An underappreciated yet absolutely necessary fall basic [1] is the sweater. It's a little old layering piece you might not have shopped for in years, rotating between just one or two worn-out, neutral styles underneath that statement coat [2]. But 2021 in particular is a big year for knits, with so many different trends and silhouettes taking hold, you'll want to play a game of collect-them-all. From retro polos to vests [3], intarsia to colorblock, and cropped cardigan sets [4] to the longline throwover, shop each category one by one, or scroll through this list to scan all our picks at a wide range of price points [5].
- Knit Vests
- Polos
- Shoulder Slice
- Colorblock
- Cardigan Sets
- Crochet
- Longline
- Intarsia
Knit Vests
Worn oversize or shrunken, these provide an extra layering piece in our wardrobe this season. Our advice is to collect them in neutral colours first, although vests with standout prints can also make a statement on their own, without a long-sleeve underneath.
& Other Stories Oversized Alpaca Blend Vest [7] ($99)
Zara Wool and Alpaca Blend Knit Vest
Zara Wool and Alpaca Blend Knit Vest [8] ($70)
Only Curve Knitted Tank With Drop Shoulder in Black
Only Curve Knitted Tank With Drop Shoulder in Black [9] ($29)
Bobblehaus Recycled Cotton Jacquard Sweater Vest
Bobblehaus Recycled Cotton Jacquard Sweater Vest [10] ($185)
COS Striped Knitted Vest
COS Striped Knitted Vest [11] ($115)
Veronica Beard Collina Vest
Veronica Beard Collina Vest [12] ($350)
The Frankie Shop Malou Zip Vest in Sand
The Frankie Shop Malou Zip Vest in Sand [13] ($132)
Polos
Frequently seen in a sporty, cropped cut or with a half-zip down the neckline, the polo collar offers a preppy touch to a new set of sweaters that have a little something extra.
Jacquemus Neve Polo [14] ($645)
ASOS Design Curve Sweater With Polo Neck in Rib Oatmeal
ASOS Design Curve Sweater With Polo Neck in Rib Oatmeal [15] ($36)
Ganni Cabled Shrunken Mock-Turtleneck Pullover
Ganni Cabled Shrunken Mock-Turtleneck Pullover [16] ($375)
Jonathan Simkhai Kara Fringe Knit Polo
Jonathan Simkhai Kara Fringe Knit Polo [17] ($445)
Tibi Feather Weight Ribbed Allonge Collar Sweater
Tibi Feather Weight Ribbed Allonge Collar Sweater [18] ($495)
Stella Jean Collar Top
Stella Jean Collar Top [19] ($122, originally $405)
Hanifa Cora Short Set
Hanifa Cora Short Set [20] ($239)
Thebe Magugu Sisterhood Knit Golfer
Thebe Magugu Sisterhood Knit Golfer [21] ($342)
Shoulder Slice
Think of this trend as an update to the cold shoulder jumper. Whether it's because these sweaters come in two pieces (tank and matching bolero) or because there's a cutout at the collar bone, we're getting an extra peek of skin that makes for a sultry touch, especially when the look is formfitting.
Simonett Knit Bolero Set [22] ($165)
Pistola Denim Jolene Sweater
Pistola Denim Jolene Sweater [23] ($148)
NOLULLS Halter Top And Bolero Set
NOLULLS Halter Top And Bolero Set [24] ($66)
WAYF Elandra Turtleneck
WAYF Elandra Turtleneck [25] ($89)
Peter Do Grace Sweater
Peter Do Grace Sweater [26] ($1,675)
Jonathan Simkhai Jayline Pullover/Bralette
Jonathan Simkhai Jayline Pullover/Bralette [27] ($395)
Rosie Assoulin Knit Hold My Bolero Sweater
Rosie Assoulin Knit Hold My Bolero Sweater [28] ($1,295)
Colorblock
When it comes to sweater trends, we're often more observant of a silhouette than a particular print, but the multi-tone trimmings and graphics are undeniable this season, so don't be afraid to think bold, rather than in neutrals.
Wray Harold Sweater in Block [29] ($298)
Glassworks London Oatmeal and Blue Contrast Trim Cardigan
Glassworks London Oatmeal and Blue Contrast Trim Cardigan [30] ($90)
UNIF Brite Sweater
UNIF Brite Sweater [31] ($88)
Source Unknown Mixed Colorblock Top
Source Unknown Mixed Colorblock Top [32] ($63)
Pastiche Pola Cardigan in Pale/Pink
Pastiche Pola Cardigan in Pale/Pink [33] ($137, originally $195)
Victor Glemaud Turtleneck Sweater in Black & White
Victor Glemaud Turtleneck Sweater in Black & White [34] ($495)
Donni Duo Colorblock Cardigan
Donni Duo Colorblock Cardigan [35] ($160)
Cardigan Sets
As a continuation to the bralette and cardigan trend Katie Holmes and Khaite stirred up [36] last year, brands are offering all sorts of variations on what a two-piece can offer. While some come with full-length tanks, others have a foundation of a fitted shirt in a matching print or a similar gauzy fabric.
Babaton Emporia Cardigan [37] ($198) and Babaton Overland Dress [38] ($148)
Rouje Sweater Set
Rouje Claudette Sweater [39] ($185) and Rouje Jamie Cardigan [40] ($230)
Zara Knit Set
Zara Knit Cardigan With Elbow Length Sleeves [41] ($46) and Zara Knit V-Neck Top [42] ($26)
Loulou Studio Anthracite Melange Cardigan Set
Loulou Studio Contoy Cardigan in Anthracite Melange [43] ($289) and Loulou Studio Montague Top in Anthracite Melange [44] ($169)
Maggie Marilyn Ivory Set
Maggie Marilyn Cardigan in Ivory [45] ($207) and Maggie Marilyn Turtleneck in Ivory [46] ($105)
Cider Green Diary Knitted Set
Cider Green Diary Knitted Set [47] ($36)
Low Classic Boucle Knits
Low Classic Boucle Sleeveless Knit [48] ($195) and Low Classic Boucle Overfit Knit [49] ($405 when back in stock)
Crochet
We've seen crochet take off in a major way as stars like Olivia Rodrigo [50] have re-popularized the look from the early aughts and designers like Ella Emhoff [51] have showed us how to DIY [52] it. Now, the crochet sweater is here to stay and shoppable in all forms at our favourite retailers.
Rebecca Taylor Hand Crochet Alpaca Turtleneck [53] ($445)
Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan
Zara Jewel Button Knit Cardigan [54] ($50)
Rachel Comey Shushi Cardigan
Rachel Comey Shushi Cardigan [55] ($525)
Tach Clothing Ester Sweater
Tach Clothing Ester Sweater [56] ($306)
Zara Striped Knit Sweater
Zara Striped Knit Sweater [57] ($40)
Rose Carmine Navy Patchwork Sweater
Rose Carmine Navy Patchwork Sweater [58] ($667)
Longline
The longline cardigan is luxe, oversize, and as comforting as ever as we transition from stay-at-home gear to workwear. Whether yours becomes an underlay to your favourite jacket or an interesting statement top you tie up at both ends (see: Cult Gaia) is your own prerogative.
Tanya Taylor Morgana Knit [59] ($495)
H&M Long Cardigan
H&M Long Cardigan [60] ($36, originally $40)
By Malene Birger Cyrus Cardigan in Chanterelle
By Malene Birger Cyrus Cardigan in Chanterelle [61] ($595)
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Long Shawl Cardigan
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Long Shawl Cardigan [62] ($610)
Cult Gaia Izzie Knit Cardigan
Cult Gaia Izzie Knit Cardigan [63] ($398)
Khaite The Fiona Cardigan in Zig Zag
Khaite The Fiona Cardigan in Zig Zag [64] ($2,400)
Shona Joy Piper Cocoon Sleeve Cable Midi Cardigan in Oatmeal
Shona Joy Piper Cocoon Sleeve Cable Midi Cardigan in Oatmeal [65] ($395)
Intarsia
The most intricately crafted, handwoven sweater you can buy this fall is an intarsia piece that's been skillfully woven with multiple thread colours to form a picture, fair isle pattern, or motif. The ones we've gathered here will make them all look twice.
Zara Knit Jacquard Jacket [66] ($70)
Cider Perfect Day Printed Knit Sweater
Cider Perfect Day Printed Knit Sweater [67] ($32)
Sea Reese Intarsia Sheep Sweater
Sea Reese Intarsia Sheep Sweater [68] ($425)
Forever 21 Daisy Print Cardigan
Forever 21 Daisy Print Cardigan [69] ($28)
LoveShackFancy Honeypie Boyfriend Cardigan
LoveShackFancy Honeypie Boyfriend Cardigan [70] ($495)
Tach Clothing Tampa Sweater
Tach Clothing Tampa Sweater [71] ($294)
Bora Aksu Vintage Pattern Loose Fit Cardigan
Bora Aksu Vintage Pattern Loose Fit Cardigan [72] ($470)
A.L.C. Oakley Sweater
A.L.C. Oakley Sweater [73] ($475)