Sweaters are bringing plenty of personality to fall wardrobes this season. Along with cozy knits in timeless neutrals, we're seeing playful animal graphics, polka dots, bold pops of color, striped cardigans, and relaxed poncho silhouettes. These styles make it easy to refresh your fall wardrobe while still keeping your outfits comfortable and wearable.
Whether you prefer a classic neutral sweater or love adding a statement piece to your look, there are plenty of ways to make this season's sweater trends your own.
Animal Graphic Sweaters
Animal graphics are giving fall sweaters a playful update. Instead of traditional seasonal motifs, look for unexpected designs featuring fish, tigers, swans, and other whimsical animals.
These sweaters can make a simple outfit feel much more styled without requiring a lot of accessories. Pair an animal graphic sweater with straight-leg or wide-leg jeans for an easy everyday look, or style it with a mini skirt for something a little more playful. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the graphic be the focal point.
SHOP THE LOOK: Melina Beige Fish Sweater
SHOP THE LOOK: Rosanna Navy Swan Sweater
Polka Dot Sweaters
Polka dots aren't going anywhere, and they're making their way onto cozy fall knits. A polka dot sweater is an easy way to bring one of the season's favorite prints into your wardrobe without going all-in on the trend.
Classic black and cream combinations work beautifully with denim, while colorful polka dots can add a little more personality. Style yours with wide-leg jeans, a denim skirt, or tailored trousers for a polished fall outfit.
SHOP THE LOOK: Roxy Brown Polka Dot Cardigan
Trending Colors:
Rich Browns & Warm Neutrals
Brown is continuing to be a major fall color, making it an especially easy choice for sweaters. Think espresso, chocolate, caramel, taupe, beige, and other warm neutral shades that pair effortlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.
A neutral sweater can be styled countless ways throughout the season. Pair chocolate brown with cream denim for contrast, wear beige with dark-wash jeans, or create a tonal look by combining several shades of brown.
SHOP THE LOOK: Tricia Beige Short Sleeve Cardigan
Olive Green for Fall
Olive green is another fall favorite that works particularly well in cozy knitwear. The earthy shade feels seasonal without being as expected as traditional burgundy or orange.
Try an olive sweater with cream, brown, or dark denim bottoms. For a more tonal outfit, pair olive with other muted greens and neutral accessories.
SHOP THE LOOK: Jordyn Olive Sleeveless Sweater
Add a Pop of Color
Fall dressing doesn't have to mean sticking to muted colors. Brighter shades of green and blue are adding unexpected pops of color to fall sweater collections.
A vibrant green sweater can bring energy to a neutral outfit, while a bright blue knit looks especially fresh with white, cream, or medium-wash denim. If you usually gravitate toward neutrals, a colorful sweater is an easy way to experiment without changing your entire wardrobe.
SHOP THE LOOK: Jaclyn Green Mock Neck Cardigan
Striped Cardigans
Striped cardigans are a versatile way to add both color and pattern to your fall wardrobe. Look for classic horizontal stripes, unexpected color combinations, or softer neutral palettes for a more understated take.
Wear a striped cardigan buttoned up with jeans, layer it over a tank top, or style it open over a simple tee. A cardigan also makes it easy to transition between warmer afternoons and cooler evenings.
SHOP THE LOOK: Astrid Navy & Ivory Striped Cardigan
Try the Poncho Sweater
Relaxed silhouettes are having a moment, and poncho-style sweaters are an easy way to embrace the trend. Their loose shape creates an effortless look while giving you plenty of room to layer underneath.
Pair a poncho sweater with straight-leg jeans or slim pants to balance the volume on top. For a more relaxed outfit, style it with leggings and boots. Look for poncho styles with interesting necklines, stripes, or subtle texture to make the silhouette feel even more current.
SHOP THE LOOK: Marcy Beige Poncho Cardigan
How to Style This Season's Sweater Trends
Not sure which sweater trend fits your style? Start with the outfit formulas you already love and add one updated detail.
- Playful: Animal graphic sweater + wide-leg jeans + sneakers
- Classic: Brown sweater + cream denim + loafers
- Feminine: Polka dot sweater + mini skirt + ankle boots
- Colorful: Bright blue or green sweater + neutral bottoms
- Layered: Striped cardigan + tank top + denim
- Relaxed: Poncho sweater + straight-leg jeans + boots
- Tonal: Beige sweater + cream bottoms + brown accessories
The best part about fall sweater trends is how easy they are to mix into your existing wardrobe. Try a playful animal graphic when you want to make a statement, reach for rich neutrals for everyday outfits, or add a bright pop of color when your fall wardrobe needs something unexpected.
Shop the latest sweater trends at Lizard Thicket online or in-store, and don't forget to tag us on Instagram to show us how you're styling your favorites!
FAQ
Q: How do you style an animal graphic sweater?
A: Pair an animal graphic sweater with simple denim or a neutral skirt so the graphic remains the focal point of the outfit.
Q: Are striped cardigans still in style?
A: Yes. Striped cardigans are an easy way to add pattern and color while keeping your fall outfit versatile.
Q: How do you style a poncho sweater?
A: Balance the relaxed shape of a poncho sweater with straight-leg jeans, slim pants, or leggings. Finish with boots or simple everyday shoes.