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    1. Fashion
    2. Winter Fashion

    My Winter Date Night Outfit Formula Includes These Cute (And Warm!) Sweaters From Zara and H&M

    Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and I've got your outfit sorted.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 20 January 2026 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Fashion week guest is seen wearing an off-the-shoulder dark brown chunky knit sweater over a light cream-colored silky slip dress with a high slit and lace trim. She carries a brown leather handbag with a buckle in her left hand, while her right hand features rings and blue-toned nail polish. Accessories include a pearl Vivienne Westwood necklace and large black sunglasses, with her hair slicked back on Lapointe Show September 13, 2025 in New York City.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Winter outfits are tough enough to put together, but styling a date-night outfit that feels cold-weather-proof feels nearly impossible—how can you feel your best while you're all bundled up in layer after layer? My solution: chic and cozy sweaters from H&M and Zara.

    I'm a firm believer that there's a trendy sweater for every occasion, especially date night. The key is to find the silhouettes, colors, prints, and textures that feel sexy to you. Maybe that means an off-the-shoulder knit that shows off a peek of collarbone. Or maybe it's a semi-sheer sweater you can layer over your favorite lingerie. Whatever "sexy" means to you, there are plenty of affordable options at H&M and Zara to choose from.

    Ahead, I've rounded up all of the H&M and Zara sweaters I'd wear on date night (or on girls' night out, for that matter). Each under-$100 find pairs perfectly with jeans and boots for the ultimate winter outfit formula.

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    H&M, Fine-Knit Wrap Cardigan

    H&M
    Fine-Knit Wrap Cardigan
    $45
    SHOP NOW

    This baby pink wrap sweater is sexy and sweet.

    One-Shoulder Sweater - Khaki Green Melange

    H&M
    One-Shoulder Sweater
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    It'll be impossible not to feel cozy in this big knit.

    H&M, Cardigan with Defined Waist

    H&M
    Cardigan with Defined Waist
    $45
    SHOP NOW

    A nipped-in waist takes this cardigan to the next level.

    H&M, Layered Cardigan

    H&M
    Layered Cardigan
    $20
    SHOP NOW

    What's sexier than a subtle peek of lace?

    Off-The-Shoulder Sweater - White

    H&M
    Off-The-Shoulder Sweater
    $25
    SHOP NOW

    I'm going all in on navy blue this winter.

    H&M, Oversized Boat-Neck Sweater

    H&M
    Oversized Boat-Neck Sweater
    $25
    SHOP NOW

    Cool blue is the winter color It girls are loving right now.

    H&M , Alpaca-Blend One-Shoulder Sweater

    H&M
    Alpaca-Blend One-Shoulder Sweater
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    An alpaca and wool blend make this knit an extra cozy pick.

    H&M, Rib-Knit Peplum Cardigan

    H&M
    Rib-Knit Peplum Cardigan
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    There's something about a peplum silhouette that reads "fancy."

    H&M, Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

    H&M
    Off-the-Shoulder Sweater
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    I'm tempted to add every shade of this sweater to my cart.

    H&M, Rib-Knit Peplum Top

    H&M
    Rib-Knit Peplum Top
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    This knit is so much more polished than the average crewneck.

    H&M, Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

    H&M
    Off-the-Shoulder Sweater
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    Wear this pick with a pair of trendy dark-wash jeans for an easy date-night look.

    H&M, Knit Cardigan

    H&M
    Knit Cardigan
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    How adorable are the pearl buttons?

    H&M, Fine-Knit One-Shoulder Top

    H&M
    Fine-Knit One-Shoulder Top
    $35
    SHOP NOW

    This sweater reminds me of '80s fashion, so naturally, I'm a fan.

    H&M , Fitted Cardigan

    H&M
    Fitted Cardigan
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    You don't need jewelry when you have the big, gleaming buttons on this cardigan.

    H&M, Shimmery Pointelle-Knit Top

    H&M
    Shimmery Pointelle-Knit Top
    $45
    SHOP NOW

    This knit may not be all that warm, but you're sure to feel like a cool girl while wearing it—especially if you pair it with the matching pants.

    H&M, Lace-Trimmed Knit Top

    H&M
    Lace-Trimmed Knit Top
    $20
    SHOP NOW

    A touch of lace is all you need to take a top from boring to sexy.

    H&M, Draped Viscose-Blend Top

    H&M
    Draped Viscose-Blend Top
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    The draped neckline on this top screams "date night."

    H&M, Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

    H&M
    Off-the-Shoulder Sweater
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    Chocolate brown never fails to look rich.

    H&M, Square-neck Rib-knit Top

    H&M
    Square-neck Rib-knit Top
    $27
    SHOP NOW

    This top may seem basic, but you can wear it with virtually anything in your closet.

    Zara, Buckle Soft Top

    Zara
    Buckle Soft Top
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    All eyes are sure to be on you while wearing this pick.

    Asymmetric Double Effect T-Shirt

    ZARA
    Asymmetric Double Effect T-Shirt
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    This knitted top takes the guesswork out of layering.

    Animal Jacquard Knit Cardigan

    ZARA
    Animal Jacquard Knit Cardigan
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    Leopard print will always be considered sexy.

    Short Puff Sleeve Knit Jumper

    ZARA
    Short Puff Sleeve Knit Jumper
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    Clearly, I'm fixated on '80s-inspired fashion at the moment.

    Long Combination Lace Knit Jumper

    ZARA
    Long Combination Lace Knit Jumper
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    I can't get enough of lace-trimmed pieces right now.

    ZARA, Cotton Jumper Top

    ZARA
    Cotton Jumper Top
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    You can't go wrong with a simple sheer top.

    ZARA, High Neck Sleeveless Top

    ZARA
    High Neck Sleeveless Top
    $36
    SHOP NOW

    Wear this knitted top alone or under a leather jacket for an even cooler look.

    Lace Knit Sweater

    ZARA
    Lace Knit Sweater
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    This lacy sweater is worth picking up in both white and black.

    ZARA, Brooch Knit Jumper

    ZARA
    Brooch Knit Jumper
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    Don't underestimate a little show of clavicle.

    ZARA, Belted Knit Cardigan

    ZARA
    Belted Knit Cardigan
    $70
    SHOP NOW

    This cardigan instantly dresses up any outfit.

    ZARA, 100% Wool T-Shirt

    ZARA
    100% Wool T-Shirt
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    This top was practically made for showing off a lacy bra.

    Short Sleeve Draped Knit Jumper

    ZARA
    Short Sleeve Draped Knit Jumper
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    You can easily go from the office to drinks in this jumper.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Zara H&M
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
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    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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