The Best Fair Isle Sweaters I've Found This Year (+ Some Winter Holiday Adjacent Ones Too)

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The Best Fair Isle Sweaters I’ve Found This Year (+ Some Winter Holiday Adjacent Ones Too)

Today

I’m in a bit of a “cozy sweater with festive skirt” phase, which I’ll show you soon (think wool on top, sequins on the bottom), obviously for parties, not around the house. So today is the upper half, some of which you have seen (the fair isle sweaters are killing it this year) and a few new ones that are fantastic for all winter long (not just for the holidays).

This is my favorite of the Fair Isle Sweaters bunch because I know it can lean Après in the winter as well (versus a red one that feels more holiday-specific). The cut of the shoulder is good, maybe specifically for those of us with a bigger chest, as it has more shoulder structure, thus diminishing the size of the ladies (I still think this would look great on a smaller chest, just saying that some bulky sweaters aren’t great with a bigger chest, and this one is). Ooh, maybe it’s where the “sash” runs on the chest for Fair Isle sweaters that’s important? I don’t know. It just looks and feels good (I’m wearing an S, and it’s roomy in a good way, so it feels TTS).

This is a new-to-me sweater that has the softest knit that is thin but warm (but not too warm). It’s made by Emerson Made, so yes, it’s an investment, but it’s 100% cotton and great year-round. It has raglan sleeves (dropped shoulders) and is thick enough to easily 1/2 tuck.

Donegal Fair Isle Sweater | Layered Necklace Set | Mid Rise Straight Taper Jeans | Saltburn Knit Beanie | Italian Leather Street Sneaker

I just really discovered Marine Layer and I feel like it’s really got my number. This is a 100% wool Fair Isle that looks heirloom (and could be multi-season – great for fall, too).

I wanted to make sure that those who like to wear cozy winter whites felt properly represented. This is a quince soft alpaca cardigan that can be worn a ton (it’s pretty thin, so you’d only be able to layer over a thin cami or tank, not a T-shirt, imho). While this could be great with jeans, I think with a satin, silk, or sequin skirt it could be a great holiday party outfit (maybe specifically good for work parties).

Fair Isle Crewneck Cardigan | High-Waisted Cotton Leggings | UGG® Uptowner Tall Boots | Chunky Ribbed Beanie

I couldn’t not include this one; it’s the most classic (and possibly best) holiday of the fair isle sweaters. I actually wish I had ordered one size up to really be oversized (I’m wearing a small). It’s wool and cozy, with the most vibrant colors, and picture this with a black leather pencil skirt or a cream silk midi skirt for a holiday party.

Donegal Fair Isle Sweater | Jeans | Western Chelsea Ankle Boot | Braided Metal Watch | Rounded Bangle

Another Marine Layer gem that feels heirloom quality and has such a pretty color palette. I think this with a burgundy skirt could be so pretty (maybe even my burgundy boots that are sold out, but incredible).

This is the new cashmere sweater that me and Ross from Friends (obviously) are wearing (a Quince marketing campaign that I’m really enjoying). This is the same as the navy blue one I’ve been wearing the last year that is so good. It’s oversized, boxy, and so lightweight and yet warm. I’m wearing a small and kinda wish it was shorter in length, so size down unless you like it to be a little big longer. The specific color of red is really, really, really good. It’s not cherry nor tomato, but somewhere in the middle, and since it’s cashmere, it has a matte finish that somehow makes it less bold. 10/10.

Pink and Red Stripe Sweater | Rainbow Stone Necklace | Pendant Necklace (similar) | Jeans

I love this sweater and have worn it a ton (you’ll see it soon with this sequin pencil skirt and I’m absolutely recreating that outfit for any holiday party I’m invited to). It’s soft, boxy, and roomy but not too long, with an easy roll neck.

2025 Rollneck Sweater | Twill Baggy Barrel Cargo Pants | CashSoft Chunky Beanie | 2-Eye Lug Sole Boat Shoes | Love Knot Slouchy Bag

Ok this is decidedly not a holiday sweater, but it sure is a good one (also, that whole outfit is a copy-paste for me). The pants are what I’m living in, and I love throwing my laptop in that bag.

I wanted to find one more Fair Isle for those who might want to live in the neutral world of the pretty cream sweater variety. This one is so pretty and soft, from a new brand I hadn’t shopped before. It’s on the bulkier side, so I think best worn with something smaller on the bottom (leggings, silk skirt, dare I say skinny jeans, lol). Great for those who like the oversized look and feel. It’s soooo cozy.

Funnel-Neck Cardigan | Low Rise Loose Jean | Belt | Comfortable Western Bootie

Another non-holiday but totally holiday sweater. This is a great casual but still special sweater that doubles as a blouse (yes, it’s a cardigan, but you don’t really style it with the buttons open). I styled this with this sequined tweed skirt for an upcoming outfit post that looked so dang cute, imho. You can really dress this one up or down, and it’s definitely four seasons (but leans fall/winter for sure).

I thought this was a great cream sweater option for those of us who want a bit of a V without too much cleavage. It has a lot of pretty stitch detailing, which is a good contrast from all the crewnecks out there right now. This, with a cream silk skirt and burgundy boots, is a fantastic holiday party look that reads as restrained but still in the know (and always comfortable; we don’t do life without extreme comfort).

Fireside Fairisle Pullover Sweater | Jeans | Braided Metal Watch | Rounded Bangle

This Target sweater is SO GOOD. The price point is ridiculous (usually $35 but on sale for $18???) so get it before it’s gone (and no guarantees – $18 for a sweater??!!). I so appreciate the design, coziness, and price point. Heritage-style wool sweaters can be so expensive, so it’s wonderful that an affordable pretty version exists.

Button Up Sweater | Rainbow Stone Necklace | Jeans | Shoes

Lastly, the fall-to-winter chunky knit sweater that is thick and drapey. It’s on the slightly longer side with a wide ribbed hem, so I’ve been wearing this with leggings or my Gap pants that sit on the hips and fall flatly down (sometimes jeans can catch the sweater in a way that doesn’t let the sweater fully do its thing, you know?).

May we all be cozy and comfortable at home, on errands, or at holiday parties. More party looks coming soon!!!

For more holiday/winter fashion, head to my gift guide or the shop page🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green