21 Best Fall Sweaters You’ll Refuse to Take Off This Season

Classic is an understatement. Cable-knits are a closet staple for stylish A-listers like Blake Lively and Katie Holmes, and for good reason: The chunky texture adds visual interest and nods at old money aesthetics. What’s best about J.Crew’s Odette style—besides the ornate buttons—is its endless versatility. Pair it with denim for a trip to the farmers market or a slip skirt and slingbacks for a night out.

This pick’s architectural sleeve is a standout detail, especially partnered with a dusty rose hue. (The color is a major win, given it’s one of the defining shades of fall 2024.) Structural shoulders provide dimension, further upgrading the otherwise basic silhouette. Go ultracasual paired with cozy leggings or, if you’re feeling a little extra, pair with clean tailored slacks and patent leather loafers for a put-together look.

Crafted from a cream-colored viscose blend, Mango’s polo-adjacent sweater is full dark academia. (It also bears more than a passing resemblance to Gigi Hadid’s collared Miu Miu cardigan.) Microtrends aside, the silhouette is reminiscent of styles from The Row, but at a much lower price. Smart and sophisticated, this long-sleeve would do well paired with an equally preppy pleated skirt and tights (or plain old denim).

Cropped crewneck sweaters are a foolproof way to get the (sometimes unflattering) slouchy sweater situation right. Relaxed and sleek, Abercrombie’s knit comes in seven fall-friendly hues (like red, dark green, and taupe) and two striped patterns. It’s all about looking chic without even trying this fall—and this gem will get you there, especially tucked into white jeans with loafers.

Tuckernuck’s Colette cardi updates the preppy cable cardigan sweater style with exaggerated bishop sleeves and a petal pink shade. While your favorite vintage pick might have the same knit pattern and gold buttons, this is by no means your mother’s sweater.

This preppy number makes for the perfect layering piece. The scoop neckline lets anything you wear beneath shine through, adding dimension. (Worn all by itself, however, the silhouette is baggy and comfy.) Trendy athletic numeral graphics make the otherwise simple cable knit pop. Worn with denim shorts or sweatpants on particularly chill days, this piece is a wool-blend knit worth splurging on.

Boden, a favorite brand of style icons like Kate Middleton, Emma Roberts, and Lily Collins, does Fair Isle like no one else. And with the recent rise of preppy, heritage-influenced style, this colorful knit is ideal for bridging the gap between summer and fall. Layered over a blouse, the vest is office-ready; worn alone, it’s a statement piece worthy of a grid pic. What’s not to love?

Let’s face it: Cardigans are a dime a dozen. Lillusory’s cardi, however, stands out for its nautical vibe and impressively low price tag. I picture this piece draped over my shoulders, accompanied by a crisp white button-down, a maxiskirt, and ballet flats while enjoying a boat ride or a stroll along a tree-lined street. The brand also stocks 12 other colors, meaning the hardest part will be deciding which style not to buy.

Who doesn’t want to be cocooned in a comfy cotton sweater? Paired with a boho maxiskirt or sleek pleated trousers, this crewneck makes for the perfect versatile basic. Minimalist, clean-girl styles are certainly in for 2024, and Everlane’s piece fits the bill—it’s even in butter yellow, the color of the season, per Gucci, Hermès, and Sandy Liang.

Bouclé knits offer a relaxed, knotted look, and Madewell’s well-priced take is a good investment thanks to its distinct striping. Worn with dark-wash denim and preppy loafers, the style will carry you through office days and weekend hangs with ease. And the slightly relaxed fit is a major plus for those who like to look good without compromising on comfort.

Balletcore has been the trend on everyone’s lips in 2024, and with bow accessories coming back in a major way for fall and winter, the hype won’t be dying down anytime soon. Equipped with a darling bow print and just the right cropped fit, the style pairs nicely with high-waist denim or corduroy. It’ll keep you warm and on trend all season long.

Used as a layering piece or left alone, PrettyGarden’s mock-neck sweater works as a perfect transitional piece from late summer days to brisk fall evenings. I can see this preppy knit paired with baggy denim and playful mesh ballet flats for model-off-duty vibes. Considering the under-$30 price tag, it’s hard to beat.

You can never have too many striped sweaters in your closet. This layering piece features a blazer-inspired notch collar, making it ideal over a white T-shirt in dressy settings—although it’ll also top form-fitting dresses and bralettes for brunch or coffee dates. Better yet, it’s truly size-inclusive, ranging from XXS to 3X with regular and petite lengths available.

A good lengthy cardigan can feel just like a warm hug. Aerie’s fleece number is a cross between a sweatshirt and a sweater, making it an ideal option for snuggling up this fall. Built with long sleeves, button closures, and a relaxed fit, the style is perfect for layering for those days when you just want to throw something on without thinking. Taken from day to night, this piece can be worn over a silky slip dress or paired with boxer shorts for those of us who prefer to stay in with a good book.

Cashmere pieces make just about any outfit look expensive, and those in the know trust J.Crew’s cashmere sweaters, which last forever and are relatively inexpensive. This V-neck style is a luxe accompaniment to jeans or fall dresses. The neckline is classic and sweet, while the long sleeves are cozy and warm. Since this 100% wool sweater offers an oversized fit, I’d recommend taking your true size to achieve the chic, slouchy look of your dreams.

Available in three striped colorways, American Eagle’s Weekend sweater is one of those magic pieces that makes everything look good. The thick horizontal striping is vintage-inspired and perfect for fall, while slits in the hem and a dropped shoulder create a more relaxed fit. This is the kind of knitwear I see myself lounging in— sorry to all the sweaters and hoodies that have failed me in the past.

Ralph Lauren is just one of those brands that get knitwear right every time, and this cable-knit cardigan is no exception. Hitting right at the hip, the style can be worn buttoned up or layered over your favorite lace cami. A ribbed hemline finishes the cardi, creating a shape that hugs the body rather than hides it. For a preppy moment, style the cardigan laid over your shoulders with some extra-baggy jeans.

As a New York native, I’ve long seen all the cool girls clad in color-block looks. I suspect they’d be into Boden’s colorful cardigan, which features a unique mix of colors, making the wearer look put-together with little to no effort.

While Ralph Lauren’s American flag sweater is a genuine classic, this version is under $100—that’s hard to beat. The comfortable oversized fit will keep you plenty cozy, while the ribbed cuff hem will keep the silhouette at least semi-sharp.