As the weather cools, you definitely need a few stylish sweaters in your closet. Cozy and versatile, the best sweaters can be dressed up or down, depending on your plans. From chunky knits to sleek turtlenecks, you’re sure to find a style you love below. Let’s take a look at the must-have sweater styles this season and how to incorporate them into your closet to create chic sweater outfits.
What to consider when choosing a new sweater
Before we get into new season styles, what should you consider when choosing the right sweater for your lifestyle and body shape?
1. Material and fabric
Wool or cashmere are warm, soft, and breathable, perfect for colder weather. If you have a dressier occasion or want to elevate your everyday looks, choose cashmere. Cotton sweaters can be good for layering, and synthetic blends, while they won’t offer the same warmth or softness as natural fibers, can be easier to care for.
2. Fit and silhouette
Oversized sweaters are great for casual days, a more tailored sweater will look more polished, cropped sweaters will make your torso look shorter and legs look longer, and tunic styles will help to cover a belly.
3. Neckline style
The neckline of a sweater will play a big part in how flattering a sweater looks on you. For example, a v-neck creates long, lean lines and is flattering for most figures, a boat neck will create width and looks good on pear shapes, a turtleneck is great if you have a long neck, and a crewneck is a good everyday, casual choice. We’ve got some of each for you below.
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) shows how a boatneck sweater is a good choice with pants with a wider leg, as this creates balance in your silhouette. Note she’s incorporated this season’s leopard print with her booties.
Get her look with this similar sweater, pants, booties, handbag and earrings.
4. Color and pattern
Of course, this is a choice for any of your clothing, but as your sweater will be sitting against your face, make sure you choose a flattering shade. Opting for an on-trend color will update your casual jeans and sweater outfits.
5. Versatility and occasion
When and where do you want to wear your sweater? If it’s in the office or to dinner, you’ll want a sweater with a luxurious, polished feel, like a slimline cashmere sweater. But if you want warmth for the weekend, you could choose a chunkier style.
6. On-trend or classic?
Are you looking for an on-trend sweater, or do you want something completely timeless? If you’re investing in cashmere, you’ll want to be sure that the style is classic and won’t date. You could also opt for a very on-trend choice to update your existing outfits.
You may usually think of sweaters to wear with your jeans, but Karen @styledbykaren above shows how you can wear your summer maxi skirts into fall and winter by adding a sweater and boots. This is a great idea when considering your sweater outfits for transitional weather.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, skirt (printed option here), booties, bag and belt.
7. Care and maintenance
How much time and effort do you want to put into caring for your knitwear so your sweater outfits last? Synthetic blends tend to be machine washable, but more delicate fabrics will need a handwash (maybe your washing machine has this function) or dry cleaning. So, check the label and be honest with yourself about how you will take care of your sweaters so they last.
Sweater styles to choose this season
Okay, with that said, let’s look at some of the chicest sweaters we’ve found this season, and how you can style them for the most flattering effect.
Tunic sweaters
Long tunics are perfect for wearing over leggings, slim jeans, and pants in cooler weather. They’re also great for hiding a belly. Choose a long asymmetric style for the most flattering event.
Karen Kane Asymmetric Sweater – Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Danbury Booties – Kate Spade New York Sam Icon Shiny Saffiano Leather Small Convertible Crossbody – Swarovski Numina Earrings
crewneck
A crewneck is an absolute classic and tends to look more casual than other styles. You can mix up casual and formal by teaming your crewneck with a skirt and trench coat. Choose a denim trench coat for a modern take on this classic.
HIDDEN JEANS Classic Denim Trench Coat – Vince Classic Crewneck Cashmere Sweater – J.Crew Gwyneth Pleated Slip Skirt – COACH Nikola Patent Leather Hybrid Slingbacks – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Elizabetta Madrid Wool Scarf
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) opts for coordinates with her sneakers. A great idea as you can then mix and match the items as separates with other pieces in your closet.
Check out this similar sweater (another option here), skirt (another option here), sneakers and bag.
v-neck
V-necks are not only classic, but they are super flattering. The neckline creates the look of a long neck and has a slimming event because it draws the eye vertically.
PAIGE Opaline Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Wide Leg Utility Pants – Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Danbury Booties – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Swarovski Numina Earrings
boatneck sweater
We love boatnecks for adding subtle glamour to your outfits. They are great for giving the visual illusion of width at the neck, so they’re good if you have a pear shape as they balance out the look of wider hips.
Róhe Off the Shoulder Top – TOCCIN Beatrice Wrap Skirt – COACH Nikola Patent Leather Hybrid Slingbacks – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Jennifer Fisher Samira Microhuggie Hoop Earrings
turtle neck
Turtlenecks are polished and timeless, and can bring an old money look to your outfit. You can wear turtlenecks alone with your pants, jeans or skirts. Or, use turtlenecks for layering and wear under a pinafore dress or shirt. Opt for neutral shades for maximum versatility. Turtlenecks look particularly good if you have a long neck.
BP. Turtleneck Ribbed Top – Rails Westwood Sleeveless Denim Dress – Circus NY by Sam Edelman Yulia Knee High Boots – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Jennifer Fisher Samira Microhuggie Hoop Earrings
We love all of the beautiful colors in Georgette @grownandcurvywoman‘s outfit above (read her style interview here). She keeps her outfit harmonious by picking up the blues of her sweater and the pink of her coat with the print of her skirt.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, coat, skirt, pumps, clutch and earrings.
chunky knit
A chunky knit sweater will keep you cozy and has a chic casual vibe. Its slouchy, relaxed style works well with leggings and slimmer jeans. Be aware that chunky knitwear will, obviously, add bulk. So, this can work well if you want to create the illusion of more width on the top half of your body while downplaying your hips and thighs in contrast – if you are a pear shape, for example.
Treasure & Bond Merino Wool & Cotton Cable Sweater – Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers – Tory Burch Robinson Crosshatched Convertible Shoulder Bag – Jennifer Fisher Samira Microhuggie Hoop Earring
wrap sweater
Wrap styles are very flattering on all body types because the v-neck creates long vertical lines, and the wrap creates a waistline. So, if you already have a wrap dress, how about choosing a wrap sweater too?
Weekend Max Mara Josef Belted Cardigan – Theory Tiny Apex Organic Pima Cotton T-Shirt – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers – Tory Burch Robinson Crosshatched Convertible Shoulder Bag – Jennifer Fisher Samira Microhuggie Hoop Earrings
Cropped sweater
Cropped sweaters are very on-trend and perfect for creating an optical illusion. Wearing high-waisted pants or jeans with a cropped sweater can make your legs look longer in comparison to your torso. You can pop a longer shirt underneath if you want to make sure you cover your belly.
BP. Textured Crop Cotton Sweater – Wit & Wisdom Flare Cuff Button-Up Shirt – FRAME Le Sleek High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans – Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers – Kate Spade New York Sam Icon Shiny Saffiano Leather Small Convertible Crossbody – Swarovski Numina Earrings
cardigan
A cardigan is so versatile. Wear a jacket-style cardigan for work or dinner, a slouchy cardigan for relaxed weekends or traveling, or choose a lovely long cardigan to create the illusion of being taller and slimmer.
J.Crew Odette Cable-knit Sweater Lady Jacket – Open Edit Pleated Wide Leg Pants – COACH Nikola Patent Leather Hybrid Slingbacks – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Swarovski Numina Earrings
Abi @stealmystyle40 above mixes casual with formal by teaming her Chanel-style cardigan and toe-cap ballet flats with her jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar cardigan, jeans, flats and shoulder bag.
print sweater
A great way to update your favorite jeans is to choose a fun sweater with a print. Leopard print is always on trend, but it’s very on trend right now. You’ll see leopard print in all the stores you go into, so choosing a leopard print sweater is a good way to update your jeans or skirts.
MANGO Leopard Sweater – Rolla’s Chicago Denim Maxi Skirt – Circus NY by Sam Edelman Yulia Knee High Boots – Rebecca Minkoff Mab Hobo – Jennifer Fisher Samira Microhuggie Hoop Earrings
Your sweater outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can easily switch up the sweaters and bottoms to create so many different looks. For example, you could mix casual and formal by wearing the boatneck sweater with cargo pants and heels, wear the belted cardigan instead of a coat, or team the leopard sweater with the burgundy skirt to add two seasonal trends in one.
Continue reading:
- The best tops to hide your tummy
- How to wear leggings over 40 – a complete guide with the best leggings and tops and shoes to wear with them
- How to wear a cardigan without looking frumpy: 11 cardigan outfits for you to try
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Feature image by Karen @styledbykaren
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