Every November, one thing is always on my mind: layering. Between commuting to work in the cold and sitting in the office with the heat blasting, I always ensure my fall and winter outfits feature multiple layers. This year, I'm diving headfirst into the layered-sweater trend that has captured the attention of fashion designers and trendsetters.
At its core, the layered-sweater trend is all about the creative juxtaposition of two sweaters, often of the same kind. You begin by wearing one sweater comfortably against your skin, wrapping it around your body. Then, with a playful twist, you casually tie a second sweater around your shoulders or waist, adding a stylish dimension to your ensemble. Alternatively, you could mix it up and pair two distinct sweaters or just layer one sweater over a coat or jacket.
I first spotted this intriguing layered-sweater look on a stylish individual who donned the Céline by Phoebe Philo neck-wrap sweater in Paris during the spring/summer 2019 fashion week. Fast-forward to now, this knit trend has blossomed even further. At the fall/winter 2024 shows, fashion powerhouses like Michael Kors, JW Anderson, Skall Studio, Moschino, and Prada embraced the layered-sweater aesthetic, showcasing unique ways to achieve the look. For instance, at Michael Kors, a model gracefully strutted down the runway in a gray ribbed sweater complemented by a matching sweater effortlessly draped around her shoulders. Meanwhile, JW Anderson showcased a model who tied a matching sweater around her waist, and Skall Studio displayed a unique look where a cable-knit sweater was draped over a sharp blazer and tailored trousers.
Beyond the runways, the trend has infiltrated the fashion-savvy social media scene, and the stylish crowd is wholly enamored with this joyful sweater-tying technique. My Instagram feed has been flooded with fresh interpretations of this look, reflecting the season's trending scarf and cape coats.
To truly grasp the layered-sweater trend, I suggest you look at the visuals. Keep scrolling to see how high-end designers and fashion muses demonstrate the look. You can then shop the complete outfit or just the sweaters needed to re-create the look.
WEAR: Two Matching Crewneck Sweaters + Wide-Leg Trousers + Pointed-Toe Heels
STYLING NOTES: An easy way to adopt the trend is to tie two identical sweaters over one another, as shown by Lauren Santo Domingo. To avoid the outfit looking too prim, be sure to let the second sweater drape loosely over the sweater you're wearing, almost like a scarf.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Two Matching Ribbed Sweaters + Midi Skirt + Knee-High Boots
STYLING NOTES: Keep the layering look sleek by sticking to one consistent hue from head to toe.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Two Matching Sweaters + Bermuda Shorts + Boots
STYLING NOTES: Channel the elegance of JW Anderson by starting with a cozy crewneck sweater that provides a relaxed fit. Pair it with long shorts that offer a breezy feel while maintaining a polished look. To elevate the ensemble, slip on a pair of shearling-lined boots that add a touch of warmth and texture. Finally, for an effortlessly chic detail, tie a matching sweater around your waist, creating a lovely visual element while ensuring you have an extra layer.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Oversize Blazer + T-Shirt + Baggy Jeans + Oversize Sweater
STYLING NOTES: If you're unsure where to begin, a great starting point is to layer a cozy sweater over a tailored blazer paired with your favorite denim. To look like a fashion person, make sure the knit and jacket are different colors. This mix will draw attention and showcase your knack for blending textures and hues, making your outfit look polished.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Oversize Cardigan + Crewneck Sweater + Baggy Trousers
STYLING NOTES: I've seen designers and fashion people pair the same sweater together, but you can achieve a similar look by styling two different sweater silhouettes, such as a cardigan and a crewneck. If you opt for a red sweater, pair it with brown bottoms. The combination of these colors creates a luxurious appearance.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Cable-Knit Sweater + Oversize Blazer + Trousers
STYLING NOTES: The ultimate goal is to create an effortless and languid layering effect around your neck and chest area with beautifully draped fabrics. One effective way to achieve this is by re-creating the Skall Studio look, which features an oversize blazer, matching trousers, and a chunky cable-knit sweater. The business-chic set is elegant and flowy, and the casual knit balances it out.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Striped Button-Down Shirt + Lightweight Sweater + Baggy Trousers
STYLING NOTES: When in doubt, opt for a button-down shirt paired with trousers and a neutral sweater casually draped around your shoulders. This combination offers a touch of warmth if needed and adds visual interest.
Shop the look:
Shop more of our favorite sweaters for layering:
Whether you layer this sweater or wear it alone, you'll get a lot of use out of it.
I'll be living in this sweater all winter.
This staple also comes in 10 other colors.
The buttoned collar will enhance the stylish appearance of your layered-sweater outfit.
Tie this around your neck and style it with a white turtleneck long-sleeve top and white jeans.
If you like your knits thick , this wool option is a great pick.
Fake the layered-sweater trend by tying this triangle scarf around your neck over your favorite knit.
Thanks to Miu Miu and Prada, V-neck sweaters are on our minds more than usual.
This looks great as is but would look just as good thrown over your shoulders with a T-shirt and jeans.
The bouclé fabric and unique scarf detail on this sweater offer a different style approach than the rest.
If there's one thing you can expect from Banana Republic, it's that the brand will deliver on its promised comfort and quality.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.