8 Types of Sweaters to Mix Up Your Wardrobe

Types of Sweaters for Winter

Types of Sweaters for Winter

It’s sweater weather!  Years ago I only ever paid attention to one or two types of sweaters, and that made for a very boring winter wardrobe.  I didn’t realize there were so, so many styles of sweaters that could add variety and life to winter style.  Lately I’ve been LOVING sweaters as I’ve been more mindful of mixing up the types of sweaters in my closet.  Today I’m sharing a few styles of sweaters in hopes of inspiring your winter wardrobe!

One thing to note is that today we’re mainly focusing on styles of sweaters.  Winter weather is different for all of us (for some it means negative or single digit temps with snow while for others it might mean 60 degrees or warmer, etc.), but you can find thicker or thinner versions of most of these as your climate requires.

In general, for colder weather, look for thicker sweaters, tighter knits, or ones with material that is more insulated.  For warmer weather, look for thinner sweaters, ones with more open knits, or even short sleeved sweaters.

Alright, let’s talk through different styles and cuts of sweaters to help you make it through winter!

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually 6/8 or S/M in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.  Sizes for all items noted in outfit details below.  

1. Fitted Pullover Sweaters – V-Neck or Crew Neck

Skinny Jeans + Navy Sweater + Plaid Blazer + Mustard Yellow Flats + Gold PendantShop the Look:
Sweater: c/o ModCloth (exact–wearing size M)(similar)

Blazer: c/o ModCloth (exact–wearing size M)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact-wearing size 4)
Shoes: c/o ModCloth (similar) (similar)
Bag: Modcloth (similar)
Necklace: Dear Mushka (exact)

Shop the Look:
Sweater: c/o ModCloth (exact–wearing size M)(similar)

Skirt: c/o Modcloth (similar)
Shoes: Naturalizer (similar)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Necklace: J.Crew Factory (exact)

For a long time these were the only styles of sweaters I ever paid attention to. These are pretty standard staples and are a great backdrop for a statement or pendant necklace or a printed blanket scarf.  One problem I ran into was trying to layer fitted sweaters like this over button up tops and being frustrated that I couldn’t get everything to stay in place.  I will tell you how I solved that problem when we talk about the next style of sweaters below.  But what *is* great about fitted sweaters is that you can tuck them into skirts or layer them under blazers and moto jackets very easily.

This style is helpful for tailored looks and especially great for business casual style.

The one I’m wearing above is thin and better for warmer climates, but this style comes in all sorts of thicknesses and materials that work better for warmer climates while still being able to be tucked or layered underneath things.

 

2. Loosely Fitted Pullover Sweaters – V-Neck or Crew Neck

Green Pullover Sweater + Gingham Button up + Skinnies + Tote + riding boots

Shop the Look:
Green Sweater: ModCloth (similar, similar)
Gingham Top: J. Crew Factory (exact -wearing size M)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 4)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 9.5)
Gray Bag: c/o Lily Jade (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

Crewneck sweater + vest + bootsShop The Look:
Camel Sweater: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Striped Top: Old Navy (similar)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (exact–wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 6) (similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 8.5)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)

Yellow Sweater + Plaid top + maroon heels + bag
Shop The Look:
Sweater: J.Crew Factory (exact–wearing size S)
Plaid top: J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Pants: J.Crew Factory (exact–wearing size 6)
Shoes: Naturalizer (similar)
Necklace: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)

These are similar to the previous ones but more loosely fitted.  You can get some that are plain, or you can get some with texture like the green and brown sweaters above.  I prefer loosely fitted sweaters like these for a few reasons. First, I find them more comfortable. I don’t love when tops are really form fitting and hug my midsection.  But also, sometimes when tops are very formfitting they slide above my hips and I constantly have to adjust them.  Second, because they’re not always riding up, these lay over button ups better. Third, these can look more relaxed, like in the second outfit, or they can also be dressed up like in the other outfits.

I also love layering these over a striped tee as shown above. That extra layer not only keeps me warmer, but the peep of stripes also gives the outfit more dimension.  If you want even more layers, a puffer vest is a great addition!

When layering over a button up, adding a statement necklace goes a long way. A lot of women express feeling too stuffy in this combo, but a statement necklace glams it up just enough.

 

3. Relaxed Sweaters / Tunics

Pink Sweater + Light jeans + Taupe Booties + White Accessoriesrust sweater + skinnies + flats + white accessories

Shop the Looks:
Sweaters: Amazon  (exact) (size Small/Medium)
Light Jeans: Wit & Wisdom/Nordstrom (similar) (similar-ankle skimmer version)
Darker Jeans: Nordstrom(exact-wearing size 4)
Booties: Nordstrom (exact)
Flats: c/o Modcloth (exact-size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)

I used to think the only types of sweaters were fitted v-necks or crew neck sweaters, but relaxed sweaters like these are my jam right now! They’re a lot more laid back and casual.  They are often longer, like tunic length, which adds to the relaxed vibe. But therefore they don’t work as well for layering over tops.

Some things to pair with these could be earrings, a pendant necklace, a printed blanket scarf, or a puffer vest.  I remixed the rust colored one above three ways HERE.  That post was for fall weather, but you could add thin layers underneath, blanket scarves on tops, and change the shoes to taller boots for colder weather.

 

4. Cowl Neck or Turtleneck Sweater

Cowl Neck Sweater + Gray Bag + Light Jeans + Flats + White EarringsShop the Look:
Sweater: c/o Modcloth (exact–wearing M, super similarsimilar)

Jeans: Nordstrom (similar-ankle skimmer version)(similar)
Shoes: c/o Modcloth (exact–wearing size 9)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)

green cowl neck sweater + black jeans + brown booties

Shop the Look:
Sweater: Amazon (exact–size S)

Jeans: c/o JCPenney (exact–size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact–size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact)

cowl neck sweater + white jeans for winter + tan suede bootsShop the Look:
Sweater: c/o ModCloth (exact–wearing size M)

Jeans: Loft (exact-wearing size 28P) (similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 9.5)
Bag: Modcloth (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)

Cute and cozy!  There are plenty of super thick warm ones that are so good for cold weather, but there are also plenty of thinner ones that are good for warmer climates. I wouldn’t accessorize much with these—maybe just earrings.  I’d focus on ones with interesting weaves like THIS one or a print like the one above or THIS to make them more interesting.

Depending on the cut and material, these can look a little fancier and make good options for dressier sweaters.

The orange sweater above has an open weave which is better for climates that don’t get crazy cold.  It’s super duper soft!  The green sweater above is a bit warmer.  It’s not exceptionally soft like the orange one, but it’s not bad either!  It comes in several colors, including an orange similar to the previous outfit.  See them HERE.  The last one with green stripes is made of a very soft chenille that is surprisingly not very heavy, yet still pretty warm.

(Also, I like to wear UNIQLO Heattechs under these to be even warmer.  Because they are all kind of loose at the bottom, air can come up.  Wearing a Heattech traps body heat and helps you stay warmer.)  

 

5. Textured Sweaters

Mustard Sweater + Bootcut Jeans + Heels + Cognac BagShop the Look:
Sweater: c/o ModCloth (exact-wearing size M)(similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact-wearing size 8)
Bag: Modcloth (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
Necklace: Dear Mushka (exact)

Casual Holiday Gathering Outfit Blue Sweater

Shop the Look:
Sweater: Old Navy (similar)

Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 4)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 9.5; similar–cheaper)
Bag: c/o Lily Jade (exact)

I mentioned these in #3, but I want to explicitly list textured sweaters.  They can be any cut, like crew neck or cowl necks etc., and any thickness.  Textures make them more interesting!

 

6. Butter Tops

maroon tunic + skinny jeans + leopard scarf + tan booties
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–I size way down to 4)
Booties: Sole Society (similar)

Scarf: Nordstrom (exact) (similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)

maroon jeans + black sweater + black plaid blanket scarf + black suede boots

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact-size S)
Jeans: Old Navy (exact-wearing size 6) (similar)
Scarf: Nordstrom (identical)
Boots: c/o Sole Society (exact–size 9; exact; similar for cheaper)
Bag:c/o Sole Society (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)

I’ve talked a lot about these butter tops already, but in case you missed it, they’re soooooooooooo soft that they feel like BUTTER.  They’re like a thin fleece and have a comfy swing silhouette that floats away from your body and doesn’t hug or squeeze you.  See ways I’ve worn the black one HERE and maroon one HERE.

These are great for casual loungewear with leggings or a put together casual look with boots and any printed scarf.  They make super easy, super comfy outfits!

 

7. Sweaters With Peplum Hem

Suede Boots + Layered Sweater + Herringbone Vest + Skinnies + Shoulder bag

Shop for the Look:
Sweater: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact–wearing size S)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (exact in other colors–wearing size XS)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–I size way down to 4)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 9.5; similar–cheaper)

Necklace: J.Crew Factory (exact)

See the grey sweater and the buffalo check sticking out?  That’s all one piece, no layering involved!  These sweaters with a peplum hem give you the cute look of layers without the fuss of layers.  They are super easy to wear, but are really cute.  They work well for casual outfits but also dress up nicely with pants for an office appropriate look!  The one I’m wearing above is nearly sold out, but there is a very cute cream one with a white peplum HERE.  It’s really pretty and would look so cute with jeans and boots but also work with maroon pants for work!

 

8. Printed Sweaters

white puffer vest + fair isle sweater + boots

Let’s not forget sweaters with prints!  Fair isle sweaters are popular around this time of year, but there are many other prints like polka dots, stripes, hearts, or cute little animals or characters.

Those are just a few of the many types of sweaters you could wear this season.  The loosely fitted sweaters (#2) will always have a place in my closet since they’re great for layering, but currently I’m really loving relaxed tunic sweaters and cowl/turtlenecks!  Which kinds of sweaters do you wear most often?  What style do you want to have more of?

Shop All Sweaters

If you want to add some variety to your closet, shop all different types of sweaters below!

 


 

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