6 Sweater Trends to Buy and Wear ASAP (& One to Keep in Storage This Year)

Shells and cardigans, V-necks and pleated midi skirts, tube tops and shrugs—knit duos are going strong for fall/winter 2023, in just about every shape and size. Seriously, you really can’t go wrong so long as you are wearing two coordinating knit pieces in one outfit. Make them the highlight of your look by keeping all your accessories or other clothing pieces sleek and simple (black loafers, gold hoops, straight-leg jeans, etc.).

Cropped, Chanel-inspired jackets are a major trend for fall 2023, making sweater versions a chic micro trend within the same vein. These knits have a structured feel with stand-out buttons (either along the front or adorning pockets) for an old-school preppy vibe that looks incredibly cool when worn with loose-leg denim or a silky midi skirt. And while you can wear them open, we find they look most interesting when buttoned up to the top to be worn more like a shirt or pullover sweater.

One benefit of the rise of quiet luxury is the coinciding rise of tried-and-true wardrobe staples, like the oversize sweater. These supremely cozy knits are easy, comfortable and sure to never go out of style. We advise leaning into those timeless vibes with cashmere crewnecks or V-necks in solid hues (be they classic navy or trendy kohlrabi) over embellished variations. Then have some fun pairing them with less traditional bottoms—cargo pants, printed trousers, quilted miniskirts, metallic leather pants, etc.—for a fashion-forward twist.

Stripes and argyle and plaid, oh my! Related to the above oversize knit revival is the rise of classic patterns. Checkerboard prints were huge the past few years, but for 2023 stripes and argyle are taking over. Neutral color combinations are most likely to stand the test of time, but if attention-grabbing brights are more your vibe feel free to have some fun experimenting with timeless prints in unexpected colors, like lilac, cobalt or lime green.

Sweater dresses are a fabulous way to feel comfy and cozy while looking put together during the colder months of the year. Right now, one specific silhouette is trending above all others: thinner, maxi-length knits. We’re talking about fine knits as opposed to chunky cable or sweatshirt material, with a silhouette that’s more fitted up top then falls straight to the floor (maybe with a little flare) just past the hips. These flattering frocks are surprisingly sexy, but can be dressed to fit just about any occasion, be it date night or a day at the office.

We’ll admit, most rugby tops feel more like sweatshirts than cashmere knits, but we’ve spotted numerous versions during Fashion Month, ranging from lightweight cotton numbers to heavier wool sweaters. Consider this 2023’s evolution of the polo collar trend of the past few years. Rugby shirts have the same cute collar shape, but are usually adorned with bright stripes or blocks of color. The collar is also usually done in a contrasting color. Lean into their sporty origins with some wide-leg track pants or simple black leggings, or have some fun mixing things up with a polish pencil skirt, silk midi or tailored trouser 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.