Vintage-Inspired Fair Isle Sweaters Are Trending (and They're All I Want to Wear This Holiday Season)

Merry, cozy and bright

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Fair Isle Sweaters Collage
J.Crew/Zara/Tuckernuck/Boden

It’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like winter. While I don’t particularly like the cold, I *do* love a good sweater—especially a fun, statement-making Fair Isle one, which never fails to elevate a cozy fit with its preppy-meets-après-ski vibe. (Though, originally, they were designed for fishermen—the more you know!)

Since vintage-inspired Fair Isle sweaters are already trending for the season, I’ve rounded up ten of the best to give your winter wardrobe a lively, patterned update. Whether it’s pieces such as this adorable pullover style from J. Crew ($148) or this festive (and affordable) sweater from Free Assembly ($26), you’ll certainly appreciate having these picks in your closet, ready for fireside sips and snow day adventures alike.

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This cozy rollneck brings the holiday spirit with its colorful Christmas print and oversized design. Soft and well-made with 100 percent lambswool, it offers plenty of room to move while not being too boxy. Just note that some reviewers say it runs large, so you may want to consider sizing down if you're looking for a tighter, more cropped fit.

An under-$30 buy made from a polyester and wool blend that is sure to keep you toasty on chilly evenings, this pullover from Free Assembly is proof that you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to achieve a luxury look. Shoppers love the true-to-size fit, noting that it looks great by itself, but can also be layered over an untucked shirt or blouse. "My favorite Walmart sweater so far this year. The colors are very vibrant, the material is super soft and it washed up perfectly (I laid it out to dry)," raves one 5-star reviewer.

This fuzzy turtleneck is sure to make your regular rotation, as it comes designed in three rich colorways (red, ginger brown and pine valley), with the most eye-catching patterns. I love the balloon sleeves paired with the snug, ribbed cuffs, which add some fun shape to the otherwise classic silhoutte. In case you're wondering, it's made from a blend of polyester, nylon and spandex, giving you just the right amount of stretch—perfect for going back for a second helping.

A cute, versatile piece that you can layer and dress up or down depending on the occasion, this short-sleeve cardi is a must. The round neck and gold buttons provide a posh, preppy look (hello, Ralph Lauren Christmas!), and there's even touches of wool and alpaca in the fabric blend, ensuring warmth aplenty. My one gripe? It only comes in one color.

Nothing screams Christmas like a green, white and red sweater with the word "joy" emblazoned all over it, which is exactly why you shouldn't waste any time before adding this beauty to your cart. One shopper writes, "I love this cardigan for the Christmas season, especially for me, as it is made mainly from cotton. The fit is great, as are the colors, and it is a good weight."

Fun design aside, you'll love the cropped, fitted construction this sweater offers. The details are feminine and dainty (um, those adorable little hearts?!), and it's made of Old Navy's SoSoft fabric, a cotton blend that's meant to feel as soft as cashmere (for a fraction of the price). It's no wonder this cardi has earned high praise from many buyers, one of whom writes, "This cardigan is super soft and comfy to wear, and above all, it's really cute. Definitely something I can match with my jeans and dress, so I can wear it throughout all four seasons." Even better, it's available in regular, tall and petite sizing.

It's giving fir forest in the best way. Between the soft green hues, classic geometric pattern and thick wool blend, this luxe cardigan is bound to become a staple you wear year after year. While the investment is on the steeper side, you can count on the quality—and the fact that you can get so much wear out of it this season alone.

I've been on the hunt for a stylish knit to wear on my winter camping trip, and this one from Banana Republic sounds like just the ticket. Per the brand, it's made from extra-fine merino wool and cotton to provide warmth and breathability, and it has a structured, slightly cropped design that can be easily elevated if paired with a satin skirt. "This one is perfect in every way," exclaims one buyer. "The other cotton and merino sweater offerings are really boxy and oversized. This one just...fits!" she continues. I'm sold.

This sweater vest from Boden is sure to become your best friend if you enjoy layering. Made from a soft blend of RWS-certified wool, cotton and RAS-certified alpaca, it's been called "whimsical" and "comfortably roomy"—both things you want to hear when it comes to a winter knit. It's already selling fast, so I would snatch this one up ASAP, if I were you.

"So soft (just like the name says!)…roomy but not oversized. Beautiful print!" writes one shopper, with another adding, "Thin material while still bringing lots of warmth, just how I like it!" As if being warm with a bold print isn't enough, this sweater is the perfect length to pair with jeans, trousers, minis—you name it.


Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM

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