This morning when I woke up, I feel the first real hint of fall. After a long hot summer, I welcome the cool, crisp days of autumn like an old friend. And, my day only improved when the fat September issue of Vogue arrived! After leafing through, my thoughts are consumed with a seasonal closet changeover, and especially unearthing my favorite fall sweaters.
In addition to Vogue, fashion editors and trendsetters across top women’s magazines and lifestyle websites have been buzzing about the key styles and silhouettes that will define Autumn 2025. Whether you’re a minimalist (a sleek gray cashmere crewneck) or a maximalist (a wild boho cardigan in animal print), there’s absolutely a sweater trend for your aesthetic this year (in fact, the diversity within the trends is a bit astounding).
Here are some the top sweater trends that fashion insiders recommend for Fall 2025. These pieces are sure to become season-long favorites.
A Short Waisted Cardigan is Sweet
At Marie Claire, tastemakers recently posted, “The Short-Waist Cardigan Trend Is Back—and Celebs Are Already Wearing It.” And I, for one, am really excited about this revival (I always love a good cardigan).
“Hourglass sweaters—that is, options with a defined or cinched waist—are among the simplest ways to instantly elevate your transitional wardrobe. You can layer them over a bralette like [Katie] Holmes, neatly tuck them into high-waisted pants, or wear them over a sleek slip skirt.”
Mix It Up With a Boho Cardigan
In “8 Fall Sweater Trends We’re Investing In This Season,” Harper’s BAZAAR authors take a more maximalist approach.
“Already well-stocked on basics? Consider expanding your sweater collection with one of the season’s best boho cardigans. A decorative pattern or ruffled trim can add some personality to a silhouette you already love.”
Timeless Stripes Always Look Right
According to author Julia Marzovilla in “7 Fun, Cool Girl-Approved Sweater Trends I’m Investing in for Fall 2025,”for Maria Claire, “Striped sweaters always make me feel like a chic French girl. This year, my favorite finds stray from the typical Breton striped look and veer into a borrowed-from-the-boys, East Coast prep vibe that matches up with the back-to-school season. Darker shades like navy and burgundy always hit for me this time of year, too.”
Ruffles… Surprise!
Shades of 2009… ruffles are actually making a comeback this year. In “Prediction: Ruffled Sweaters Will Rule The Fall” at Coveteur, Bianca Asare explains, “The street-style icon [Bella Hadid] was spotted after filming Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg in a vintage brown cardigan with ruffle lapels… She accessorized with a brown suede bag with tassels, tortoise shell sunglasses, and heels with a bow detail. I’d argue that Hadid being photographed in a ruffled sweater alone is enough to certify that it will be a trend.”
Blast from the Past: Crewneck and Leggings Combo
Glam is always ahead of the trends. And, this fall is no exception. However, the combo of a sweater and leggings (2000? 2005?) was a bit of a surprise. Of course, in “This Fall 2025 Sweater Trend Makes Leggings Look More Sophisticated” there’s uniquely 2025 styling.
“The first step in creating a leggings-and-sweater outfit, which you can revert to all season long, is to pick the absolute best black leggings. Then start dipping into the crewneck cardigan pool… expert Sharonda Irving notes exclusively to Glam that a cream or powder-pink color makes for an elegant pairing for black leggings. To complete the look, she suggests “kitten heel slingbacks, a shoulder bag, and minimalist jewelry,” adding, “You’ll be able to transition into any room [with this outfit]. Add a scarf or cape for an additional layer and a bit of extra drama!”
Oh-So-British Argyle
Our friends across the pond know a thing or two about sweater dressing (if you’ve ever spent any time at all in the UK, you know a sweater is your constant companion… even in August). But the Brits at Vogue UK have “upped the game” with the prediction of the golf jumper as a top knitwear trend for fall.
“You don’t have to play golf to wear a golf jumper. In fact, it’s better that you don’t (you want to be giving “fashion” rather than “someone’s granddad”). The golf jumper, and the Argyle pattern more generally, has been slowly edging its way into our wardrobes like, well, a gently putted golf ball… we can safely say that the Argyle knit is solidly in the shopping spotlight, embraced by the high-street and high-end brands alike – from Bottega Veneta and Prada to Gant and Ganni – in the form of deconstructed cardigans, polos and classic crew-necks.”
Go Wild With Leopard Print
The nostalgia continues with the suggestion to revive animal prints from Who, What, Wear in, “If You Care About What Fall Sweater Trend It Girls Are Already Wearing, It’s This ’90s One.”
“As we all know, leopard print came back with a vengeance last fall, and it’s set to make a return again for fall 2025 (along with its fellow cow, snake, and zebra prints). It makes perfect sense to add one in everyone’s favorite classic sweater (the cardigan, of course) to your wardrobe, just as [Olivia] Rodrigo did recently.”
In addition to these top suggestions, other options to be on the lookout for include ponchos, sweater vests (great for awkward transition months), and sailor inspired sweaters. Plus, you may want to add one (or five) wacky, wonderful crewnecks sporting cheeky images, just for fun. One of my favorite sources is Rowing Blazers, which offers irreverent sweater options emblazoned with everything from a New York hotdog, to vintage Winnie the Pooh. So silly. So fun!
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Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens, stunning interiors, plus the latest products and ideas for chic parties, you’ll find it here. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait.