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 usually takes the cake in this category season after season since the brand offers plenty of pieces in eye-catching, seasonally-appropriate colorways.
But it's far from the only supplier. Altuzarra and Veronica Beard's cozy cardigans scream ski trip. While Prada sets itself apart from the pack by boldly displaying its logo.
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 $70. For comparison's sake, the most expensive item runs $3,300. Surprise, surprise, it comes courtesy of Prada.
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.
COS Fair Isle Wool and Cashmere Sweater, $190 at COS
Khaite The Nalani Patterned Intarsia-Knit Jumper, $1,680 at Farfetch
Zara Cable Knit Jacquard Knit Cardigan, $69.90 at Zara
Boden Eleanor Fair Isle Sweater in Pine Green, $160 at Boden
Isabel Marant Étoile Dully Sweater, $595 at Revolve
Prada Logo Fair Isle Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $3,300 at Bergdorf Goodman
Alanui Sweet Winter Jumper, $528 at Farfetch
Monse Cropped Fairisle Slit Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater, $387 at FWRD
Veronica Beard Christina Fair Isle Alpaca-Blend Cardigan, $650 at Net-a-Porter
J.Crew Cashmere Diamond Fair Isle Sweater in Rust Cream Chocolate, $248 at J.Crew
Wilfred Harlow Merino Wool Sweater in Dark H Grey/Multi, $178 at Aritzia
BDG Beverly Fairisle Oversized Zip-Up Sweater, $79 at Urban Outfitters
Altuzarra Barnum Fair Isle Wool-Blend Cardigan, $795 at Net-a-Porter
ALIGNE Freba Sweater, $185 at Shopbop
Varley Marcie Fairisle Sweater, $178 at Anthropologie
arch4 Whistler Fair Isle Intarsia-Knit Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $845 at Net-a-Porter
COS Fair-Isle Wool Sweater, $170 at COS
Polo Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Wool-Blend Turtleneck, $498 at Ralph Lauren
Sea Ayla Knit Long Sleeve Sweater, $395 at Shopbop
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