5 Cute & Easy Sweater Outfit Ideas: How to Style a Fair Isle Sweater

This is the sweater I will be styling. It's a beige knitted Fair Isle sweater with patterns in blue, yellow, and dark red, which I really like because they are the three primary colors.

1. Sweater with jeans

First up, keep it simple with a comfy pair of jeans. I’ve opted for ripped jeans with a turned-up bottom, but you can go for whatever style you like.

Layer a turtleneck underneath the sweater for a double neckline effect. Go for a tone similar yet different to the sweater for a complementary look.

Add in a scarf to bring some more patterns to your outfit. A blue scarf will pair well with the jeans to create a cohesive look.

2. Sweater with black pants

Switch the jeans for a pair of black pants in a slouchy fit. Pair them with some heeled boots to add some structure and balance out the loose silhouette of the pants.

The sweater brings some color to the dark bottoms and footwear. 

Too warm in the sweater? No problem, go ahead and take it off and wrap it over your back with the arms hanging down the front. Now, the sweater is more of a scarf-like accessory.

Bring in another layer with a long black coat, which will add to the androgynous vibe. The sweater works just as well as an aesthetic accessory as it does as a warm and practical sweater.

3. Sweater over a shirt

Change up your bottoms again by going with a pair of wide-fit, high-waisted pants and tucking the sweater in.

Pop on a white shirt underneath for a masculine-inspired outfit. Be sure to pop your cuffs and collar out of the sweater for that extra flash of white.

4. Leggings

Contrast the loose fit of the sweater against a pair of leggings. This blue shirt ties in nicely with the blue print on my sweater. Pairing pieces based on the sweater's pattern colors creates an intentional, put-together look.

For an added touch of character, wear some high socks underneath boots and throw on a leather bag.

Weather getting chilly? Wrap up in a big puffer jacket that feels like a bear hug. Go for one in a neutral color that can seamlessly pair with the rest of your outfit.

The bulk of the puffer jacket is offset by the leggings.

If you prefer long-line proportions, opt for a trench-style coat instead. Again, this coat in a blue-gray color is a great companion to the light-blue shirt and the blue in the sweater.

5. Knitted dress

More of a skirt lady? Throw on a knitted skirt or dress and layer your sweater over the top. A belted waist will cinch you in and add definition to your figure. Tall black boots tie in with the black belt and create a coordinated appearance.

You can also put the sweater over your shoulders and tie the ends together for an infinity-scarf look.

Fair Isle sweater outfit ideas

Now you have lots of different sweater ideas. My top tip is to fill your wardrobe with neutral pieces that you can easily mix and match with one another. You’ll find that you’ll be able to create many different outfits by simply switching things in and out.

Let me know your favorite look or styling tip in the comments below.