Sweater weather has officially arrived! I have to admit that sweaters haven’t always been at the top of my wish list. Instead, I tend to gravitate toward editorial outerwear, edgy skirts, and statement boots when the weather turns cool. But lately I’ve been changing my tune! Not only are sweaters comfortable, but there are plenty of ways to add a personal touch when styling them. Today I’m going to go over some of my favorite brands and silhouettes, share lots of sweater outfit ideas, and also cover how to properly care for these pieces.
My favorite sweaters
The first step to creating an amazing sweater outfit is to select an amazing sweater! I don’t know about you, but personally, I’m a creature of habit. So when I find something I love, I stick with it. Therefore, my most worn sweaters are well-made, practical and versatile styles. However, I love buying an emotional sweater every once in a while! They are great for adding a little fun to my sweater game. But for this guide, I’ll focus on the styles in my closet that get the most mileage as layering pieces, outfit bases, and more.
1. A classic crew neck
Is there anything better than a classic mid-weight crewneck cashmere sweater? I would say “no”! These sweaters are workhorses in my closet and I love buying them in neutral and “pop” colors. Its mix-and-match ability allows for truly endless combinations of sweater outfits. I’ve acquired many over the years, but IMHO, J.Crew’s classic cashmere gear is king (or queen?!)
2. A thick stripe
This shouldn’t be surprising, considering I wrote an entire post about it here, but the La Ligne Marin sweater is ride or die for me. I love stripes, I love thicker knits, I love unexpected color combinations and I love cashmere blends. You know what checks all of these boxes? This sweater. You can also buy more colors here.
3. An oversized sweater
Over the years, I’ve found myself reaching for more relaxed styles more often, including sweaters. This side slit sweater from Nordstrom has quickly become a favorite. In fact, I ended up buying it in three colors! It’s a very easy style to wear with almost any type of denim and also looks great tucked into a skirt. Plus, the oversized fit would make a comfortable airport outfit if you have any upcoming travel plans. I’m sure this style will be very present for me this season.
4. Great cable style
Another look that can’t escape my grip every fall? A fantastic cable knit sweater set. Unlike some of the other styles, which stay fairly consistent, I find myself constantly searching for and rotating between different types of chunky knit sweaters. In recent years, H&M has had a great selection. So let’s keep our fingers crossed that they deliver again in 2024! Another go-to cable shopping destination for me is this discount brand!
Sweater Outfit Ideas Worth Trying
Once you’ve selected some of your favorite pieces, it’s time to play! The best thing about sweaters is that the same style can be worn so many different ways. One day you might find me wearing a sweater with leather pants and the next wearing the same piece with wide-leg jeans. It all depends on my mood! For this reason, I’m going to highlight a few different types of sweater outfits. Whether you want a simple, super stylish look or an outfit that really shines, I’ve got you covered!
A basic sweater set
The key to achieving a stylish basic look is to opt for a great fit, balanced proportions and colors that complement each other. One of my favorite sweater outfits is this striped sweater paired with these straight leg MOTHER jeans. I wear it with my favorite Adidas sneakers and a big luxury bag. It’s a combination that just works!
Miniskirt + sweater
Miniskirts continue to take center stage this season! I love a cool mini paired with an oversized sweater, tights and loafers or a great pair of boots. This is the perfect example of a sweater outfit that works because of the proportions. Go big on top and small on the bottom! I would love to see this tweed skirt paired with this oversized sweater and a great pair of loafers. Or, for a monochrome look, you can pair this mini with this sweater and these boots!
High neck + cropped flares
One look I can’t give up every fall is a turtleneck sweater with a short flare. This has been one of my signature “easy” looks over the last few years. In fact, I just bought these flared pants to wear with a pair of ankle boots and a turtleneck. I’m going to finish the whole look with this jacket from Veronica Beard. You can see previous examples of this outfit formula here, here and here!
Featured Sweater Set 2024: Knitted Polo Shirt + Wide Leg Jeans
On my radar for sweater outfits this year is the fitted knit polo paired with wide leg jeans. I just ordered this ribbed polo and I’m going to experiment to see which pair of these wide leg jeans it looks best with. This look feels fresh, simple, and understated (without being boring). And to finish it off, I would add lots of layered gold jewelry! PS…While I don’t need another pair of jeans, these caught my eye as a great option!
How to Ensure a Sweater Outfit Lasts for Years
I’ll be the first to admit that I can be harsh on my clothes. And because sweaters can be so delicate, they unfortunately tend to be the item of clothing I ruin most often. However, over the years I have gotten a lot better at taking care of my clothes. I do everything I can to make sure it stays looking new and fresh for months and even years. Below are three tips I use when caring for my sweaters. Each one has made a huge difference to me!
1. Invest in a fabric shaver
They form balls! And this is not necessarily a sign of poor quality or bad threads. In reality, some luxury sweaters are intentionally knit more loosely and therefore may pill more. I don’t mind taking pills, but you need to make sure you address it when it happens. I bought this fabric tool last year and it works great. After wearing a sweater, before putting it away, I will check this device on any problem areas. And VOILA, it’s like new!
2. Hand wash and dry flat
When I wash any of my delicate sweaters, especially cashmere ones, I use this formula. I usually wash by hand (although, if you trust your washing machine, you can wash it with gentle water). And I lay all my sweaters flat to dry. Also, I usually don’t wash sweaters after each wear. Instead, I only wash them when necessary to reduce wear and tear!
3. Store them properly
This should go without saying, but never hang your sweaters! You don’t want these pieces to stretch. Instead, fold them tightly and store them in a cool, dry place. If possible, keep your sweaters near cedar blocks or some other moth-fighting material.
Sweater Set 101
There you have it – my tips and tricks for putting together a cozy sweater ensemble and keeping it in shape for years to come! Honestly, there are pieces I’ve had for over ten years that I still reach for from time to time. I love that you can easily style an old sweater to make it feel new again! For more fall style talk, be sure to check out my posts on leather pants outfits, how to wear blazers, and comfy airport outfit ideas.
