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Nothing says “fall” quite like a warm and cozy sweater. As soon as we start to feel that all-too familiar autumnal chill in the air, we’re ready to reach for a fuzzy cable-knit, a chunky turtleneck, or heck, even a poncho. After all, sweaters are timeless and wearable at just about any age — if you know which ones to look for. With less than a month to go before we bid adieu to summer, we’re prepping our closets for the coming season by combing the racks at our favorite stores for some of the best sweaters for any season. Read on to come along.
Where to Buy the Best Sweaters
Sweaters have come a long way from the dark blue pullovers that first graced the top halves of competitive athletes in the US in the 1890s, before being adopted by the likes of Lanvin and Chanel nearly three decades later.
Usually knitted or crocheted out of sheep’s wool, cotton, linen, or luxurious cashmere (that’s premium wool shorn from goats), sweaters have become seasonal staples in wardrobes the world over, making them an easy find at nearly any retailer.
The garment is still plenty beloved by designers, such as Ralph Lauren and Lily Pulitzer, who put their own spin on the comfortable top, as well as department stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Off 5th, which offer up everything from quality cashmere finds to sherpa-lined cardigans. If it’s a more affordable sweater you’re after, everyone’s favorite online retailer, Amazon, has you more than covered, as does the clothing treasure trove that is Zappos.
We sorted through them all — and plenty more! — to find the coziest, most luxe, jumpers on the market. Keep scrolling for FIRST’s picks for 17 of the best women’s sweaters for fall 2019.
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Part sweater, part blanket, this stylish poncho is the picture of versatility. Wear it as a standalone piece in the early months of fall or over a beloved top toward the end of the season. It also works on any frame, from the tall and wide to the über petite. "Casual fit," one 5-foot, 1-inch buyer wrote. "Love it!"
This elongated cotton and polyester blend top is just-right for throwing on fleece-lined leggings underneath. A Macy's exclusive, it comes in no less than eight colors, meaning theoretically, you could wear one for every day of the week! Honestly, at less than $50 each, we're thinking that may not be such a bad idea...
While cashmere blends are a dime a dozen, 100 percent cashmere pieces are harder to come by. This wrap sweater from Halogen, made entirely of goat's wool, is as opulent as they come. It's got a removable belt you can adjust for a more snug or looser fit and comes in one of two neutral shades. Pair it with your favorite denim for a sophisticated daytime look or slimming slacks for a dinner date.
Fashion darling Lily Pulitzer, aka the "Queen of Prep," is well-known for her bright, vibrant designs, and this tasseled Tatum cardigan, which comes in an eye-catching shade of blue periwinkle, certainly fits the mold. With a draped open front and a 100 percent cotton composition, this cardigan is a great — and stylish! — summer-to-autumn transition piece you won't have to wait to wear. Instant gratification, here we come.
When it comes to cashmere, the one downside tends to be its high price point. This 100 percent cashmere pick from Uniqlo is surprisingly affordable for the quality, ringing in at just under $100 — a steal when compared to other cashmere sweaters. This one offers up a super roomy V-neck fit and comes in six different shades, so you can stock up on all your favorite colors.
Off-the-shoulder style tops are the perfect way to stay sexy and stylish while remaining age-appropriate: Take it from stars such as Jane Fonda or Goldie Hawn, who regularly flaunt the look! This acrylic-blend sweater from Treasure & Bond allows you to do the same in its slouchy, shoulder-baring design. Better yet, you can give back to the younger set with every purchase, as 2.5% of net sales will go to organizations that work to empower youth.
How cozy does this Alfani poncho with buttoned dolman sleeves and a turtleneck collar look right about now? Reviewers say its lightweight enough for warmer climates, while others note that its oversized fit is an easy way to hide problem areas while remaining super comfortable — no tummy-controlling shapewear necessary!
While you may shy away from color, Lauren A. Rothman, author of Style Bible: What to Wear to Work, told Oprah.com that donning all black can "can create a harsh contrast that emphasizes wrinkles and calls attention to dark shadows under the chin and around the eyes." Put a little extra pep in your complexion's step with this vibrant striped blue cardigan from BP.
Made of an acrylic and nylon blend, this sweater, which tends to run large (customers recommend sizing down) is certainly making Nordstrom shoppers happy. "Super cute, soft and casual," one wrote, with another adding, "Great for layering now and in fall/winter."
A fun new spin on the sweater comes in the form of this waffled Asvivid cowl neck, which easily pulls on as an asymmetrical wrap. This edgy style has garnered more than 900 reviews on Amazon and ranks as the retailer's No. 1 best-selling product in the pullover sweater category (it's also No. 2 overall). Decorative buttons adorn its length from collar to hem, while an oversized neck can be pulled up to hide from any strong gales.
You know that ultra-comfy, snug and warm feeling your feet experience when stepping into an UGG boot? The same can be said of the brand's deep V-neck Alva sweater, which comes in one of two classic shades. Go on and let the winds howl outside, you'll be pleasantly swathed in a furry boucle, or looped yarn, that will keep you nice and toasty.
Where to buy: $74.99 (Originally $248), Ralph Lauren
Leave it to the geniuses at Ralph Lauren to masterfully pull off a basic cotton cable. The classic stitching and relaxed fit of this chunky number are utterly timeless, giving you way more than one season's wear. And, at more than 70 percent off its initial price tag, the value can't be beat. Now, if only we could choose between the three available primary colors...
L.L. Bean just may have crafted the perfect pullover this season with its signature 100 percent cotton jumper. It's got a kangaroo pocket for keeping cold hands warm, a drawstring funnel neck that will help keep out any errant gusts, and a machine washable fabric that makes cleaning it a breeze.
Take it from this satisfied purchaser, who wrote, "I am really fussy about fit, style, comfort and quality of material. With regard to fit, style, comfort and quality of material, this was a five star for me." Sold!
Next to cashmere, sherpa, aka faux shearling, is one of the most inviting fabrics you're likely to encounter in the colder months ahead. This Splendid cardi blends the material with an absorbent, waffle knit weave for a sweater that's snug enough to double as pajamas at bedtime, but cute enough to be worn during the day.
Everything about this Lost + Wander sweater, from its pumpkin pie hue to its alluring chunky knitting and exaggerated turtleneck, practically screams "fall." Its acrylic and cotton blend means you won't have to take it to the dry cleaner, a good hand washing will do. While its long, banded sleeves offer up an extra hiding place for cold hands to hide when the temperatures begin to drop.
Where to buy: $129.99 (Originally $348), Saks Off 5th
A Fair Isle sweater is a classic piece every woman should own. Named after the Shetland islands, they became en vogue around 1921 when Prince Charles began stepping out in the multi-color knits. We're practically swooning over Joie's wool and viscose take, which features a curved shape and a ribbed hem and cuffs.
You don't have to spend a fortune to accumulate a great sweater collection — prices for this oversized batwing pullover start at less than $15! With a 79 percent five-star rating from customers on Amazon, it doesn't appear to suffer much in quality for its low price, either. "It is very well made," one reviewer promised, with another adding, "It flows and is really beautiful."
If you've always wanted a designer cashmere sweater, but balked at the $200+ price tags, now's your chance to snag one. This 100 percent cashmere mock neck from Barneys New York is currently 79 percent off its list price, dropping from $695 to less than $150. Side slits, drop shoulders, and stockinette stitching at the back round out this gorgeous piece.
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