4 Sweater Trends to Buy and Wear ASAP (& 2 Styles to Keep in Storage This Year)

Fisherman sweaters, also known as Aran sweaters, originated in the Aran Islands just off the west coast of Ireland, and were traditionally made from undyed sheep’s wool which has a creamy, off-white hue. Nowadays, this style refers essentially to any pullover sweater in a neutral shade of white or beige with a notable texture to the knit. Think of this as the best way to transition your Coastal Grandmother aesthetic to fall.

Shop the trend: L.L.Bean Heritage Soft Cotton Fisherman Sweater ($89); Vince Alpaca Blend Turtleneck Sweater ($495); Alex Mill Camil Cable Sweater ($189); Favorite Daughter Oversize Cable Sweater ($378); Boden Cable Sweater ($160)

This trend has been going strong for at least two years now and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. Where last year we saw more cardigans and Peter Pan collars, this year is all about the Polo neck. They wear much the same as a classic V-neck, but the collar gives it an extra pop that feels trendier and adds depth to your overall look. Use them to make workwear staples feel a bit more casual, or to dress up a pair of distressed baggy jeans and retro sneakers.

Shop the trend: J.Crew Collar V-Neck Sweater ($98); Banana Republic Merino Pullover Sweater ($80; $56); Reformation Francesco Cotton Polo Sweater ($198); Everlane Cashmere Polo ($185); GAP Ribbed Collar Sweater ($60)

Have you noticed a theme for this year’s top sweater trends? The classics are back, and it doesn’t get much more classic than an iconic white-and-navy Breton stripe knit. You don’t have to wear only a traditional cut, but try not to veer too far from the original. Black-and-white variations, polo collars or flared sleeves are all fun twists, but stay clear of bolder color combos and too much extraneous detailing.

Shop the trend: La Ligne Mini Marin Sweater ($275); Tuckernuck Navy Stripe Bexley Sweater ($298); Treasure & Bond Stripe Cotton Rib Sweater ($69; $45); DISSH Colbie Sweater ($122); Kule Betty Cashmere Sweater ($298); Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater ($158)

It doesn’t much matter whether you prefer fluffy Angora or chunky cable knits; as long as your sweater has a 3D effect, it’s likely on trend. The only exception? Embellishments. The texture should come from the actual material rather than an add on, so opt for sweaters with more intricate weave patterns over sewn-on patches, sequins or pom poms.

Shop the trend: Endless Rose Chunky Knit Sweater ($100); Maeve Cable-Knit Puff-Sleeve Cardigan ($128); Babaton Emporia Cardigan ($198); 525 Airspun Cable Polo Pullover ($138); By Anthropologie Fringed Cardigan ($148)

Remember when it felt like that one-button Jacquemus cardigan was suddenly being worn by every celebrity and supermodel? Well, lucky for those who’d prefer to show a bit less skin, cropped mini cardigans with a Y2K aesthetic have officially been dethroned in favor of more classic, cozy knitwear. You won’t look super out of touch if you do decide to give them a go this fall, but there are definitely cooler options to try instead.

To be honest, we were never entirely sure how we felt about the cut-out trends of the past few years. They were fun—if difficult to wear—for summer, but sweaters with exposure shoulder or midriffs just seam antithetical to the very purpose of a sweater. Swap these Fashion with a capitol F pieces for an open fishnet weave design instead to achieve a similar vibe without the struggle of trying to hide your bra straps between cut-outs.

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