In case you missed it, it’s officially sweater season which for many people is the best part of moving into the colder months. Sure, sweaters are cozy, but this season they’re so much more than that. The best sweaters right now don’t just keep you warm, they make the outfit. From classic Fair Isle knits that feel straight out of the perfect mountain getaway to retro polo sweaters to super soft, brushed textures that look as good as they feel, fall 2025 is serving up some seriously statement-making options. If street style during fashion month was any indication, they’ll be everyone’s main focus this season. Get ready to build your whole look around your sweater because this season, it’s the star of the show.
RED
Everywhere you look this season, there’s a red sweater. Whether it’s a classic pullover, a cozy cardigan, or (if you love trend-spotting like I do) casually tied around your waist or shoulders, it instantly elevates any look. It’s bold but still wearable, and somehow goes with everything from denim to tailoring. However you choose to style it, you really can’t go wrong with a red sweater this season. It’s the easiest way to make even your simplest outfit feel intentional and on-trend, without trying too hard, of course.
Clockwise from top left:
La Ligne Marin Sweater / St Agni Cardigan / Sézane Gaspard Cardigan / J. Crew Cashmere Crewneck
COUNTRY CABIN
Fair Isle sweaters started making their comeback last fall, but this season they’re in full swing. There’s something so charming about those classic fair isle patterns, especially when they’re done in a chunky knit that feels perfectly nostalgic yet totally current. They have that cozy, just-back-from-the-mountains vibe, but pair just as easily with jeans and loafers in the city. Whether you go for traditional colors or a modern, muted palette, a Fair Isle sweater instantly adds personality (and warmth) to your fall lineup.
Larisa Mills in Smythe Handknit Cardigan
Clockwise from top left:
J. Crew Fair Isle Cardigan / FRAME Fair Isle Sweater / The Great.Outdoors The Nordic Sweater/ Nili Lotan Alena Sweater
LAYERING
Sometimes two sweaters are better than one. This season, it’s all about layering: tied around your shoulders, draped at your waist, or even worn over another knit creating your own sort of sweater set. The trick is to keep things in neutral tones or complimentary tones so it feels intentional. A classic crewneck paired with a brushed cardigan or a soft v-neck with a matching style wrapped around your neck as a scarf adds dimension and that cool, “I just threw this on” energy. Whether you wear lightweight layers or chunky cable knits, layering your sweaters feels fresh this season.
Clockwise from top left:
Lou Lou De Saison Cashmere Sweater / Favorite Daughter The Jamie Sweater / Polo Ralph Lauren Featherweight Sweater / Madewell Striped Pullover
THE CARDIGAN
Cardigans are having a moment and the fun part this season is all about getting creative. From lightweight layers you can toss over a tee to chunky knits that double as a jacket, the cardigan has officially graduated from “grandpa classic” to full-on style essential. Button it up and tuck it into jeans for a polished, put-together look, or leave it open over a slip dress for something a little more effortless. However you wear it, a great cardigan is the kind of piece you’ll reach for on repeat all season long.
You can also dress your littles! Jenni Kayne Kids
Clockwise from top left:
Aritzia Chunky V-Neck Cardigan / J. Crew Wide Rib Cardigan / Tory Burch Wool Cardigan / Everlane Crew Cardigan
BRUSHED TEXTURES
These are the kinds of sweaters I never want to take off….the brushed, ultra-soft kind that feels like a hug. Personally, I’m allergic to anything even remotely itchy, so these are the ones I plan to live in all season long. They’re soft, fuzzy, and cozy without that scratchy factor that used to come with the word “warm”. J.Crew is seriously killing it in this category with some of the best brushed styles right now and I feel like I need them all….the short sleeve tee, the cropped v-neck, the cardigan…they’re all so good! In both beautiful colors and perfect neutral tones that you can style back to virtually anything, the only issue I’m having is narrowing down my shopping cart!
J. Crew Brushed Cashmere Sweaters: V-Neck, Short Sleeve Crew, Long Sleeve Polo
CHOCOLATE BROWN
Chocolate brown is the new black this season so it goes without saying that knitwear is no exception. It’s that rich, warm neutral that looks good on everyone and feels both classic and fresh at the same time. You can wear it head to toe for a monochromatic moment (so chic) or keep it simple with your favorite pair of jeans.
Clockwise from top left:
Halogen Shoulder Wrap Sweater / Gap Pocket Cardigan Sweater / Samsoe Samsoe Nola Turtleneck / Madewell Wool Pullover Sweater
THE NEW PREP
Preppy sweaters are officially back in rotation this season. Rugby stripes, polo styles, and even argyle patterns are making a comeback (though I’m not personally promoting the latter!). It’s that classic, slightly collegiate vibe that somehow feels fresh again. The best part? These pieces can swing preppy or cool: lean into the look with a fitted polo, loafers and chinos, or keep it grounded with rugby sweaters in oversized fits and your favorite denim.
Clockwise from top left:
H&M Pointelle Polo Sweater / LouLou De Saison Homere Sweater / J. Crew Brushed Cashmere Rollneck / J. Crew Brushed Cashmere Polo
THE VEST
The sweater vest is the perfect transitional weight for these early fall days, but easy to layer once winter rolls in. I love them styled over a white tee or worn under a blazer when the temperature drops. From turtleneck styles to buttoned cardigans to classic pullovers, they’re all fair game (and equally chic) this season.
Clockwise from top left:
Suzie Kondi Intarsia Sweater Vest / Sézane Sacha Cardigan / COS Brushed Cashmere Waistcoat / FRAME The Harbor Vest
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