When cooler weather rolls around, there is one classic outfit combo that serves both function and fashion that most everyone already has in their closet — a sweater and jeans. Any color of sweater or denim style works, as these two closet staples rise above trends or fads. In fact, this outfit combination is really above any sort of reproach, especially when you refresh things with accessories. Here’s a rundown of some sweater and jean outfit formulas to see you through the fall.
On really chilly mornings, go for a chunky knit like Old Navy’s Loose Shaker-Stitch Tunic sweater in classic colors like black, navy, gray, or off-white, and pair it with a flared jean and boots. You can layer a clean tee underneath to wear with the sweater thrown over your shoulders as the day warms up, with the flared jeans creating a long and lean silhouette. The trick with oversized thicker knits is to balance the bottom half of your look with a more fitted style, whether you’re going with jeans, trousers, or leggings.
On the flip side, you can sport a baggy jean like Levi’s 501 ‘90s Cuffed Relaxed Selvedge Jeans or with a finer knit, such as Banana Republic Factory’s Forever Crewneck Sweater. Tuck the front in to show off a classic trouser belt with a round buckle, and finish your look with loafers. Throw on a blazer for a casual preppy look, or if you need more outerwear coverage, don a classic trench coat for an effortlessly chic ‘fit.
If you’re living and dying by skinny jeans this season, a fresh way to wear them with a sweater is to trade in your standard knee-high boots for western-inspired boots. You can go for a neutral pair like Ego’s Tequila Embroidered Western Cowboy Boot in brown or explore a more adventurous take with JW PEI’s RIYA Metallic Cowboy Boot in silver. Pair with a skinny medium-wash denim and a pop-of-color sweater like Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere crewneck in red for a standout look.
For casual days, you can swap the sweater for a sweatshirt. However, this shouldn’t be a sloppy take on a sweater and jeans. Sure, you may wear a sweatshirt and jeans for chores, but for leaving the house, change into Aerie’s Getaway Quarter Snap sweatshirt and layer over a button-down shirt. With a pair of dark wash straight-leg jeans and an easy sneaker like Allbirds’ Women’s Couriers, you have a classically clean outfit with minimal fuss. A cropped sweatshirt, like Abercombie & Fitch’s YPB neoKNIT crew sweatshirt, also works as a layering piece with a collared shirt underneath and pairs well with a high-waisted jean like SPANX’s EveryWear Wide Leg Jeans.
You can dress up that Spanx jean with an embellished sweater like Loft’s Pearlized Cluster Bow Back sweater and a pair of heels. If embellishments aren’t your thing, then consider a sweater set like J.Crew Factory’s Classic Cotton Cardigan and shell with pearly jewelry and heels for a dresser look. I like the idea of breaking up the set, wearing the cardigan with a silk cami and the shell as a sweater vest over a turtleneck with statement earrings.
Speaking of jewelry, the right pieces can elevate just about any jeans and a sweater match-up. I prefer pendant style necklaces for V-neck sweaters like Uncommon James’s Joie De Vivre gold pendant that hits just below the collarbone along with H&M’s V-Neck Varsity style sweater for a collegiate yet feminine look when paired with cropped jeans and loafers.
For crewneck pullovers, you can go for a longer-style necklace such as White House Black Market’s Gold + Pave Knot, which is a long necklace that can be worn as one strand or potentially looped for a tiered effect.
However, I actually prefer to focus on earrings and rings when donning a higher-necked knit. Amazon has gold clip-on hoop earrings that work for me, but those with pierced ears have many more options.
I like a gold hoop and a stacked ring or rings like Nordstrom’s Molten stacked band worn with a neutral crewneck, a darker denim, and heeled boots for days working in person that transition to evening activities.
At this time of the year, you really can’t go wrong with a sweater and jeans, especially when you balance proportions, play around with accessories, and mix and match up the shoes. As the weather eventually gets cooler, you can incorporate layers and outerwear. Hopefully, some of these ideas will inspire you to wear the sweaters and jeans you already own in refreshed ways.
