How To Style a Sweater: Outfits for Any Season and Occasion

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High-quality sweaters are timeless yet on-trend, align with almost any aesthetic, and feel great all year. Whether oversized or fitted, sweaters have endless potential—dress them up with collared shirts underneath or wear them as-is for a casual, comfy aesthetic.

Ready to get the most out of your wardrobe? Read on and learn how to style a sweater in five great ways.

The best type of sweater for your wardrobe

While a simple crew neck sweater is versatile, having a few unique types in your wardrobe opens the door to multiple ideas. Try these must-have styles next time you’re shopping.

Turtleneck sweater

A turtleneck is a timeless choice. It features a cozy rolled collar that keeps you warm, so it’s typically a cold-weather sweater best worn from autumn to early spring. While our favorite style is cashmere, wool is a close second for its durability and insulation.

Tuck a fitted turtleneck into trousers for a comfortable yet professional look, or pair one with a leather skirt for an intimate date night outfit.

Find the ideal turtleneck sweater on ThredUp, starting at $6.99. 

Mock-neck sweater

If you love the cozy aesthetic of a turtleneck but find them a bit too snug or itchy, mock-neck sweaters are perfect. While they have large, plush collars, they don’t reach the jawline or fold over.

This type is fantastic for casual yet stylish outfits, so try adding a simple pair of trousers to create a semi-formal, refined look. We also love this piece as a mini dress—thrift an oversized mock-neck sweater and add a thin belt for instant fall fashion.

Browse thousands of striking mock-neck sweaters on ThredUp, starting at $6.99.

Off-the-shoulder sweater

One of our favorite types of sweaters, this style has a wide neckline that drapes around the shoulders. They’re instantly alluring, more suited to parties and dates than professional settings. But we’ve also seen dressed-up office looks layering off-the-shoulder sweaters with camisoles and blazers.

This sweater style is versatile for every body type. It complements curvy hips, adds dimension to rectangular frames, and emphasizes the décolletage. Bonus tip for apple body types: Pair off-the-shoulder sweaters with high-waisted trousers for a balanced silhouette.

Discover preloved off-the-shoulder sweaters on ThredUp in every size and color, starting at $7.99.

Cardigan sweater

Cardigans open in the front like jackets and provide light cover for brisk days. They typically sport an open, collarless V-neckline, so they’re perfect for intentional layering—try complementary textures and contrasting colors for the best effect.

While most cardigans have buttons or zippers and can be worn open or closed, some lack fasteners. For cold days, we prefer button cardigans layered with a cotton henley, but we can’t resist a buttonless shawl cardigan over a light dress in the spring.

Check out ThredUp’s vast collection of cardigans, starting at $4.99.

Sweater vest

Sweater vests are sleeveless and ideal for layering. They typically sport a deep V-neckline and are one of the most versatile types of sweaters for different weather. Layer one over a button-down shirt for a polished, prep aesthetic, or slip one on as-is for a contemporary summer look.

We love a traditional cable-knit vest for semi-formal events, but smooth textures are ideal for minimalist outfits. Try an oversized cashmere sweater vest over a fitted long-sleeve top for a touch of class.

Find various types of sweater vests on ThredUp, from cropped to baggy, starting at $7.99.

Sweater dress

Sweater dresses are warm, sophisticated, and irresistible. They come in all the usual cuts, including mini, midi, and ankle-length maxi, so you have plenty of options depending on the temperature and your personal style.

A mini sweater dress is the perfect early fall or late spring style—add a waist-defining belt and knee-high boots for an eye-catching outfit. You can even stay stylish in freezing weather with a good sweater dress. Try a long-sleeve maxi piece with leggings, boots, and a furry jacket.

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How to wear sweaters: 5 unique, trendy ideas

If you’re wondering what to wear a sweater with, draw inspiration from these outfit ideas.

1. Contrast baggy and slim

Chunky wool sweaters pair well with slim bottoms for a contrasting look. We’re obsessed with this contrasting silhouette and love experimenting with it—try a bulky turtleneck and pencil skirt combo or cigarette pants and a thick cardigan for maximum contrast.

A relaxed cashmere sweater with straight-leg jeans is comfortable, sophisticated, and suitable for various situations. Wear it as a casual date look, or take it to the office for a laid-back Friday.

2. Flowy and loose

Try something extra relaxed and skip the contrast: A loose sweater with baggy bottoms makes a gorgeous billowing frame. We like a button-down with loose sleeves and an oversized sweater vest—pair this with wide-leg trousers for a timeless combo.

Our favorite outfit for a personal day is an oversized wide-knit sweater and a long skirt. Grab a crossbody bag and ankle boots, and you’re ready for a low-key outing at the park or farmer’s market.

3. A sweater over a dress

Learn how to dress up sweaters with a simple slip, and you’ll never run out of effortless outfits. This combo is comfortable, elegant, and suitable for any occasion, whether a dinner party or a coffee break. We adore neutral colors, like a black slip and beige cardigan, but an emerald green dress is great for a bolt of color.

For a quick variation, layer a mock-neck sweater over your dress. This gives the appearance of a separate top and skirt, but if you get too warm, you can remove the sweater and drape it over your shoulders.

4. Preppy and polished

Sweaters are perfect for polished outfits—few other pieces let you ace a semi-formal dress code and stay cozy at the same time. Layer a sleek sweater over a white button-down and pair them with tapered trousers. Finish this preppy aesthetic with a structured handbag and classic loafers for extra credit.

Swap out the trousers for a pleated skirt or chinos for something outside the box. For more casual occasions, dress this look down by tying the sweater around your waist.

5. Oversized sweater as a quick dress

While sweater dresses are a beloved closet staple, we adore getting creative with separates. Wear an oversized sweater as a mini dress, and you’ll have a piece you can mix and match—wear it as a one-piece today and pair it with jeans next week.

Accessorize this outfit with a chunky leather belt, leggings, and knee-high slouchy boots. For the sweater, we prefer a stretchy ribbed texture and comfy balloon sleeves for the ideal mix of fitted and loose.

Find the ideal sweater for any look on ThredUp

If you’re looking to score high-quality knits and eye-catching pairing pieces, ThredUp is the ideal choice. Stock a versatile wardrobe without breaking your budget—find organic essentials, seasonal items, and one-time statement pieces for up to 90% of the retail price.

Get inspired and build the perfect outfit with ThredUp. Describe ideas to our Style Chat, and we’ll generate a look just for you. Ask for advice, add or remove pieces, and then thrift suggestions from our collection until you’re satisfied.

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