I Can't Stop Thinking About These 8 Winter Knitwear Trends
Now that the weather has caught up with the current season, I only have one thing on my brain: knitwear. Gone are the days when sweater season meant just crewnecks versus turtlenecks versus cardigans. Now, the knitwear category is seemingly endless with possibilities, which makes shopping for the cozy staples one of the highlights of my winter wardrobe journey.
But before I could even think about actually pressing the purchase button on any winter knitwear, I had to first do my research in order to discover what sweater trends are buy-worthy this season. Ever since then, I haven't been able to stop thinking about a select few—more like eight—styles. Keep scrolling to discover which soft, comfy, and luxurious knits are keeping me up at night.
Sleek Sweater Sets
Sure, a sweater on its own is nice. But when there is an option to add an adorable matching tank or pair of lounge pants to the look, I can't think of a single reason why you wouldn't take it. And I'm not the only one. The rise of two- and three-piece ribbed knit sets has been fast and fierce, making them a definite wardrobe contender as fall turns to winter.
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One of the great things about these sets is that you can wear them in so many ways, thus allowing for countless outfit possiblities.
Shop the matching Nico Cropped Tank ($85) and Isla Ribbed Pants ($110).
This trio only looks super expensive.
Shop the matching Rib-Knit Pants ($30).
Something about this purple-blue shade has me surpassing my cart and heading straight to the buy button.
Shop the matching Ribbed High-Waist Sweater Pants ($29).
Now, imagine how good this knit top will look with jeans or trousers.
Shop the matching Knit Ribbed Wide-Leg Pants ($109).
Quarter-Zip Sweaters
Quarter-zip knits are equal parts turtleneck, cardigan, and polo sweater, making them just the versatile item your winter wardrobe needs, especially if you, like me, are trying to make do with very little storage space. Simply use the zipper to adjut to your liking.
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I'm already thinking of ways to style this dreamy knit. With winter-white jeans, perhaps?
Cashmere Pants
Ever since I spotted slouchy, cashmere pants on my Instagram feed, I've been on the lookout for a pair to make my own. There's just something so luxe about them, so much so, that no matter what you pair with cashmere pants, it'll look incredibly expensive. Trust me, I've thought about this a lot.
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I love the idea of wearing these with soft, knit socks and clogs.
Pair this set with a long wool coat and Ugg's new Tazz mules. You won't regret it.
I know what I'll be wearing for the entirety of winter break.
Collared Knits
I can't help but love any sweater that, without any effort, makes my entire outfit look put-together and worthy of a compliment. That's why I'm so drawn to collared, polo-like knits, which are quickly becoming a huge trend for winter.
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Arm Warmers
Like so many trends this year, I found this one on TikTok, where hardly a nightly scroll goes by without at least one arm warmer sighting. And while I'll be the first to admit that arm warmers weren't one of the sweater trends I expected to latch onto for winter, the Y2K accessories are starting to grow on me.
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There's a matching detachable hood, too!
Shop the matching Cosmic Hooded Cowl ($38).
These are a good, low-key first venture into the arm warmer trend.
Staying on-trend has never looked so cozy.
Backless Sweaterdresses
I never really thought of sweaters as being provacative until I began spotting ribbed, backless dresses all over Instagram. Now, I can't think of anything more sultry for winter than a really well-fitting knit dress. Hint: style one with heeled, knee-high boots and a robe coat for a winter look you won't regret.
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Just wait until you see the back. It's giving serious Hailey Bieber at the 2019 Met Gala vibes.
Kelly Green Knits
Thanks to Kate Middleton and Zara, kelly green is quickly becoming *the* color for 2022. Don't believe me? Just scroll through your Instagram feed. Chances are you'll spot the bold shade on more than one occasion.
I will certainly be mimicking this sweater-and-skirt combination.
I've already thought of a dozen ways to incorporate this sweater into my wardrobe.
Knit hoodies are the ultimate upscale-casual fashion item.
Supersized Sweaters
Though I'm all too excited to indulge in a tiny cardigan or two come spring, for now, it's supersized sweaters that are calling out to me. Take my word for it, and I bet that when the first really cold winter day arrives, you'll be happy you did.
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Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.