With autumn’s arrival imminent, it’s officially time to stock up on the best fall sweaters. As temperatures start to drop, expect an onslaught of soft cashmere cardigans and chunky cable-knit pullovers to flood both the streets and your Instagram feed. But beyond the classics in the usual wool and cashmere, this season offers a few fun new prints and silhouettes to try. Designers are doubling down on colorful Fair Isle—a chilly-weather mainstay that’s just as trendy-meets-classic as the barn jacket you’ll wear over it.
There are also fresh silhouettes on offer this fall, such as preppy polo sweaters. No longer reserved for country clubs and the halls of boarding schools, the silhouette has been reinvigorated for 2025 by the likes of Reformation, La Ligne, and Abercrombie. Scroll ahead for our must-have fall sweaters—your new-season wardrobe is about to get a knit lift.
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Amazon Essentials Lightweight Long-Sleeve Cable Crewneck Sweater
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The sweater vest
Never underestimate the power of a good sweater vest. The silhouette, which has an inherently preppy vibe, returned with gusto in 2020 and has remained a high-style fall staple ever since. This season, expect a wide range of takes on the layering piece, a few standouts being Veronica Beard’s colorful striped design and COS’s pocket-heavy iteration. As temperatures begin to drop, wear yours atop a lightweight turtleneck or sheer long-sleeve shirt—there’s no wrong answer, and it all depends on your vibe.
Uniqlo Striped Sweater Vest
Free People Plumeria Floral Vest
Banana Republic Cotton V-Neck Cropped Sweater Vest
COS Merino Wool Buttoned Vest
Zara Gold Button Structure Knit Vest Top
Veronica Beard Jerrel Stripe Crop Sweater Tank
The cashmere cardigan
Are cashmere cardigans an investment? Yes. But are they a high-quality fall essential you’ll own for years to come? Also yes. A wardrobe workhorse, the humble cardigan sweater is equal parts comfy and chic, making it a sound splurge for your autumn rotation. And you certainly won’t be disappointed by the have-forever options from brands like Anthropologie, Everlane, and Guest in Residence. Styling idea: Secure the middle two or three buttons of the cashmere sweater for a cool-girl take on the timeless silhouette.
Dôen Freya Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan
Anthropologie Juliet Cashmere Cardigan
Everlane Cropped Cardigan
Guest in Residence Everywear Oversized Cashmere Cardigan
The cable-knit sweater
With fisherman fashion still reigning, it makes sense that designers are breathing new life into chunky cable-knit sweaters. Some fashion history: The oversized sweater was born in the fishing communities of the Aran Islands, located on the west coast of Ireland. But you don’t need to be near water to wear the chunky knit. We’d suggest pairing one of the picks below with an oversized blazer, slouchy high-waisted jeans, and leather loafers for a head-turning street-style moment. Layering the knit over a trusty T-shirt is a good idea, too.
Old Navy Oversized Slouchy Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater
Amazon Essentials Lightweight Long-Sleeve Cable Crewneck Sweater
Lauren Woman Button-Trim Cable-Knit Cotton Sweater
J.Crew Cable-Knit Crewneck Cardigan in Merino Wool
&Daughter Cable-Knit Wool Sweater
Scotch & Soda Cable Knit Polo Sweater
The Fair Isle sweater
Craving a maximalist knitwear look? A statement-making Fair Isle sweater will satiate your sartorial appetite. Whether rendered in bright colors (like our pick from Aligne) or earthy neutrals (we’re loving Altuzarra’s version), these printed looks pack a playful punch. Plus, the silhouettes run the gamut from chunky turtleneck sweaters to lightweight vests. Another thing worth mentioning: A toasty Fair Isle sweater is primed for a fall getaway, particularly one that involves a cozy cabin and outdoor fire pit. Just don’t forget to pack durable boots and a rain jacket, too.
Boden Edie Fair Isle Sweater
Hill House Home Ren Cardigan
Barbour Helen Fair Isle Wool Blend Turtleneck Tunic Sweater
Altuzarra Cecie Fair Isle Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Rowing Blazers Wool Fairisle Cardigan Olive
The polo sweater
Designers have pushed the polo sweater agenda forward this fall. The polished knitwear can completely change your look’s trajectory, thanks to its effortlessly cool, preppy aesthetic. But perhaps our favorite part about a polo sweater? It’s one of those pieces you can toss on in a rush and know you’ll look good. When it comes to shopping for the knitwear, there are a few different routes you can take—cashmere polo sweaters are a no-brainer, while open-knit styles feel especially fresh. For a classic take, choose something striped.
