While I resonate with the universal struggle of finding good tops as an adult (a mission I’ll solve another day), somehow sweaters and I have always spoken the same language. I love a colorful statement knit that's warm and comfortable—and that does the talking for me. The moment the temperature drops and a crisp breeze hits the air, I exhale. Styling is about to get a whole lot easier.
By the way—I’m not against staple sweaters, but that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. Right now, we’re breaking out the funky knits.
As much as I love encouraging people to elevate their outfits, a statement sweater does most of the heavy lifting for you. Throw on a pair of jeans, some flats or chic boots, and I promise someone will ask you for the link. That’s the power of a fun find.
Sweaters are one of my favorite things to thrift, too. There's no feeling like the thrill of spotting a designer piece for a fraction of the price in a sea of secondhand chaos. And when it's a chunky, oversized Ralph Lauren knit, it's truly euphoric. Finding unique, colorful sweaters brings me a type of serotonin I wish I could recreate. Actually, I can, with the joys of online shopping.
For reference, here’s a snap of my very bright, overflowing collection. As you can see, I really don’t have a “type”—and hopefully, that gives me some credibility here. Knits that span aesthetics, budgets, and levels of boldness. Some days my version of “funky” is a little feather detailing, others it's full on rainbow stripes—and for the last four days, it’s been this incredible split-color zip-up cardigan from Sea New York that I couldn’t get out of my head after I saw it on TikTok.
So from a devoted funky knit girl, here’s 15 sweaters I think you need right now from Fair Isle to embroidery and every pattern in between.
After I saw this Fair Isle cardigan on TikTok, it made me reverse Google image search immediately. Now, I can’t stop wearing it—the split-color is incredible.
I love the color story and whimsical ruffle trim here.
The duster trend makes me feel like I’m wearing a house-coat in the most chic way—and the animal graphic gives it a cool edge.
Double cardigan, double the cool.
Reversible and polka dots? Say less: It's two sweaters in one.
The KJP sweaters all feel so vintage and nostalgic. This print makes me want to book a snow trip ASAP.
There’s always one Tanya Taylor sweater I fall in love with each year—and a leopard with tiny red heels takes the cake for this one.
Sometimes a simple sweater just needs a little texture. Feathers give this one the perfect statement that’s easy to pair with anything and everything.
Add some sequins to a warm Fair Isle and it gets a whole lot more fun.
This designer never fails to create colorful magic, and is one of my best kept secrets. This rainbow striped crewneck is pure joy.
Maybe my most classic pick, but this color is mesmerizing, mossy perfection.
Proof that cashmere doesn’t always have to be boring.
I’ll be outfit repeating with this embellished wool sweater for every holiday.
I’m convinced this bold magenta looks good on everyone. It's romantic and timeless, in a refreshed way.
This fringe cardigan easily turns a white tee and jeans into a put-together look.
