It’s official; fall has finally begun! And for those of us who are fans of all-things autumn, the return of sweater weather brings forth a delightful sort of glee! As we settle into the season, I’ve been mulling over new ways to wear oversized sweaters.
While they might seem basic, oversized knits can create a relaxed and incredibly versatile silhouette that comes across as effortlessly cool. And while a sweater may sound simple, it’s actually an item that takes shape in many forms, with various textures, colors, prints, and weights, each of which provides a completely different style vibe. You can create a look that evokes subtle luxury with a lightweight, neutral-toned cashmere style or opt for a more playful effect with a bright, chunky-knit cardigan. There are endless options to choose from and endless ways to style them. Here’s a rundown of some sweater weather-inspired outfits for this fall.
Before storing your favorite summer dresses, determine which would be candidates for a layered autumnal look. A brightly colored maxi-dress with an equally as bright cozy oversized knit creates an unexpected everyday uniform. If you have a more minimalist style sense, try this outfit combo with a slip or shirt dress and a neutral-hued sweater. Boots are a great way to toughen up both a statement as well as a subtle look. Knee-high, combat or cowboy boots will complete any dress-knit pairing.
While there are still a few warm afternoons in the forecast, try out a mini skirt with a cozy, oversized pullover and sneakers for the perfect transitional outfit. The look can have a hint of preppiness when worn with a collared shirt, which exudes nostalgia for school days and memories of falls past. But be careful you don’t go full-blast into that past. Leave the plaid skirt in the closet; instead, opt for a black or navy straight skirt, and let the sweater be the statement piece. Go for a bright citrusy color, like orange or lime green. As the days get cooler, pair this look with opaque tights and boots.
For a more elevated look, pair a big knit with loose trousers and loafers. You can go with a traditional suiting pant, or for something a bit more edgy, try a wide-leg leather pant. I like the idea of a polo-style sweater with a collar tucked into a high-waisted pant, with thick-soled loafers for work. A luxurious silk trouser and cozy sweater in the same color family with a ballet flat will have you stylishly set for a night out or in.
To achieve a more romantic look, pair a thick chunky cardigan with a delicate midi skirt or dress to create a feminine, elegant outfit. Give this girly ensemble some modern flair with slouchy suede boots. To add some dimension, throw on a belt — thick or thin — for a more polished version of this look. If you’re more of a jeans person, swap out the skirt for a pair of skinnies to tuck into the boot and take your cardigan out and about.
If you find yourself sticking close to home this fall, don’t feel like you’re relegated to boring loungewear or sweatpants. You can still be cozy and stylish with a cable-knit turtleneck sweater and fleece leggings. You can also pair your sweater with performance or yoga leggings, but I prefer fleece for the chillier weather. Throw on a pair of hiking boots, and you can easily transition this outfit from inside to an impromptu outdoor walk.
As cooler weather rolls around, hopefully, some of these outfit suggestions will inspire you this season to incorporate some luxuriously chunky, roomy sweaters into your daily rotation. Oversized knitwear is one of the easiest ways to adopt this season’s signature baggy look, as it’s the perfect balance of trend-driven and timeless.
