The 12 Best Embellished Sweaters to Brighten Dark Winter Days

With a sweater like this sleek option from & Other Stories that comes with a built-in necklace, Newberger encourages you to let the shimmer do all the work for you. The end result is a luxe, polished, and high fashion effect—but with minimal effort required on your part. As for a specific outfit to try, the stylist recommends "pairing your embellished sweater with something clearly casual—such as denim, in any of its many forms—for a more relaxed look that will balance out the glitz of your top."

"Texture is everything in 2022," the stylist articulates. "I’m really interested in sweaters that mix unique knits with classic embellishments. Paco Rabanne is having a lot of fun with texture by mixing contrasting silhouettes with knits of different decades," says the stylist. "Case in point: Creating a cardigan in 50’s fashion but using a 19th-century cable knit and finishing it off with crystal embellishments reminiscent of the decade before."

"Both shimmer and shine are strong tentpoles of the winter months," says Newberger. "You don’t often don’t see people wearing embellished sweaters during the fall months (they come across as a bit gauche), but once we get into the dark days of December, embellishments begin to appear as a way to illuminate the months ahead." This Tory Burch sweater is inherently wintery with its blue tinsel fabrications, making it festive and fashionable. In short: It's a polished way to dabble in holiday dressing. Where's the eggnog?

If you're looking to turn heads and kick-start conversations throughout the cold-weather season, look no further: This sparkle-thread Boden stunner is a sartorial mood boost that'll curb your seasonal affective disorder in its track—because, let's be honest, we all need a dose of dopamine during winter's darkest and gloomiest days. And for those not partial to oversized fits (Gen Z's obsession with the '90s-reminiscent look is leading to a surge in baggy silhouettes), you'll be fond of this funnel neck sweater's figure-hugging snug fit. 

If you're a bit more minimal and prefer classic style as opposed to unconventional, go for some subtle embellishments via a sweater adorned with milky pearl beads—like this option from H&M, for instance. In addition to paying homage to one of recent years' favorite color trends, sage green, it's a timeless style you'll find yourself continuously reaching for season after season. Now, as for styling this pearly piece, try teaming it with front-pleat wide-leg trousers or bootcut jeans and leather ankle booties.

"Embellishments will always heighten your outfit, so I find it important to consider the occasion you’re attending before choosing how best to style," says Newberger. "As an example, a really easy way to style yourself is to take a color cue from your top. Pull whatever hue is used the least, and bring it into your bottoms. For instance, if you’re wearing a black sweater encrusted with silver gems—like this one from Autumn Cashmere—pair it with silver slacks. I’d reserve this look for a festive holiday party instead of a casual brunch, though. (Don’t forget to scoop up a The Outnet promo code before you hit checkout.) 

You know Hill House Home for its smocked Nap Dresses that epitomized the pandemic's #cottagecore moment. But the cult label's knitwear selection is also worth your consideration. Take, for instance, this emerald green cropped cardigan adorned with lively crystal buttons. It's an adorable and versatile option (think of all the darling outfits you can style: Paired with a slip skirt! High-rise jeans! Or even atop a tiered maxi dress!) that both taps into the embellished trend while remaining timeless with its cable-knit pattern.

This ivory sweater from Mango embellished with crystal snowflakes and beading belongs on a ski trip to Aspen. The light-reflecting appliqués will make you the chicest girl in the lodge. For a ski-chic outfit, team this wintery mockneck sweater with formfitting black snow pants (yes, cute winter sports fashion exists), an ultra-fuzzy pair of snowboots, and the warmest beanie you own. From there, all you would need is a hot toddy. 

"Take your color cue a different way," says Newberger when styling an embellished sweater in a neutral hue. "Does the gold purse you usually reserve for weddings match the buttons on your new cardigan? Do you happen to have shiny black boots that play well off your dark shimmery sweater?" In the case of this wool sweater from Intermix, opt for leather trousers and pile on white accessories to coordinate with the bright embellishments. 

In case you missed it: Puppets and Puppets is an up-and-coming NYC-based indie brand that's gaining more and more industry acclaim with each season. Known for its whimsical and artistic offerings, it's a ready-to-wear label for the fashion weirdos—and now's your chance to get in on the fun. This sequin logo sweater is a bit more minimal than the brand's traditional quirky-chic aesthetic (see: its chocolate chip cookie bags or clown-like peplum mini dresses), but it still offers plenty of playful flair that'll prove you're a one-of-a-kind dresser.

The shimmery silver sequins make this ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo sweater vest an absolute head-turner. And given its showy, look-at-me nature, it also makes for an ideal option for evening looks—think date nights, going out for cocktails, or special evening occasions. For an elevated after-hours ensemble, try pulling this sleeveless cream number over a slip dress and slipping into slingback pumps. And, of course, it works for daytime, too, especially when teamed with medium-wash jeans and your favorite pair of sneakers.

If a classic Fair Knit sweater is a bit too conventional for your liking (hey, there's certainly no shame in wanting to stand out and make a statement!), this high-shine number is the perfect twist. It's made with buttery soft, responsibly-sourced cashmere (J. Crew partners with sustainable agricultural nonprofit Trade Foundation for its cashmere production). And its light-reflecting metallic thread and chunky rhinestone buttons guarantee your winter style will garner heaps of compliments, as you'll be decked out in glitz and glam.