Temperatures are dropping, which means sweater weather is finally here. And while we all have knits we can’t wait to wear year after year, following fall’s biggest sweater trends can help breathe some new life into your seasonal wardrobe. No closet is complete without a few standout sweaters, after all.
So what knitwear will we be wearing on repeat this autumn? According to the 2026 color trends, red knits are getting replaced with royal purple ones. And all that talk about horse-girl fashion has led to a rise in preppy sweaters, including cable-knit, argyle print, and polos. Crewnecks and cardigans aren't going anywhere, but they're making space for a third trendy silhouette on the rack: the half-zip sweater. The jumper made heads turn at the Chanel Métiers d'Art show and has been rising in popularity ever since. Shop our editors’ top fall sweater trends below before they inevitably sell out.
1. Nordic Knits
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The last few years saw a rise in après-ski fashion, particularly thick wool knits with fair isle motifs. Temperatures are dropping quickly, which means it's time to bring them out of storage and style them for fall. If Nordic-inspired patterns feel too maximalist, then a simple cable-knit sweater works in their place, too. We recommend opting for wool and cashmere knits, as these will keep you properly protected from the cold.
Boden Mae Fair Isle Cardigan
Free People Merry Pullover
Favorite Daughter The Chalet Fair Isle Sweater
Barbour Adina Crewneck Sweater
Lauren Ralph Lauren Aran-Knit Cotton Quarter Zip Pullover
Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Funnel Neck Sweater
2. Royal Purple
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2026's surprise newcomer? Purple. It's too soon to say whether the hue is here to replace or to work in tandem with red, the it-color of seasons past. But the color looks delicious in sweater form, especially when styled over a leather pencil skirt or with other striking colors. Fall's somewhat spooky backdrop is the perfect time to test out the color, and we found plenty of purple sweaters to try the trend with below.
Aligne Dion Brushed Wool Jumper
J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Alex Mill Taylor Cardigan in Cotton Cashmere
Zara 100% Wool Knit Short Sleeve Sweater
Naadam Signature Cashmere Polo Sweater
Cos Pure Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater
3. Preppy Polos
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Again, preppy style is a major influence this season, and few fit the theme as well as the classic polo collar. Rendering the rugby shirt, an Ivy League staple, in knits both elevates and softens the piece and turns it something you’ll actually want to throw on before you step out. Style your pick with straight-leg jeans, pleated skirts, or loose khakis to drive the academic vibe home; you can also wear a button-down shirt underneath for some trendy double-collar action.
J.Crew Relaxed Polo Sweater
Madewell Polo Sweater in SoftWool
Nordstrom Cashmere Polo Sweater
Guest in Residence Collegiate Striped Cashmere Polo Sweater
White & Warren Cashmere layered Collar Sweater
Aritzia Essential Cashmere Museo Polo Sweater
4. Age of Argyle
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The argyle sweater, yet another Ivy touchstone of yore, has officially been resurrected. So many of our favorite labels, including Khaite, Altuzarra, Ferragamo, and Proenza Schouler, showed some variation of the piece for fall, sending it right to the top of our wish lists. And now that it’s finally time to start layering, these retro-cute picks are pretty much no-brainers, especially for anyone who works in an office.
Barbour Marlow Argyle Wool Blend Funnel Neck Sweater.
Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Argyle Knit Sweater
Boden Ariadne Wool Blend Cardigan
Alex Mill Lillian Polo in Argyle Merino Wool
Reformation Cove Oversize Crewneck Cashmere Blend Sweater
Gap CashSoft Oversized Argyle Sweater
5. Half Zips
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Interest in half-zip and quarter-zip sweaters is on the rise, thanks to the Chanel Métiers d'Art show. What was once part of practical sportswear has evolved into something all the stylish it-girls want to own. Its appeal lies in its laid-back silhouette and ability to layer over basics like a white T-shirt, as shown above. It somehow manages to look preppy and sporty, yet casual and elegant at the same time, making it a wardrobe must-have for fall.