13 Transitional Sweater Outfits

Temperature changes provide the perfect opportunity to get playful with sweaters. They are one of the best and coziest layering pieces of all the wardrobe staples that can easily transition between seasonal shifts. They likely remain in an easily accessible place in your closet because you never know what the weather has on her agenda (my coastal girlies know exactly what I mean). Whether your outfits are less inhibited by chilly temps and slushy sidewalks, or you have an office temperature set at a cool 60 degrees year-round, a sweater outfit always comes in handy. As an added bonus, the cozy outerwear helps make lightweight separates, bare legs, and playful footwear all fair game.

When putting together sweater outfits, layers are your friend. Balmy sunshine can be quickly replaced with chilly gusts and scattered showers, so being able to take off and put on at least one lightweight layer is always a good idea for the ideal sweater outfit. That said, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to reinventing your favorite sweater outfits. Instead, let your current favorite trends — whether pastel separates, flouncy dresses, or the drama of a duster jacket — serve as your sweater outfit inspiration. 

From the latest celebrity casual ‘fit aesthetics to the most daring fashion trends, we curated the best sweater outfits for you to try.

With a Crop Top

There are very few sweater styles as cozy as an oversized cardigan, making it a perfect sweater to pair with an itty bitty crop top and comfy jeans. This sweater outfit is casual and comfortable while giving you ample opportunity to show off your personal style. Turn the fashion volume up by adding unexpected accessories like a statement belt or belly chain, and grab the quirkiest purse in your closet.

With a Pleated Miniskirt

No, we are not encouraging anyone to go out and splurge on that Mui Mui miniskirt, but there is something classic about a thigh-skimming pleated skirt that makes it a perfect sweater outfit centerpiece. Platform loafers and a trench coat or duster balance out the sky-high hem for a 'fit that's a little preppy, a little punk-adjacent, and a whole lot of goodness.

With Pastel Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are currently having their fashion moment in the sun, so you'd be remiss not to work a pair into your sweater outfit rotation. Give the baggy silhouette a refresh by opting for cargo pants in a pale pastel color — the more likely it would appear in an Easter basket, the better — and keep the sweater you choose cropped to accentuate your natural waist. Voila, you just unlocked the sweater outfit achievement.

With a Midiskirt and Platform Pumps

It doesn't get more French girl goals than a full midi skirt and a pair of delicious satin pumps. Really dive into the chic look by opting for dark colors and a sweater with a close-cropped fit in a subtle pattern like polka dots or stripes.

With Leather Pants

Leather pants might strike you as a fall or winter wardrobe staple, but when paired with the right mock neck sweater, they transform into a fresh outfit. We recommend either tucking in your sweater or picking one with a cropped hemline so that your pants can take their rightful place as the star of this look.

With a Corset Top

If pairing a corset top with literally every fashion trend of the year is wrong, we don't want to be right. The name of the game when incorporating a corset into a sweater outfit is contrast. The structure of a corset top already contrasts with the relaxed fit of most knit sweaters, so keep the vibe going by further contrasting satin and lace with wool and mixing prints.

With a Sheer Skirt

Sheer clothing is inescapable right now, but it can be a little intimidating to try. To give yourself a confidence boost and some added coverage, try combining a pair of full-coverage undies or ultra-short bike shorts with a long-sleeve sweater and a full tulle skirt.

With Straight Leg Jeans and Heels

For a look that gives big Americana energy, there's nothing better than a pair of straight-leg jeans, a fitted pullover, and heels. In fact, we think it's easily the most elevated but effortless outfit on this list. The secret here is to grab a pair of jeans that fit loosely through the leg and hit at the ankle. That way your heels don't get swallowed up.

With a Statement Bra

Sure, it may not be summer, but that doesn't mean we can't start dreaming of beach vacations and bringing that vibe into our sweater outfits courtesy of a loose-knit cardigan and a statement bra.

With a Tennis Skirt and Crew Socks

Celebs have been loving preppy athleisure looks, and nothing blends Upper East Side sophistication with "yes, I play racquet sports" confidence like a striped sweater and a tennis skirt. Nautically themed stripes and colors work best for this sweater outfit on top, while ballet flats or sneakers keep things casual on the bottom.

With a Maxiskirt

For a look that works equally well at brunch as it does an afternoon at the museum or night out on the town, try throwing a sweater over a silk maxiskirt. This sweater outfit capitalizes on color, so don't be afraid to go bold or mix prints.

With Boots and Denim

To tone down a miniskirt while still making a fashion statement, try pulling on a bulky sweater and a pair of bold combat boots. The utilitarian vibe of the boots, in combination with the volume of the sweater, creates ample balance for a stellar bare-legged moment.

Over a Silk Dress

Tossing an oversized sweater over a lingerie-inspired silk dress creates a vibe that's both sultry and undone. We recommend reaching for a sweater and dress in similar shades, then adding shoes and accessories in a vibrant color for a streamlined aesthetic that also pops.