Outdated Sweater Trends To Drop For Fall 2025 - And What To Wear Instead

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Fall fashion without sweaters is like an autumn latte without the pumpkin spice. It just doesn't make any sense. But just because knitwear is a spooky season standby doesn't mean your sweater outfits should risk looking stale. From creatively draped capes to slouchy collared pullovers, 2025's knitwear is all about tiny details that elevate classic pieces. "There are still classic silhouettes like crew and V-neck, but this season we are seeing more texture and playfulness," personal stylist Erin Noël exclusively tells Women.com.

Detailed textures are key to selecting on-trend knit pieces that have a luxurious, cozy feel for the colder months. "Seek visible stitches or mixed yarns — like crochet, ribbing or waffle textures — to create richness even at a lower price," personal stylist Sabrina Morin told CNN. If you're looking to make a statement, do it with interesting materials and construction, rather than super trendy shapes or embellishments that will look outdated by next season.

The long cardigan and leggings duo might have had Millennials in a chokehold for years, but it's time to retire these sweaters in favor of shorter silhouettes. "Unless you are using it as a robe, don't style yourself in a long knit," says stylist Erin Noël. Instead, consider a shorter style that returns more emphasis to your waist, like the Chanyarn Cardigan Sweater, which can even be tucked into your jeans for a French girl vibe.

"Ultra cropped sweaters are truly not practical, and hard to style," explains stylist Erin Noël. Instead, add layers to your look with a more surprising knit, like a cape or poncho, which are among the fall fashion trends you'll be seeing everywhere. Knits draped in interesting, organic shapes can add effortless depth to your outfit without seeming bulky or restrictive. The effect is elegant and effortless — after all, nothing is easier to throw on than a poncho. The best part is you'll be every bit as cozy as if you were bundled up in a blanket.

The sleek turtleneck sweater has dominated fall layering for years, but its chunkier, relaxed cousin, the rollneck, is trending for fall. This louche style is perfect if the fisherman aesthetic trend is the laidback, coastal vibe your wardrobe needs, since the bulkier knit has a more rugged, workwear appeal. If turtleneck sweaters say big city sleekness, the rollneck sweater is for playing football with the cousins on Thanksgiving morning when you're upstate.

Quiet luxury continues to dominate the fashion cycle, which means you should steer clear of knitwear accented with sequins or metallic threads. Instead, the best flash is high-quality fibers that feel great to the skin, like high-quality merino wool and cashmere. If you feel like making a bolder statement, stylist Erin Noël suggests trying an unexpected material like angora.

Dolman sleeves have a wide armhole that tapers in toward the wrist. While this slouchy shape brings plenty of drama, it can risk looking sloppy and bulky. Stylist Erin Noël recommends forgoing it in favor of a more forgiving shape. "The dolman sleeve on a sweater tends to create a top-heavy look," she explains. "Instead of choosing those styles, it's time to replace your cardigan with an hourglass-style knit. This highlights your waist and creates a flattering silhouette." A structured cardigan with a cinched waist looks polished and fresh.

While everyone wants to bundle up in a cozy, chunky knit, Erin Noël recommends reaching for something that's more oversized than wide-cut. "If you're looking for a pullover style, I would choose an oversized V-neck or crew neck," says Erin Noël. "Sweaters with wide cuts are often hard to put with a pant that creates the correct line and silhouette that completes a look." The sharp, square structure of a boxy sweater is hard to style, while a slouchy oversized sweater will look casual and cozy.

Pastels might have been among the hottest color trends of 2025, but there's no denying that they simply make more sense in the spring. Rather than reaching for icy blues and pale pinks, look for knits in richer shades that are near neutral. Think: burgundy, navy, and chocolate brown. These deeper hues will feel better suited to the cooling autumn weather, but will still feel fresher than the classic neutral standbys like black and gray.

Instead of fringe or tassels, add visual interest with classic textures like cable or rib knit designs. Rather than one dramatic focal point, you'll add an overall sense of depth that doesn't risk looking costume-y or excessively busy. Like the sophisticated boucle jacket trend, these textures are interesting enough to wear on their own or subtle enough to layer with other pieces. That versatility, paired with their undeniable timelessness, means you'll still be wearing these knits for years to come.