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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Good American Wide Rib Crop Turtleneck Sweater – Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Two-Tone Bootcut Jeans – Marc Fisher LTD Jarli Bootie – Rebecca Minkoff Maxi Edie Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag – Argento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings
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.
Fomolom Poncho– MANGO Oversize Knit Sweater – MANGO Flowy Palazzo Pants – JOY IN LOVE Block Heel Pump – Vince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo Bag – Argento 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.
Fear of God Essentials Oversize Oxford Button-Down Cotton Shirt – Gulajia Houndstooth Knit Sleeveless Sweater – River Island Coated Faux Leather Skinny Pants – Marc Fisher LTD Jarli Bootie – Vince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo Bag – Argento 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.
Karen Millen Wool Blend Envelope Neck Slouchy Jumper – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Badgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe Flat – jessie Rhinestone Clutch – Argento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings
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.
Open Edit Cable Knit Crop Cardigan – L’AGENCE Lexi Camisole – Open Edit Wide Leg Suit Trousers – Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker – Vince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo Bag – Argento 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.
COS Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweater – vuori Stride 7/8 Performance Pocket Leggings – Kenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High Boot – Vince Camuto Lyona Leather Hobo Bag – Argento 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.
Good American Wide Rib Crop Turtleneck Sweater – Modegal Satin Midi Skirt – Badgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe Flat – jessie Rhinestone Clutch – Argento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings
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.
COS Cropped Sweater – Fear of God Essentials Oversize Oxford Button-Down Cotton Shirt – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Barely Bootcut Jeans – Marc Fisher LTD Jarli Bootie – Tory Burch Robinson Small Leather Tote – Open 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.
Fomolom Poncho – v28 Mock Neck Ribbed Sweater – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Marc Fisher LTD Jarli Bootie – Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker – Realer Hobo Bag – Argento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings
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.
MANGO Houndstooth Wool-blend Coat – Halogen Ribbed Long Sleeve Sweater Dress – JOY IN LOVE Block Heel Pump – Tory Burch Robinson Small Leather Tote – Open 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.
HieasyFit Cotton Turtleneck Sweater – Karen Millen Abstract Jacquard Pu Belted Knit Midi Dress – Kenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High Boot – Tory Burch Robinson Small Leather Tote – Argento Vivo Hammered Coin Hoop Earrings
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.
Open Edit Cable Knit Crop Cardigan – AllSaints Hadley Cowl Neck Satin Slipdress – Badgley Mischka Gigi Pointed Toe Flat – Reiss Adaline Crystal Clutch – Argento 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.
Fixmatti Knitted Set – Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker – Realer 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.
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?
What is your favorite way to wear your sweater? What are your most stylish sweater outfits?
Continue reading:
- The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
- Winter Coat Trends 2022: All The Coats And Jackets To Try For Fall And Winter
- How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer
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Feature image by Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion
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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