The 22 Best Sweaters for Fall
Updated: Mar. 06, 2023Stock your closet with the coziest and most fashionable fall sweaters for every body and budget.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Sweaters are the most versatile fall wardrobe item
It’s officially sweater weather, so we did the hard work of finding all the best sweaters for fall at every size and budget point. Pair them with your best leggings (including your fleece-lined leggings), layer over new Amazon work dresses and wear them neatly tucked into the trendiest jeans. Seriously, you can never have too many sweaters.
How to shop for sweaters
The best sweaters for fall are versatile, cozy picks that won’t cost an arm or a leg. As a start, buy neutral and muted colors that pair well with everything else you have in your closet.
“Neutrals are far from bland,” explains Bernadett Vajda, an image consultant and style expert with years in the modeling industry. “Muted and neutral basics are the foundation of any great outfit. Throw on a nice basic neutral knit top and pair it with fun earrings, a necklace or lipstick and you’ll be camera ready.”
She adds, “Black sweater options will always give you that spot-on glamour and will never go out of style and can be dressed up or down.” That means you’ll be able to make the most of your sweaters dressed up with heels or in more casual settings like going for a hike with walking shoes.
Shop for high-quality stitching and even weaving. Natural materials like cotton, cashmere, wool or blends are also typically signatures of higher-end garments. Plus, you can find them at every price point and size. “Cashmere, silk and cotton blends often feel softest against the skin. Before purchasing a sweater, check to see if the garment needs dry cleaning. If this is something you haven’t budgeted for—leave it.”
How to care for sweaters
Make sure you keep a moth-proof wardrobe and keep your delicate knits neatly folded and stacked rather than hung. Here’s how to get rid of moths without mothballs, if you’re wondering. Hangers can leave permanent marks and stretched-out spots in knitwear, so you’ll want to avoid them if possible. If you do need to store them upright, here’s how to hang sweaters properly.
Make sure you choose the safest laundry detergents for your sweater knits and check out these secrets only professional dry cleaners know about how to make your best clothes last longer.
Be sure you have a dependable laundry drying rack on at home for hand-washed items and careful air drying. Caring for your best sweaters will keep them pill-free and soft for years to come.
The best sweaters for every budget and body type
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
You’ll have a hard time finding a better price on top quality, genuine 100 percent Mongolian cashmere than this Quince crewneck that comes in over a dozen colors and sizes XS through XL. Plus, its practically unbelievable $50 price tag alone makes it one of the best sweaters on the market.
It’s so soft that it feels like your best pajamas but looks dazzling enough to wear just about anywhere life takes you. And did we mention this $50 cashmere sweater sells out every year?
Cozy Earth Ultra-Soft Bamboo Pullover Crew
Consider this bamboo-based pullover from Cozy Earth the snuggliest hybrid between an eco-friendly sweater and a cozy-casual sweatshirt. It’s one of the best sweater picks for weekend mornings and can even be worn as part of a matching loungewear set.
With five chic shades, you’ll have a hard time picking just one to buy—so why not stock up? It’s so easy to care for that you can pop it right in the laundry machine without overthinking it.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardi
This is definitely one of the softest and best sweater picks for lazy days at home, and not just because this Barefoot Dreams cardigan is famous for having the plushest material around. It’s all about effortless style with this easy, open-front design that comes in a versatile length. Snuggle up to the ribbed shawl collar and stash your phone, lip balm and other essentials in the two inset pockets.
Lululemon Boxy Sweater
Lululemon products are so popular they often have waitlists. Scoop up this boxy cotton sweater in one of four rich colors. The breathable on-trend rib knit garners plenty of “where did you find that sweater?” questions and compliments.
It features a breathable, easily machine-washed blend that lends itself well to denim, skirts, layering and yes—with the brand’s famous leggings. It’s so flexible and comfortable that reviewers note doing going for runs and doing yoga in it. This best sweaters pick comes in four colors and sizes XS through XXL.
Lisa Todd Psychedelic Print Cashmere Sweater
Even a capsule wardrobe needs a showstopper, so this fall we’ve got our eye on this delightfully unexpected psychedelic printed cashmere sweater from luxe designer Lisa Todd.
Besides making a bold style statement, it’s lightweight and snuggly-soft with an easy relaxed fit that’s universally flattering. You’ll reach for this “anti-basic” wardrobe essential as often as possible and for years to come. Choose from two colorways—chai combo or lilac frost combo. It also comes in curvy and plus sizes.
State Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Vest
Meet the fall layering essential you didn’t know you needed—but won’t want to live without. This wildly soft, chic 100% cashmere sweater vest can be worn alone while the weather’s still warm, and then atop a blouse or a long-sleeved tee when the temperature drops.
As a bonus, State Cashmere is a sustainable fashion brand; its shepherds in Inner Mongolia (who earn fair living wages), practice the kind of loving, humane treatment of their goats that will make you proud to support the brand.
Liverpool Los Angeles Split Hem Sweater
The smooth camel-toned shade of this Liverpool Los Angeles split hem sweater is an in-the-moment pick that helps natural features stand out. Available in XS through XL, it features raglan-style sleeves and a clever split hem that offers more than eye-catching design. The hem detailing offers added movement and expansion for active types—and Thanksgiving dinner.
“Most skin tones and complexions look good against a camel or caramel-hued backdrop,” says Bernadette. “Soft tans are wardrobe staples everyone can wear. Play them up and make them trendy with sleeve and collar details.” Play up this neutral piece with some of the best fall nail colors.
Tentree Sustainable Turtleneck Sweater
Six neutral shades and a range of sizes make this Tentree sustainable wool turtleneck an instant classic and one of the best sweaters for fall. The universally flattering relaxed shape works well with work ensembles and adds a subtle counterbalance to your trendiest Nordstrom shoes.
Made of responsibly sourced wool and organic cotton, it’s a feel-good purchase you’ll be proud to wear. It’s also easy to layer over winter underpinnings and a sharp look beneath a classic pea coat or puffer jacket.
Open Front Cashmere Cardigan
Everything in your wardrobe gets an instant upgrade when topped with this classic open front cardigan from Misook. The clean simple design looks equally elegant over a T-shirt or tank as over a blouse or cami, and you can’t beat the comfort—100% soft cashmere from sustainable sources. The thing to love about knits from Misook: They’re made to flatter the figures of real women, gracing your body in all the right places. Comes in black, cobalt, deep teal and pink rose, sizes XS to XL.
Scoop Rib Knit Sweater
Add a splash of color to a sweater collection for a dose of outfit optimism. This incredibly affordable Scoop sweater offers a narrow silhouette and a range of neutrals and brights to suit every woman’s style. It comes in an expanded size range of XS through 2X, making it one of the best sweaters for all body types. The entire Scoop fashion line is one of the best things to buy at Walmart if you love trendy, affordable fashion.
Lilysilk Classic Cashmere Scoop Neck Sweater
If you add just one classic piece to your sweater collection this fall, let it be this classic cashmere boat neck sweater from Lilysilk. It comes in comes in two neutral shades and sizes small through extra large. Wear it tucked neatly beneath a blazer for a business casual look, or over light jeans for a relaxed weekend vibe that will take you through a day of apple picking.
And yes, it’s made of 100 percent cashmere. That means it’s one of the best sweaters for lightweight, ultra-warm wearing on the coldest days.
Amazon Essentials Lightweight Crewneck Sweater
Consider this piece your wintertime basic tee—just a lot warmer and cozier. The Amazon Essentials crewneck comes in sizes XXS through 6XL and is offered in nearly two dozen gorgeous colorways.
One of the thousands of happy verified Amazon purchasers, Leslie S. writes, “I am so impressed by this sweater! I had my doubts about ordering an Amazon sweater, but I’m so glad that I did. It has a looser fit and seems to be of very good quality—not thin at all. This definitely rivals a sweater that I would purchase from a J. Crew factory store, but at a fraction of the price. I will definitely purchase more products from this brand!”
Ann Taylor Sweater Blazer
Wear this transitional piece however you’d like to—layered over casual tees or over high-end knits. It’s called a sweater blazer thanks to its clever use of soft, sweater blend material in a classic blazer silhouette.
Blazer buttons add extra oomph to the look, which dresses up or down with ease. Choose from a variety of rich autumnal shades in sizes XXS through XXL. Consider this one as a thoughtful holiday gift for Mom.
Maurice’s Geo Print Cardigan
Sizes XS through 4X make this trendy geo print cardigan a bestseller that works with every type of personal style. Wear it over tees, turtlenecks and dresses for a fall-ready look that flatters while keeping you toasty. It’s an affordable pick that can be worn in a variety of ways.
A relaxed fit makes this machine-washable pick a go-to for busy women. The acrylic blend stands up to coffee and red wine stains. Here’s how to get red wine stains out of clothing, if you’re wondering.
Pioneer Woman Reversible Cardigan
You’ll wear this size-inclusive Pioneer Woman reversible cardigan over and over again thanks to happiness-inducing fall florals and relaxed fit. It’s a bestseller in plus sizes, but it also comes in regular sizes. Color lovers fitting a regular S through plus 3X will enjoy wearing this incredibly cool fashion statement.
The blended material is machine washable, and the open swing style makes it a hit with shoppers looking for extra movement and warmth. If you like this, you’ll love some of the other Pioneer Woman clothes that debuted for fall.
LC Lauren Conrad Cable-Knit Texture Sweater
You’re going to want to scoop up a few of these textured sweater pullovers from LC Lauren Conrad when you see how affordable and flattering they are, and we can’t say we blame you.
Choose from classic colors like light gray or soft yellow if you want to play it safe, or add a little spice to your wardrobe with orange, teal or pink shades. This Kohl’s customer favorite comes in sizes XS through XXL. Bonus: it’s made of a sensible synthetic material blend that is easy to wash and care for with minimal pilling.
Abercrombie & Fitch Stitch-Notch Neck Collar Sweater
Bold texture and earthy colors give these fun-to-wear stitch-notch neck collar sweaters from Abercombie & Fitch a modern best sweater twist. Made from a poly blend, it’s both comfy and toasty. And the relaxed, cropped fit shape pairs equally well with tailored pants or this season’s best denim.
These sweaters come in seven current neutral colors and sizes XS through XL. The best part? The material is machine washable and dries flat anywhere you have the space.
State Cashmere V-Neck Button Down Cardigan
Happy Mongolian goats mean soft, durable cashmere in this versatile button-down cardigan. Wear it open atop a camisole or closed as a pullover for an everyday basic that’s not too long, not too short, and just the right amount of v-neck plunge for effortless style on any occasion. It comes in this year’s hot hues—beige and brown rust.
Athleta Revolve Cardigan
This stretchy, lightweight Athleta cardigan is an everyday essential that goes with just about everything. It’s made of moisture-wicking stretchy material that clings to curves in a flattering way.
Wear it to run errands, to pop over workout gear when you’re leaving the gym or even tucked into a crisp pencil skirt for days at the office. Choose from four neutral shades that are universally flattering, and sizes XXS through XL.
Carve Designs Brookline Zip Sweater
Casual days and comfortable weekends call for this cozy Carve Designs Brookline sweater. It features a comfortable quarter-zip and chunky gauge. The fold-over collar stands up when fully zipped on really cold nights just in case you forget to wear a scarf.
Each piece is also slightly unique thanks to multicolored flecks in the sweater’s weave. Choose from three neutral shades and sizes XXS through XL.
Kindred Bravely Chloe Chunky Cardigan Sweater
Maternity and nursing sweaters can be chic, too! This timeless Kindred Bravely cardigan allows bumps to grow and shrink with ease. Then it transitions into a clever cape-style nursing cover when you need it most. It’s also one of the most useful baby shower gifts for new moms.
When the baby is grown, it becomes a cocoon-style piece that you’ll treasure for years to come. Choose from XS through XXL sizes and three neutral color offerings. Then brag to all your friends about the deep pockets it has on each side.
Naked Cashmere Button-Up Vest
Sweater vests are the fall trend du jour, but they never really go out of style. Investing in a high-quality piece like this Naked Cashmere button-up sweater vest is a smart decision that pays off in spades.
Wear it on its own for sassy, youthful style or layer it over a well-tailored collared shirt for a crisp, country club look. It’s made of 100% cashmere and comes in three always-popular shades you’ll love building outfits around.
Orvis Alpaca Blanket Stripe Cardigan
Grab your mosquito repellents and a can-do attitude, because this Orvis alpaca blanket stripe sweater is ready to take you places. Available in sizes XS through XL, it features a comfortable open drape front that makes for easy wearing just about everywhere.
The longer tunic length pairs perfectly with jeans, slim pants or leggings and the cozy alpaca blend material is warm enough to replace a light jacket.
Stop hunting for the best products and deals—get our expert scoop on secret sales and discounts, gift ideas for everyone and can’t-miss products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.
Source:
- Bernadett Vajda, style expert