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 J.Crew sweater (below) will definitely brighten up any of your cold weather sweater outfits. Plus, it is cashmere, so it will feel lovely against your skin.

Or, for an everyday option, you could try this Amazon Essentials sweater. 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.

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken V-Neck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken 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.

Sweaters for women: COS Pure Cashmere Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

COS Pure Cashmere Sweater

Sweaters for women: Karen in sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above tucks her round neck sweater into her jeans.

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

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) is made from cashmere, so is a great investment piece. As this is an oversized look, it will go best with slimline jeans, leggings or pants.

COS Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

COS Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

funnel neck

In a similar style to the turtleneck, the funnel neck sweater (below) is a classic gray shade that will go with everything in your closet. It is a wool and cashmere blend, so it should have longevity.

Sweaters for women: Ramy Brook Brianna Funnel Neck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Ramy Brook Brianna Funnel Neck Sweater

cable knit

Cable knit sweaters are on trend, and can add some lovely texture to your outfits. However, they can add bulk, so you will want to think about keeping the rest of your outfit streamlined.

The cable knit (below) comes in a soft caramel shade. Plus, because it is a shrunken fit, it will look good worn with wide-leg pants or jeans.

Sweaters for women: J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Cable-Knit Sweater with Lurex Threads | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Cable-Knit Sweater with Lurex Threads

Sweaters for women: Kimba wearing a cable knit sweater, jeans and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Kimba @kimbalikes above chooses a sweater that features two trends in one – cable knit and balloon sleeves.

Check out this similar sweater (another option here), jeans, boots, handbag, scarf and belt.

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

Sweaters for women: MAKARTHY Batwing Sleeves Knitted Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

MAKARTHY Batwing Knitted 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.

The J.Crew sweater (below) has a pleasing preppy feel.

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

J.Crew Tipped V-Neck Cotton Cardigan Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Tipped V-Neck Cotton Cardigan 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.

Sweaters for women: Reiss Lorna Off The Shoulder Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Reiss Lorna Off The Shoulder Sweater

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.

J.Crew Cashmere Classic Fit Crewneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cashmere Classic Fit Crewneck 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 sweater outfits.

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.

The oversized turtleneck (below) comes in more than 30 different colors, so you’re sure to find your favorite, and wearers say it is comfy, soft and forgiving for anyone will a little bit of a tummy.

Sweaters for women: ANRABESS Turtleneck Oversized Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

ANRABESS Turtleneck Oversized Sweater

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.

The lantern sleeve sweater (below) comes in 30 shades and reviewers describe it as cute and comfy. They advise to stick to your usual size rather than sizing up as it has an oversized fit.

ZESICA Lantern Sleeve Ribbed Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

ZESICA Lantern Sleeve Ribbed Sweater

cropped

You could choose a cropped length sweater if you want to make your legs look longer in comparison to your torso (take a look at at how to determine your vertical body type if you aren’t sure if this is a good idea). One way to style the crop sweater (below) would be by wearing over a longer white shirt and your jeans.

Mango Puffed Sleeve Crop Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Puffed Sleeve Crop Sweater

polo neck

A variation on the v-neck is the polo neck, which features a v-neckline but with the addition of the collar. This is particularly on trend this season, and has a smart preppy feel to it.

Sweaters for women: J.Crew Collared V-Neck Sweater in Supersoft Yarn | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collared V-Neck Sweater in Supersoft Yarn

Sweaters for women: Fonda in zip sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above opts for a nautical-style sweater with a zip neck.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, mock neck top, jeans and boots.

zip sweater

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

Mango Zip Knitted Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Zip Knitted Jacket

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 J.Crew sweater blazer (below).

J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer

sleeveless sweater

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

J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Sweater Vest | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Sweater Vest

hooded

For relaxed days, or when you want to be extra warm, you could wear a hooded sweater. The button neck sweater (below) comes in 30 colors and is perfect for weekends or travelling.

One reviewer said she picks her outfits based on softness and comfort and she loved this one so much she bought the same one again in a different color.

AlvaQ Oversized Hoodie Sweatshirt | 40plusstyle.com

AlvaQ Oversized Hoodie Sweatshirt

colorblock

Colorblocking is a key trend for this fall. The Staud cardigan (below) would add interest to your winter and fall outfits. Perfect to wear with other neutrals or with red.

Staud Cargo Colorblock Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Staud Cargo Colorblock Cardigan

cut out sweater

The Karen Millen sweater (below) features subtle cut out details beside the buttons.

Karen Millen Viscose Blend Cut Out Detail Knit Jumper | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Blend Cut Out Detail Knit Jumper

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

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.

COS Power Shoulder Merino Wool Maxi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

COS Power Shoulder Merino Wool Maxi Dress

Sweaters for women: 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 and boots.

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. Pr look out for soft grays and beiges.

While there are some beautiful richly-hued jewel colors among the fall color trends for 2023, 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. Or add glamour to your sweater look by teaming with metallics like silver or gold.

Sweater outfits - all neutrals | 40plusstyle.com

Ungaro Ariana Sequined JacketJ.Crew Cashmere Classic Fit Crewneck SweaterJ.Crew Collection Wool Blend Pleated Wide Leg PantsNaturalizer Vera SandalsIXEBELLA Satin Pleated Clutch – J.Crew Oversized Faceted Crystal Drop 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

JJ Perfection Open Front Long CardiganKaren Millen Viscose Blend Cut Out Detail Knit JumperJ.Crew Kate Straight Leg PantsDREAM PAIRS Low Heel PumpCOACH Soft Pebble Leather Cary Shoulder BagAnni Lu Iconic Pearl Drop Earrings

Sweaters for women: Natalie in blue and red outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above chooses an all blue outfit, and then tops with her red coat.

Check out this similar sweater (another option here), coat (another option here), pants, boots, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

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.

Cropped sweater with a longer top underneath | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Puffed Sleeve Crop SweaterCOS Long Sleeve ShirtAG Jeans Alexxis High Rise Leatherette Bootcut JeansStaud Wally Suede Ankle BootsCOACH Soft Pebble Leather Cary Shoulder BagJ.Crew Oversized Faceted Crystal Drop 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

J.Crew Collared V-Neck Sweater in Supersoft YarnVeronica Beard Taylor Wide Leg PantsTory Burch Clover Court SneakersRebecca Minkoff Julian Leather BackpackJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

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 and wide leg pants | 40plusstyle.com

Ramy Brook Brianna Funnel Neck SweaterVeronica Beard Dover Wide Leg PantsNaturalizer Vera SandalsIXEBELLA Satin Pleated Clutch – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Sweaters for women: Susanne in mock neck sweater and wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) creates a half tuck with her stripe sweater, to make sure she is still showing off her waistline and her outfit doesn’t look too baggy.

Get her look with this similar sweater (another option here), wide pants, sneakers and handbag.

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

MAKARTHY Batwing Knitted SweaterVince Camuto Seamed Back Ponte LeggingsCole Haan Clover Stretch Tall BootsCOACH Soft Pebble Leather Cary Shoulder BagAnni Lu Iconic Pearl Drop Earrings

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

7. 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.

Cropped sweater with a longer top underneath | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Cable-Knit Sweater with Lurex ThreadsJ.Crew Thomas Mason® for J.Crew Slim Fit ShirtVince Camuto Seamed Back Ponte LeggingsBlondo Valen Waterproof BootsCOACH Soft Pebble Leather Cary Shoulder BagAnni Lu Iconic Pearl Drop Earrings

8. 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, choose an off-the-shoulder number for an evening out, or wear a cardigan with a camisole underneath.

Sweater and skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Staud Cargo Colorblock CardiganReiss Elessia Pleated Houndstooth Wool-Blend Midi-SkirtCole Haan Clover Stretch Tall BootsCOACH Soft Pebble Leather Cary Shoulder BagAnni Lu Iconic Pearl Drop Earrings

Sweater outfits: Winter sweaters for women and how to style them | 40plusstyle.com

Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) adds different textures and prints to her cream sweater outfit.

Get her look with this similar sweater, skirt, boots, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

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 or long coatigan.

Layered knitwear outfit | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazerrag & bone Luca Knit Turtleneck TopVeronica Beard Taylor Wide Leg PantsBlondo Valen Waterproof BootsRebecca Minkoff Julian Leather BackpackJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

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

COS Power Shoulder Merino Wool Maxi DressStaud Wally Suede Ankle BootsRebecca Minkoff Julian Leather BackpackJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

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.

There are more tips on this in our article on how to wear a winter dress.

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

Theory Wool Jersey Turtleneck TopReiss Tabitha Belted Animal-Print Twist-Front ShirtdressStaud Wally Suede Ankle BootsRebecca Minkoff Julian Leather BackpackJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Sweaters for women: 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, satin, or sequins and a wool sweater or cardigan will make our outfit look chic and cozy.

Sweater and sequined wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

Reiss Lorna Off The Shoulder SweaterAlice + Olivia Elba Sequined Wide-Leg PantsNaturalizer Vera SandalsIXEBELLA Satin Pleated Clutch  – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff 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. Barefoot Dreams is a good brand to choose for loungewear.

Matching sweater outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Ribbed CardiganBarefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite® Colorblock Ribbed Lounge PantsTory Burch Clover Court SneakersRebecca Minkoff Julian Leather BackpackAnni Lu Iconic Pearl Drop 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.

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

shop the winter sweaters for women below:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

What is your favorite way to wear your winter sweaters?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
  2. Where To Shop For The Best Cashmere Sweaters
  3. How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer

Like this article on sweater outfits and the best winter sweaters for women? Save it on Pinterest!

Sweater outfits: Winter sweaters for women and how to style them | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Jamie @moreturquoise

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