue and would look good with your favorite jeans.

Caslon Funnel Neck Cotton Blend Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Funnel Neck Cotton Blend Sweater

cable knit

Cable knit sweaters are on trend, particularly if you opt for an oversized choice. However, they can add bulk, so you will want to think about keeping the rest of your outfit streamlined.

The turtleneck cable knit (below) comes in a huge choice of colors from bright shades to pastel colors.

Dokotoo Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Dokotoo Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater

Boatneck sweaters for women

A boatneck sweater can be a particularly flattering option for pear shapes as it helps to balance wider hips.

The boatneck (below) comes in lots of shades so you should find your favorite, and reviewers say it is soft, flattering, versatile, and machine washable.

MAKARTHY Batwing Sleeves Knitted Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

MAKARTHY Batwing Sleeves Knitted Sweater

Sweater outfits - Dorrie wears her boat neck sweater with a maxi skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Dorrie @seniorstylebible above (read her style interview here) opts for a boatneck worn with chunky jewelry and a volumnious skirt.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, skirt, booties, necklace and sunglasses.

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.

Also take a look at how to wear a cardigan without looking frumpy.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite® Circle Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite® Circle Cardigan

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.

Treasure & Bond Off the Shoulder Pullover | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond Off the Shoulder Pullover

cashmere sweater

Any style of sweater will feel beautiful to wear in cashmere. Choosing a luxurious fabric will add a classy feel to even the simplest of outfits.

Also check out where to shop for the best cashmere sweaters.

Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck Pullover | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck Pullover

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 one shoulder.

There are lots of other variations on these sweater styles, but hopefully that has got you thinking about what is most flattering for you.

Oversize sweater

A trend which is continuing 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 or leggings.

MEROKEETY WSide Split Loose Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

MEROKEETY WSide Split Loose Sweater

Sweater outfits - Diane in a turtleneck and black skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here) wears her turtleneck with a classic black skirt and sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, skirt and sneakers.

BALLOON SLEEVE SWEATER

Voluminous sleeves have been on trend for a few seasons now, and are still very much in style this winter and fall.

1.STATE Ribbed Balloon Sleeve Cotton Blend Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

1.STATE Ribbed Balloon Sleeve Cotton Blend Sweater

cropped

You could choose a cropped length sweater if you want to make your legs look longer in comparison. One way to style the crop sweater (below) would be by wearing over a longer white shirt and your jeans.

COS Cropped Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

COS Cropped Sweater

zip sweater

Choosing a zip sweater means you can alter where the neckline sits to flatter your figure.

Reformation Lucca Cable Knit Quarter Zip Organic Cotton Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Reformation Lucca Cable Knit Quarter Zip Organic Cotton Sweater

Sweater outfits - Adaline wears a zip sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Adaline @sdmomstyles above is wearing a zip sweater from Target and jeans from Levi’s. Here is a similar pair of sneakers.

polo neck

A variation on the v-neck is the polo neck, which features a v-neckline but with the addition of the collar.

Equipment Audenn Cashmere Polo Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Equipment Audenn Cashmere Polo Sweater

wrap sweater

Wrap dresses and tops are always a glamorous option, and so is the wrap sweater. You can alter exactly where, and how tight, you tie it to suit your body shape.

Reviewers say the wrap sweater (below) is the perfect sweater for dressing up or casual days.

KIRUNDO Wrap Knit Jumper | 40plusstyle.com

KIRUNDO Wrap Knit Jumper

sleeveless sweater

If you just want to add a little extra warmth, you could try a sleeveless sweater. The houndstooth vest (below) would look good worn with your classic white shirt.

Gulajia Houndstooth Knit Sleeveless Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Gulajia Houndstooth Knit Sleeveless Sweater

Sweater outfits - Natalia in a sleeveless sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above wears her sleeveless sweater on its own with a midi skirt.

Check out this similar sweater vest, skirt, sneakers, leather jacket, bag, earrings, necklace and sunglasses.

colorblock

Colorblocking is a key trend for this fall. The Vince Camuto sweater (below) has asymmetric detailing that would add interest to your winter and fall outfits.

Vince Camuto Asymmetric Colorblock Cotton Blend Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Camuto Asymmetric Colorblock Cotton Blend Sweater

Envelope neck

The asymmetrical neck and gold buttons add glamour to the Karen Millen sweater (below), which would look good worn with bootcut or flare jeans.

Karen Millen Wool Blend Envelope Neck Slouchy Jumper | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Wool Blend Envelope Neck Slouchy Jumper

hooded

For relaxed days, or when you want to be extra warm, you could wear a hooded sweater. To avoid looking overly casual, you could look out for a hooded sweater in cashmere.

FRAME Cashmere & Wool Hoodie | 40plusstyle.com

FRAME Cashmere & Wool Hoodie

sweater dress

Of course, you don’t have to wear your sweater just as a sweater at all. You could look out for a sweater dress, and wear it with knee-high boots.

Halogen Ribbed Long Sleeve Sweater Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen Ribbed Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

Sweater outfits - Mel in a black sweater dress | 40plusstyle.com

Mel @curvycartel above opts for snake print boots with her sweater dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater dress (another option here) and boots.

sweater coat

One choice when the weather starts to turn cooler but it isn´t raining is a sweater coat; a long-length cardigan like the bright pink cardigan (below).

River Island Pink Cable Knit Longline Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

River Island Pink Cable Knit Longline Cardigan

Winter sweater outfit 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. outfits with sweaters: 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 2022, 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.

You could wear all neutrals and add a pop of color with your handbag.

Sweater outfits - all neutrals | 40plusstyle.com

Good American Wide Rib Crop Turtleneck SweaterWit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Two-Tone Bootcut JeansMarc Fisher LTD Jarli BootieRebecca Minkoff Maxi Edie Quilted Leather Shoulder BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

Sweater outfits - Jamie wears brown and leopard print | 40plusstyle.com

Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) chooses an outfit of browns and leopard print.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, leather pants, pumps and earrings.

2. One color top to toe

Wearing one color from head to toe is very much on trend this season. Choose your favorite color and then wear it all the way down to your shoes. If you’d prefer, you could always add a small amount of a different color.

And, of course, you can split up your separates and wear them with neutrals if you want a different look.

Sweater outfits - one color | 40plusstyle.com

Fomolom PonchoMANGO Oversize Knit SweaterMANGO Flowy Palazzo PantsJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpVince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

3. Over a white shirt

Wearing a sweater over any white shirt is a look that will never date. You could add a little bit of an edge by wearing leather pants or leggings.

Sweater outfits - layered over a white shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Fear of God Essentials Oversize Oxford Button-Down Cotton ShirtGulajia Houndstooth Knit Sleeveless SweaterRiver Island Coated Faux Leather Skinny PantsMarc Fisher LTD Jarli BootieVince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

4. With your favorite jeans

It goes without saying that your sweaters are a fabulous pairing with your favorite jeans. Choose a sweater with an interesting neckline to add elegance to your everyday outfits.

Sweater worn with your favorite jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Wool Blend Envelope Neck Slouchy JumperPAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansBadgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe Flatjessie Rhinestone ClutchArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

Sweater outfits - red sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above opts for a bright red sweater with her wide-leg jeans.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans, booties and sunglasses.

5. 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.

Sweater outfits - wide pants and cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit Cable Knit Crop CardiganL’AGENCE Lexi CamisoleOpen Edit Wide Leg Suit TrousersSteve Madden Charlie Platform SneakerVince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

6. 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.

Wear an oversized or longer sweater with your leggings.

How to wear a sweater: with leggings | 40plusstyle.com

COS Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweatervuori Stride 7/8 Performance Pocket LeggingsKenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High BootVince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

There are plenty more tips in this extensive guide on how to wear leggings over 40 or beyond.

7. 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 like a turtleneck and sneakers for daywear, or choose an off-the-shoulder number for an evening out.

Sweater and skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Good American Wide Rib Crop Turtleneck SweaterModegal Satin Midi SkirtBadgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe Flatjessie Rhinestone ClutchArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

Kim wears a sweater and skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear your sweater with your midi skirt.

Get her look with this similar sweater, skirt, sandals, bag, earrings and sunglasses.

8. Cropped with a longer top underneath

To instantly add extra interest to your sweater outfits, you could layer a classic white shirt under your knitwear.

orange sweater outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Cropped SweaterFear of God Essentials Oversize Oxford Button-Down Cotton ShirtWit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Barely Bootcut JeansMarc Fisher LTD Jarli BootieTory Burch Robinson Small Leather ToteOpen Edit Jumbo Enamel Link Collar Necklace

9. Layered with other knits

You could layer your sweater with other knits to stay warm and stylish. A turtleneck is a great layering option to wear under a poncho.

Layered knitwear outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Fomolom Ponchov28 Mock Neck Ribbed SweaterPAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansMarc Fisher LTD Jarli BootieSteve Madden Charlie Platform SneakerRealer Hobo BagArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

Fonda layers her knitwear | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above layers her knitwear by wearing a sweater under her cardigan.

Check out this similar sweater, cardigan, jeans, loafers, crossbody bag and belt.

10. sweater styles: 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 or pumps, and you’re ready to go.

Sweaters for women: sweater dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Houndstooth Wool-blend CoatHalogen Ribbed Long Sleeve Sweater DressJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpTory Burch Robinson Small Leather ToteOpen Edit Jumbo Enamel Link Collar Necklace

11. sweater outfits: 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, but you can really layer under any dress with a lower neckline. It means you can continue wearing a thinner dress for fall and winter. Team yours with knee-high boots.

How to wear a sweater: layered under a dress | 40plusstyle.com

HieasyFit Cotton Turtleneck SweaterKaren Millen Abstract Jacquard Pu Belted Knit Midi DressKenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High BootTory Burch Robinson Small Leather ToteArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

Georgette wears her sweater under a dress | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) shows how you continue to wear your summer dresses with a sweater underneath.

Steal her look with this similar maxi dress, sweater, booties, handbag and earrings.

12. For the party season

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 reindeer and flashing baubles (unless you want to of course) when thinking about putting your party sweater outfits together.

A more subtle approach will keep you stylish for parties or Christmas morning. Mixing the textures of silk or satin and a wool sweater or cardigan will make our outfit look chic and cozy.

Silk dress and cardigan outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit Cable Knit Crop CardiganAllSaints Hadley Cowl Neck Satin SlipdressBadgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe FlatReiss Adaline Crystal ClutchArgento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings

13. Matchy matchy loungewear

Coordinates continue to be on trend for the winter and fall season. For casual days, match your sweater with your pants. The knitted set (below) comes in a good choice of neutral shades and bright colors.

Matching sweater outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Fixmatti Knitted SetSteve Madden Charlie Platform SneakerRealer Hobo Bag

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.

A capsule wardrobe of sweaters to wear in fall and winter | 40plusstyle.com

shop some of the items above here:

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?

A capsule wardrobe of sweaters to wear in fall and winter | 40plusstyle.com

What is your favorite way to wear your sweater? What are your most stylish sweater outfits?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
  2. Winter Coat Trends 2022: All The Coats And Jackets To Try For Fall And Winter
  3. How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer

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Sweater outfits: Winter sweaters for women and how to style them

Feature image by Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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