Every season needs an item of clothing as its staple, and in different categories: summer has sandals and tank tops, spring has cropped jeans and sun dresses, and for fall? A pair of good jeans and cozy sweaters . It’s never too early to shop for fall 2021 styles, especially for staple items like sweaters, so we found 20 that moms should snag now.
There are a bunch of fresh sweater styles being released in the fashion world right now, from slouchy half or fully buttoned cardigans (‘sup Taylor Swift) to sweaters with trendy balloon sleeves. Or, look to crew-neck sweaters that can be tucked into jeans or dressed up, as well as comfy oversized sweaters to wear over leggings. Whatever the sweater, there are tons of style options to choose from.
Crew-Neck Pullover Sweater
Target
Speaking of crew-neck sweaters, they are here to stay. For this season, the traditionally laid-back style is being paired with a more dressed-up, looser sleeve style. This green pullover style from Target nails that trend. The dotted texture adds interest, while the pop of fall color makes it perfect for the season.
Olive Cardigan
Anthropologie
Cardigans finally got the recognition they deserved in 2020 thanks to Taylor Swift’s song from one of her two albums that year. Cardigans are still going to ride that glory into fall 2021. Exhibit A is this olive-colored button-up cardigan with a V-shaped neckline. It can be worn over a T-shirt or on its own.
Drop-Shoulder Rib-Knit Sweater
SHEIN
Drop waists were popular in the 1920s, but what about dropped-shoulders? We’re loving this totally fun look for fall and winter 2021: a drop-shoulder sweater with slight balloon-style sleeves, round neckline, and cropped length. The wide ribbed texture gives it a luxurious look.
Out From Under Sandra Cardigan
Out From Under Sandra Cardigan
Cropped tops and cropped styles are here to stay, and they are not just for summer clothes. Sweaters can be cropped, too, while still keeping things cozy and warm, and even sexy, like this Urban Outfitters cream three-button cardigan. We love its soft waffle-weave texture and slouchy sleeves.
Oversized Waffle Knit Sweater
Urban Outfitters
Sometimes, you just need to have an oversized, super comfortable sweater to throw on to go out and still know you look chic. That’s the idea with this max oversized waffle knit sweater from Urban Outfitters. It comes in five different colors (though we’re partial to neutrals) and can be worn with pants — or not. No judgment here.
Casual Crew-Neck Sweatshirt
Amazon
Patchwork Pullover Knit Sweater
Amazon
Balloon-Sleeve Cropped Sweater
Lulu’s
If balloon sleeves are on trend, we are here for it — and have a sweater to boot. This baby blue sweater rocks balloon sleeves with crew neck and a semi-cropped length. Pair it with a pair of bell bottoms, which are reemerging from the depths of both the ’70s and ’00s. It makes a comfortable but dressed-up work look.
Pointelle Knit Cardigan Sweater
Lulu’s
Cottage core was all the rage this summer, and it will continue to be big fashion news into this fall and winter as well — and this lightweight, lacy cardigan with looser sleeves is the look to have. Pair it with a T-shirt and jeans or wear it over a summer dress as the weather starts to cool and you need to transition your wardrobe.
Rib Crop Crew-Neck Sweater
Nordstrom
Every closet needs a staple sweater and this black, ribbed-textured crew-neck is it for us. It can be made more casual when paired with jeans, or can be tucked into pants or a skirt and worn with booties for a more elevated office look. The sleeves are a little bit baggy for ultimate comfort. This one runs true to size.
Fisherman Sweater
Nordstrom
Sometimes, you want a sweater that’s more about comfort than about looking trendy, but you still want to look put together. That style is found in this fisherman pull-over crew-neck sweater from Nordstrom. It looks so comfortable and cozy, but its ribbed texture adds a touch of style and structure.
Crew-Neck Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy
Believe it or not, it is possible for cardigans to be sexy, and not just in a librarian way. Pair this gray full-button cardigan over top of tank top, cami, or bandeau for a sexy look, or wear it over a T-shirt with some jeans. That’s why cardigans are so great: They’re versatile in how they can be styled.
Acid-Wash Shaker-Stitch Plus-Size Sweater
Old Navy
As much as we appreciate a good neutral, pops of color are a necessity in any style, even sweaters during those gray, colder fall and winter months. This hot pink crew-neck sweater will be just what the doctor ordered for the season. It’s loose enough to be comfortable, but cut to be flattering. The texture helps keep it interesting, too.
Button-Front Short Cardigan
Torrid
Want a cardigan that’s more fitted than slouchy? We have a sweater for that, too. It’s Torrid’s front-button short cardigan that’s long enough to meet regular-waisted pants. The knit is also thin enough it can be tucked into high-waisted pants. This cardigan buttons all the way up, and can be worn on its own or over a more fitted top.
Rawr Ambition Dinosaur Pullover Sweater
ModCloth
Sweaters can be warm, baggy, tight, and bright. They can also be fun. That’s the idea behind this sweater from ModCloth, which boasts blue freakin’ dinosaurs instead of the classic fisherman-style geometric patterns. The dinos are accented by rust lines and pink dots to add to the whimsy. Pair it with jeans and sneakers, or throw on some flats and wear it to work.
Seabrook Cardigan Sweater
Madewell
Baggy cardigans are just so comfortable and we needed to include one on the list, especially in this fall-appropriate cinnamon color. Wear it open over a cami or T-shirt, or button it up when the weather is colder. This one from Madewell has oversized buttons and it also has pockets! Obviously for storing snacks.
The Oversized Alpaca Crew
Everlane
Alpacas produce beautiful soft wool that’s made into hats, gloves, and sweaters. This is Everlane’s first sweater made with alpaca wool, and we think it’s hella cute. Everlane says the wool is humanely sourced and more sustainable than other fibers. This one looks so soft with its ribbed knit and baggier sleeves.
Boxy Sweater With a V-Neck
ASOS
We love a good neutral sweater, like this great V-neck “boxy” style from ASOS. It’s casual enough to go with jeans but its shape and neckline can be dressed up to be paired with a maxi skirt or dress pants. It has a ribbed texture that’s flattering and adds dimension.
Sweater With Corset Detail
ASOS
While many people like having boxy, baggy sweaters, consider body-hugging sweaters that are just as warm and just as chic. This brown zip-up sweater from the ASOS Curve line has a “corset” detail, a trendy square neckline, and cropped hemline that hits at the top of the pants. This one is selling quickly.
Heart Design Mock-Neck Sweater
Anthropologie
Are hearts the new go-to shape for fall fashion? If they’re as cute as these black hearts on this white sweater from Anthropologie, we sure hope so. It has a higher mock turtle neckline, and a length that can be worn out or chicly tucked in. We can see this one paired with either skirts or pants.
