The Only Guide You’ll Need on Styling Men’s Sweaters

Sweater weather is here! As we all begin to dust off our winter wear, it is time to review our closet and ensure that we are up to date on how to style sweaters and other winter pieces. Whether you’re a man looking for styling ideas or a woman sporting men’s sweaters, simply throwing on sweaters over jeans or trousers will end up giving a ‘blanket with legs’ vibe. You can layer up to stay warm while also looking on-trend.

There are several types of sweaters available for men, differentiated based on shape or silhouette, type of knits, and even neck styles. Some of these include cardigans, cable knits, sweater vests, and even knit shirts. Choosing the right one will depend on the severity of the cold and the occasion. It is ideal to wear light layers in tropical regions, while layering jackets and sweaters is a must for colder regions or if the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.

If you have a bunch of old sweaters that need a new life, or you want to look put together this winter, this is the only guide you need! From business casual to streetwear and everything in between, we share all the tips and tricks you need to style your sweaters in the most chic ways.

1. Cosy Cool

The humble cardigan can be easily transformed to look cool while keeping you warm. Pair it with a shirt, vest, matching trousers, and a necktie in a complementary colour to get the ultimate formal winter outfit. You can customise this combination as per the weather in your region by swapping the cotton shirt for a wool one. Layer on a vest for added warmth, and you’re done. Similarly, you can opt for linen trousers for tropical weather and wool trousers if you need more warmth. Complete the look with a matching belt and shoes. You can also have fun with this outfit idea by playing with brighter colours or picking a vest with patterns.

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2. Quiet Luxury

The sweater vest gives you a laid-back sporty look and is perfect for college or a coffee date. Cricketers are usually seen wearing this style of sweater, which is also known as the tennis vest or the nautical knit. Pair it with an undershirt, denim, and your coolest sneakers for a quiet luxury vibe. You can remould this outfit into a streetwear look by going for an oversized shirt and vest with ripped jeans and boots. You can also choose vests in solid colours and patterns to elevate your outfit and make it party-appropriate.

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3. Layers on layers

If James Bond himself is doing something, it needs no further validation. This is the ideal outfit for men in colder climates and places where it is chilly all day long. To recreate, layer a shirt, sweater, jacket, and scarf – and who doesn’t like being bundled up like a burrito, right? The 007 legend completes the look with a black messenger bag and sunglasses. This is also the perfect outfit idea to add a personal touch by swapping basics with quirky pieces. You can pick from patterns like plaid, houndstooth, geometric shapes, or doodles and fabrics like suede, corduroy, velvet or wool.

Pro-tip: Make sure to use complementary colours.

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4. To tuck in or not…

The big question remains – should you tuck in sweaters? Who better than Spiderman himself to give you the answer! Case in point, actor Tom Holland provides a great example of neatly tucked-in sweaters. You can also go for the French tuck (half in, half out). If your sweater is out, you should likely match your watch with your shoes and pair the sweater with your trousers. If you are tucking in the sweater, go for a statement belt and match it with your shoes.

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5. Festive prints

Printed sweaters are a great way to participate in the holiday cheer while also keeping it minimal. It is perfect for men who don’t prefer to style their outfits but also want a fun and fresh look. Christmas sweaters are great for the holiday season, which falls right around wintertime. However, you can also find sweaters with different prints like snowflakes and geometric patterns. Throw on a pair of jeans and shoes and you are ready for any holiday party. It is also great for New Year’s Eve as it will keep you warm as you ring in the new year.

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6. Being Bold

Taking a note from printed sweaters, colour blocking and solid bold colours are also amazing for when you don’t want to layer on pieces but also want to stand out. You can pair your colour-blocked sweaters, like our muse Hrithik Roashan, with jeans or even joggers. If you are going for bright solid sweater tops, opt for trousers or joggers with fun patterns. It is important to factor in proportions for this look as wearing too many oversized pieces might drown you out. If you are brave enough to take on the oversized-on-oversized trend, style the outfit with a belt to separate your tucked-in shirt and pants and add shape.

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7. Bling For the Kings

Why should girls have all the fun? Wearing chains and rings is all the rage in men’s fashion right now and a very subtle way to add bling to your outfit. Layer chains (with or without a pendant) under the collar of your shirts or jackets to add that extra wow factor to your outfit. Match your chains with rings (one or multiple, you take the call!) for even more drama. For the maximalist in you, take it up a notch with a statement or logo belt to complete the look. Accessorising is all about bringing your look together, so ensure that your jewellery matches or complements your outfit and is in the same overall colour scheme.

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While it’s a no-brainer that winter dressing is done as per the level of cold, you also need to consider the occasion. If you are travelling this winter, you will need to pack according to the weather of your destinations. Another important reminder – remember to check the care instructions on your sweaters and ensure that you follow them. Good quality knitted clothing items can last long when taken care of in the proper way.

We hope you enjoy this cold weather while it lasts! Happy sweater-styling!