7 Layered Sweater Outfit Ideas That Will Make Everyone Think You Hired a Stylist

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, and 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 one effortlessly draped around her shoulders. Meanwhile, JW Anderson showcased a model who tied a matching sweater around her waist, while 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, with the stylish crowd wholly enamored with this joyful sweater-tying layering 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. So, 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 recreate the look.

WEAR: Two Matching Crew Neck 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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WEAR: Oversize Cardigan + Crewneck Sweater + Baggy Trousers

Styling Notes: I’ve seen designers and fashion people pair the same sweater together; however, 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.

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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, while the casual knit balances it out.

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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.

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Shop more of our favorite sweaters for layering

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.