The 21 Best Striped Sweaters Are True Wardrobe Staples by Halie Lesavage

Because one striped sweater isn’t quite enough

The saying that “you can’t have too much of a good thing” definitely applies to the best striped sweaters. While I swear by a single camel wool coat each winter and named a straight-leg denim pair my all-time best jeans a decade ago, I can always create space in my closet for another Breton stripe knit.

From oversize turtlenecks with black and cream stripes to cashmere pullovers with thick, sunset-tone shades, the best striped sweaters of 2023 showcase the infinite styling potential of a well-placed line. Decades ago, knits streaked with cream, black, navy, or camel stripes cemented their status as eternal wardrobe essentials with help from icons like Jane Birkin. All they needed were a tailored jean and one of the best ballet flats to look put-together. Fresh twists are so much more than neutral-on-neutral crewnecks, however, so there’s enough variety to justify ordering more than one knit. Nowadays, “most sweaters can be very flattering and at times even sexy,” stylist Alexis Badiyi said. “For something unexpected, I love styling against the traditional feeling of a striped sweater, that to me can feel a bit preppy or buttoned up.” Out of the ordinary sweaters like Acne Studios’ dip-dyed oversize knit or the sensual slim fit of a Khaite polo sweater are evidence. But if you want to go the French girl route with your stripes, classic options from Sézane and Kule will have you covered.

Read on for the 21 best striped sweaters that are so essential, you may have to shop more than one. Each one was chosen based on its fabrication, fit, shopper recommendations, and my own testing—and each one can be worn a different way.

BEST STRIPED SWEATER OVERALL

Kule The Betty

$298 AT KULE.COM

BEST STRIPED SWEATER OVERALL

Kule The Betty

$298 AT KULE.COMCREDIT: KULE

Kule’s striped sweaters have a habit of working their way into my conversations with other editors. It’s half because Kule has one of the widest ranges of stripe colors to choose from, half because the sweaters keep their fresh-from-the-box quality even after dozens of wears. (The same standard applies to the brand’s best T-shirts.) Kule’s stripes have even landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Cream/navy, navy/cream, black/cream, heather gray/navy, cream multi, and more

The Classic Sailor Stripe Sweater Is a Fall Fashion No-Brainer by Madeline Fass and Kristina Rutkowski

Striped sweaters have long been a wardrobe staple and every well-balanced closet deserves at least one. Long ago, the graphic navy and white striped Breton was the style du jour, fashioned from the original designs that members of the French navy wore in the 1800’s. Through the years, these striped sweaters became extremely popular and were made iconic by stars such as Brigitte Bardot and James Dean in the 1900’s. And today, nautical-inspired striped sweaters take on a more contemporary feel, available in many shapes and colors, making them a perennial favorite among designers and Vogue’s own fashion editors alike.

Fall makes for the perfect time to invest in these striped knit pieces. Who doesn’t need a cozy, everyday staple as the weather starts to change? Fortunately, in recent years, brands such as La Ligne and Kule have popped up on the market, basing their entire fashion lines on the concept of reinterpreting the classic stripe in the contemporary space. Designers like Khaite and Toteme always offer striped styles each season, crafted from luxe fabrications like high-quality cashmere and wool, while even budget-friendly brands like Everlane and J.Crew consistently carry a well-made version that won’t break the bank.

This season’s selection is extremely excellent as well. From a variety of stripe widths, to alternative silhouettes such as polo tops and collared cardigans, the options are limitless. Since the allure of classic stripes is rooted in effortlessness, that means these sweaters can be styled with extreme ease as well. Whether a chunky pullover speaks to you, or something more fitted fits the bill, you can still pair one with practically everything in your fall wardrobe—say, your favorite denim, trench coats, or designer boots. As such, these stylish graphic knits are sure to be one of your most worn items this season.

For an everlasting cool and casual look for fall, shop this season’s lineup of updated striped sweaters below.

KULE

The Betty sweater

$298

KULE

Is There Anything Better Than a Cashmere Sweater? Shop 40+ Styles for Luxe Layering by Laura Jackson

Sweater weather is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by slipping into of the best cashmere sweaters on a crisp day? Their soothing softness might be the extra dose of comfort you need right now, whether you’re layering up for an office commute or snuggling up at home on the weekend. And while the best cashmere sweaters for women have a reputation for having a high price tag, direct-to-consumer brands have given the covetable piece a more approachable price point, starting at the $100 mark (not to mention these affordable steals make for fabulous holiday gifts). 

If you’re unfamiliar with the material, cashmere comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats and has been used to make yarn, textiles, and, of course, clothing for centuries. Unlike sheep’s wool, cashmere is softer and more supple, cementing its place as a luxury staple in your wardrobe. When shopping for your choice of cashmere, there are a few helpful tips to consider: First off, determine what type of style, warmth, and weight you’re after—this will be a defining factor in your sweater’s durability over time. And finally, if possible, try and get a good look at your cashmere choice in person to check for any pills, test out its touch and feel, and inspect for any loose threads in the stitching. And when it comes to caring for your cashmere, avoid any unwanted visits from moths by always washing by hand.

What’s even better is that many designers and direct-to-consumer brands like Everlane and Stella McCartney have committed to ethical and sustainable cashmere practices so that you can not only look good in your cashmere of choice but feel good about it too. Below, we’ve pulled together a handful of stylish sweaters to invest in. This mix of classic silhouettes will stay fresh season after season and includes yummy oversized turtlenecks from Vince and Allude, crewnecks from Tory Burch and The Frankie Shop, alongside perfect polos from Alex Mill and Toteme and cult-favorite cardigans from Khaite and Proenza Schouler. Festive Fair Isle finds that easily transition from the streets to the slopes are also up for grabs. 

Whether you’re planning for a winter weekend spent in the snow, snuggly staying put in the city, or just simply looking to treat yourself or a loved one this holiday season, here are 44 of the best cashmere sweaters to consider that are as chic as they are cozy.

Boat Stripes

A statement striped sweater should be a staple in your winter wardrobe—or any wardrobe for that matter. Of course, Everlane’s striped cashmere classic is at the top of our list, though, the options from Kule, Anine Bing, and Extreme Cashmere are equally desirable. Think beyond nautical summer fashion and style yours for winter with suede boots and a chic camel coat.

KULE The Betty sweater $298

The Definitive Guide To The Best Holiday Gift Ideas For 2023 by Marshall Bright, Vivien Lee, Becca Sax

Take a deep breath. Crack those knuckles. Grab that pen and gift list. Because ’tis the season for holiday shopping. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret. Because shopping for presents can be A Lot, we put together an all-encompassing lineup featuring our most popular holiday gift guides and star ideas from each — all culled from our wealth of anonymous shopping data. Since holiday gifting season has only begun, we took a deep dive into gift guides from last year to see which gifts our readers (and their lucky recipients) loved the most.

Keep checking back throughout December as we refresh this gift roster with the freshest favorites from our gift guides worth putting a bow on. We now present you, dear reader, with our list of the best gift ideas for the 2023 holiday season. Scroll on to shop.

Best Chanukah Gifts

KULE

Oy Vey Socks BUY $30.00KULE

Oy Vey Socks, $30

While most gifts in our guide will work for any winter holiday celebration, we still have to give a special shout-out to the Festival of Lights with a roundup of gifts for grown-ups that are cool, not corny. And the top-bought gift is none other than these cheeky socks from Kule that make the Yiddish phrase into a high-fashion moment.

Shop Best Chanukah Gifts

Kate Middleton Styles Her Skinny Jeans and Chelsea Boots in a Quintessentially British Fashion by Alex Kessler

Kate Middleton knows how to amp-up the glamour for an evening appearance—think Alexander McQueen suiting, Catherine Walker coats and Alessandra Rich dresses. But Kate also knows how to serve an off-duty looks for her more relaxed public engagements that are camera-ready, while still being as democratic and carefully considered as any of her other styling decisions.

On her more casual days, she tends to rely on a trusted capsule of countryside classics that are quintessentially British, such as waxy outdoor jackets, Breton tops and slim-fit jeans, that are practical options for our notoriously drizzly climate. For her latest outing, the Princess opted to style all three of these staples at once, wearing a look that you’re likely to see at every pub in the Cotswolds or West London park on a Sunday afternoon.

During a visit to Dadvengers, a community for fathers and their children in Arnos Grove in North London, Kate Middleton turned to her reliable everyday basics once again — items that have all become something of a uniform for the royal. She wore a black and white long-sleeve striped top, an olive-hued waxed outdoor Barbour jacket with visible heritage check lining (that she has worn previously), high-waisted skinny jeans in a dark blue wash and lug-sole Chelsea boots.

The wax jacket has long been a staple of the royal family—it has been reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II was so attached to her Barbour Beaufort jacket that when the brand offered to replace her waxed style with a newer iteration, she opted to hold on to her well-loved original for 25 years. The royal family photo albums will be filled with pictures over the decades of King Charles II, the late Princess Diana, Prince William and the Princess of Wales wearing their wax jackets on relaxed royal visits and traversing the Highlands countryside.

Even though this specific occasion required an outdoor, playground-friendly outfit and nothing too formal (like her go-to tailored trouser suits), Kate managed to maintain her signature polish. This is a look we’ll no doubt see her sticking to for years, if not decades, to come.

Shop the Princess’ classic look, below. Plus, more British heritage pieces.

KULE

The Betty cashmere sweater

$298

KULE

The 12 Very Best Cashmere Sweaters: From wardrobe staples to bright color-blocked sweaters. by Arielle Avila

A cashmere sweater is a versatile, durable, seasonless investment that can last decades (as long as you keep the moths away). But choosing the right one can be overwhelming because you’re paying a premium price for an inherently luxurious staple. Cashmere comes at a heftier price because cashmere yarn comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere goats, which makes for a softer and warmer fiber than sheep’s wool. (Fascinatingly, cashmere goats are a type and not a breed; according to the Cashmere Goat Association, almost all goats can grow cashmere, but only selectively bred flocks produce it “in significant amounts.”)

Plenty of brands are now offering more affordable options. To make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for price, I tried out sweaters from some of the top budget brands in that space as well as some luxury options to see how they hold up. I mainly tested each sweater’s feel, weight, and durability. (Note: I’ve had the sweaters for as long as a couple of months and as short as one week. I’ll have updates on that last point as time goes on.) I also reached out to stylish folks to see which ones they thought are worth the cost or skimp on quality. Read on to see our picks from every price point.

What we’re looking for

Sizing, Quality, Style and details, Price

Best striped cashmere sweater

Kule The Betty Sweater

$298

Sizing: XS to XL | Style details: Crewneck with stripes | Price: $$$

After a few of her sweaters “were decimated by moths,” former Strategist writer Hilary Reid bought this Kule cashmere sweater on sale. She says it’s the “softest, most substantial-feeling cashmere sweater” she owns. It has an “ideal and elusive crewneck fit: It’s cut comfortably close enough to wear on its own, but can still accommodate a shirt underneath without looking bulky.” It comes in a wide range of classic patterns of black, white, brown, and navy stripes, as well as less-traditional patterns that feature fun multicolored stripes.

$298 AT KULE