Nothing can beat a cozy sweater when the temperature drops in the fall and winter.
This post aims to inspire any man who is considering purchasing a sweater (or perhaps multiple) and wants to know how best to wear it.
Before showcasing seven outfit ideas featuring numerous sweater types, let's explore a few variations of sweaters that are guaranteed to keep you looking sharp throughout the colder months of the year.
Types of Sweaters
I aim to show you the wide range of options available so you can choose what best suits your interests and style.
I will also provide some guidelines and style inspiration so you can confidently and competently wear a sweater for the brisker months of the year.
Crewneck Sweaters
The classic crewneck sweater may appear "basic," but trust me, it is a timeless piece that can be worn in many different ways.
Perfect for dressing up and down, it often comes in neutral colors like gray, charcoal, navy blue, olive green, or any shade of brown. It looks great on its own or layered with other classic pieces.
This type of sweater is the safest choice, but don't let anyone tell you that it is "dull" or out of style. It’s a wardrobe essential guaranteed to stand the test of time!
Sweater Vests
Not just for your grandfather, the sweater vest is a versatile garment that can be worn alone or layered with pieces as simple as a t-shirt or as elegant as a dress shirt and tie.
It can add a touch of sophistication to an otherwise simple outfit and can be paired with casual or dressier pants and shoes for a chic appearance.
As always, opt for neutral colors, tasteful patterns, and materials.
Quarter-Zip Sweaters
A quarter-zip sweater is a professional way to look put together without trying too hard. These sweaters are surprisingly versatile and can be worn as standalone pieces or with dress shirts, neckties, crewneck t-shirts, coats, etc.
Quarter-zips can look amazing layered beneath classic navy blazers or sport coats. If you need a little more warmth, try wearing one underneath a peacoat with a nice accessory, such as a scarf.
V-Neck Sweaters
Like classic crewneck sweaters, the arguably less versatile but equally classic and timeless v-neck sweaters are great for pairing, especially when layered over a dress shirt or dress collar polo.
Like the previously mentioned quarter-zip sweater, a v-neck sweater looks excellent with a jacket or coat over it.
Cardigan Sweaters
Cardigan sweaters are having a bit of a resurgence, and for good reason.
They are comfortable, stylish, and highly versatile. You can wear them to the office, dress them down for weekend errands, or find a balance between casual and formal for an evening out with that special lady in your life.
Whether a chunky cable-knit weave or a classic design, any neutral-colored cardigan sweater will enhance a man’s wardrobe, regardless of age or background, as long as it fits and complements his other garments.
Sweater Polos
Sweater polos maintain the classic and sophisticated look of a traditional polo shirt while providing warmth and texture. Numerous options are available, ranging from cable knit to finer textured weaves and short—or long-sleeve variations.
Don't overthink it. If you're unsure about this one, choose classic, minimal, neutral, and versatile options to play it safe. You will never go wrong wearing one of these out and about.
Turtleneck Sweaters
The classic turtleneck sweater is perhaps one of the most flattering sweaters a man can wear, provided it fits him well and he stays in shape.
Similarly to the aforementioned sweater polo, turtlenecks can be made in various thicknesses and weaves, from chunky cable knits to finer-weaved variations.
You can't go wrong with something in a classic black or navy blue color. These timeless, often flattering options look regal underneath sport coats or even as standalone pieces.
Chunky Cable-Knit Sweaters
Perfect for the holidays, cable knit sweaters in classic colors like cream, brown, blue, gray, or green are fun and festive options that truly stand the test of time.
Most women appreciate a look that includes this type of sweater. Once you find an option that fits well and is tastefully colored, you'll be surprised at how many ways you can style it.
7 Sweater Outfit Ideas for Men
Outfit #1: Business & Smart Casual Crewneck
This outfit is quintessential smart/business casual without a blazer or sport coat.
This outfit isn't dressed up, but certainly not too casual, either. It works well because it relies heavily on classic pieces and neutral shades.
The oxford dress shoes make it more formal, but swapping them out for clean white sneakers could also work well and casualize the look even more.
Outfit #2: Smart Casual V-Neck
An outfit like this one is more "smart" casual than business casual.
Still, given the widening landscape of the business casual dress code, outfits like these, which feature clean white sneakers, are often acceptable in many modern office settings (depending on the office, of course).
The inclusion of a navy blue v-neck sweater layered over a crisp dress collar polo and beneath a classic navy blazer is a choice that will make you look like the most intelligent guy in the room (even if you aren't).
Outfit #3: Valentine's Day Sweater Polo
You don't always have to wear red for Valentine's Day, but if your lady is expecting you to do so and you want to avoid overthinking things, a deep red sweater polo like this one is a great way to stay warm and dapper for the festivities you no doubt have planned for the day of love.
Green and red are complementary colors because they are opposite on the color wheel (think Christmas colors). This makes them excellent for pairing.
If your date doesn't care about wearing red, a look like this is acceptable with any neutral-colored sweater polo.
My choice of corduroy pants complements the subtle knit texturing of the sweater polo, but darker-wash jeans will do just fine if corduroy is "too much" for you. The choice is yours.
Outfit #4: Cocktail Hour Turtleneck
A dark turtleneck sweater in either black, navy blue or charcoal, along with soft odd trousers (such as these mid-gray flannel pants), is a simple and classic way to look masculine and sophisticated for any evening cocktail event.
Throw on a complementary sport coat or navy blazer for extra warmth and formality, and don't forget the dress shoes! Simple, timeless, and elegant.
Outfit #5: Casual Cardigan
Cardigans can be dressed up or down; however, I prefer to wear them more casually.
Once again, neutral colors are often the best and easiest way to create almost any casual outfit, and this ensemble is no exception.
Of course, you can always dress up a cardigan for the office and even include a necktie. A chunky shawl cardigan works similarly to a sweater blazer, especially when paired with classic dress shoes and dress pants.
Outfit #6: Cableknit Christmas
Aside from Jesus Christ himself, nothing quite says "Christmas" like a chunky cable-knit sweater.
You can achieve a lot with these. Wear them as standalone pieces or layer them with other items. For example, the texture of a cable-knit sweater pairs well with corduroy pants or various styles of jeans.
Regardless of style, a chunky cable-knit sweater is a cozy, festive holiday option.
Outfit #7: Formal Sweater Vest
While sweater vests might not be popular, they are pretty versatile. They can be an outer layer for more formal outfits or mid-layers in casual suits and coat ensembles.
Given that this particular sweater vest is thick and chunky, I have opted for an ice blue oxford-cloth dress shirt and a chunky knit navy necktie with subtle texturing.
Any neutral-colored odd trousers and dress shoes with an apparent texture would compliment an outfit like this.
What About an Oversized Sweater?
Some of you were waiting for this one, huh?
Notice how I tucked it away toward the end of this article? Well, that's sort of how I feel about oversized sweaters, to be honest... I'd rather tuck them away somewhere and forget about them altogether.
Look, I've never been into the "baggy" trend, and when it comes to sweaters, I'm not a fan of anything too loose or tight. An oversized sweater can often backfire for most men, making them look sloppy and unrefined.
Now, this stylistic choice might make sense depending on where you live and who you surround yourself with, primarily if you work in the fashion industry in a city like Los Angeles.
But that's not true for most of us...
If you're a "ride-or-die" fan of oversized sweaters, go for it. However, I think they look childish and silly, and I have a rule of not wearing anything that doesn't do anything for me; thus, I'm not interested in owning any.
Moving on...
Embrace the Sweater Weather
No matter what types of sweaters you prefer, having at least one or two can significantly elevate your style during the year's colder months. Depending on where you live, you might need thicker sweaters to suit a colder climate.
Hopefully, after reading this post, you will be more aware of the different types of sweaters available for purchase and have gained some inspiration for how to style them.
Ultimately, select something versatile that fits your style and body type while keeping you warm and cozy for the colder weather.
