Sweaters are to winter what T-shirts are to summer. Necessary due to the weather and also to make a sartorially impressive ensemble. There are tons of knits to be had, but we're partial to Fair Isle sweaters. Especially this time of year because there's something inherently festive and simultaneously après-ski about them.
Good news. You'll have no trouble finding fashion-forward options. Designers have always embraced the colorful style of knitting that originally hails from the Shetland Islands. Hence the name. Khaite pretty much takes the cake in this category this season. (Designer Catherine Holstein also took the title of American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards.) The brand offers plenty of pieces in eye-catching, seasonally-appropriate colorways.
But it's far from the only supplier. Bottega Veneta appeases the still recovering quiet luxury converts by focusing the Fair Isle pattern along the neckline of its sweater vest. Tory Burch's cardigan is a much more polished take you could even get away with wearing to the office. Ganni sets itself apart from the pack with neon accents.
A Fair Isle knit is meant to be one of your outermost layers. So the fabrics of choice are usually wool, cashmere and/or mohair. Which explains why the prices are somewhat significant. The cheapest selection on our list is still almost $90. For comparison's sake, the most expensive item runs $3,400. Surprise, surprise, it comes courtesy of Khaite.
Styling these knits is relatively straightforward. When working with such busy sweaters, you want to keep the rest of your look simple. This is one of those times when you're more than justified to wear jeans. Worried about being chilly? Slip on a turtleneck underneath. Although you should skip turtlenecks with fancy collars. After all, we're trying to avoid additional distractions. You can also pair Fair Isle sweaters with solid-color trousers or even neutral cargo pants. We'll leave the footwear up to you.
Keep reading to shop the top takes this winter has to offer.
Khaite Halo Fair Isle-Jacquard Cashmere-Blend Sweater, $3,400 at Matches Fashion
Ganni Chunky Graphic Wool Cropped Sweater, $375 at Shopbop
DÔEN Harvest Fair Isle Knitted Sweater, $380 at Net-a-Porter
Isabel Marant Étoile Fair Isle Wool Cardigan, $531 at Mytheresa
Dunst Fair Isle Wool Knit Sweater, $239 at LuisaViaRoma
Bottega Veneta Wool Gilet With Jacquard Collar, $1,100 at Bottega Veneta
Alex Mill Bailey Fair Isle Turtleneck, $225 at Shopbop
Tory Burch Wool Fair Isle Cardigan, $378 at Tory Burch
J.Crew Cashmere Fair Isle Relaxed Sweater, $298 at J.Crew
Alexander McQueen Off the Shoulder Pullover, $503.15 at Italist
COS Fair Isle Wool and Cashmere Sweater, $225 at COS
Polo Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Knitted Sweater, $430 at Net-a-Porter
'S Max Mara Wool, Cashmere and Mohair Polo-Neck Sweater, $745 at Max Mara
Sonia Rykiel Fair-Isle Intarsia-Knit Jumper, $658 at Farfetch
Gap Fair Isle Mockneck Sweater in Sky Blue, $89.95 at Gap
A.L.C. Landry Fair Isle Wool Sweater, $495 at Net-a-Porter
Raey Fair Isle Wool-Blend Crew Neck Jumper, $750 at Matches Fashion
