Living in a tiny NYC apartment means closet space is pure gold—especially for a fashion lover like me, who’s always chasing (and adapting to) new trends! As the year draws to a close, I’m diving into a deep dive of my sweater collection: ready to bid farewell to styles that’ve had their moment, and carve out room for pieces that match today’s fashion-forward vibe. It’s time to clear the old to make space for the new, and lean into a fresh, current aesthetic that feels true to right now.
Staying ahead of the fashion curve isn’t always easy, and letting go of garments that hold sentimental value can be tough. However, fashion is all about progress, and with a clearer vision of my personal style and what works practically, I’m ready to remove sweaters that no longer fit the bill. From silhouettes that once graced the streets to patterns that now feel more retro than relevant, these are the sweater trends that are making their exit from my closet.
1. **Cold-Shoulder Sweaters**: These sweaters enjoyed popularity in the mid-2010s, offering a flirty twist on cozy knits with their distinctive shoulder cut-outs. For a while, they were a go-to for both casual outings and office wear when paired with smart trousers, but their charm has faded significantly. In today’s fashion landscape, which favors cleaner lines, cold-shoulder styles often appear overly complicated and less practical than they once did. What was once seen as versatile now feels out of step with the minimalist silhouettes that are currently dominating.
As much as I appreciated the playful peek-a-boo effect they offered, I’m transitioning to more streamlined and timeless styles, finding that a sleek turtleneck or a classic crewneck knit integrates more seamlessly into any outfit without unnecessary visual clutter. The current emphasis is on comfort and simplicity, and these cold-shoulder designs feel a bit like they’re trying too hard to make a statement.
Product on Amazon: Langwyqu Womens Cold Shoulder Turtleneck Sweaters 2024 Fall Long Sleeve Soft Cable Knit Pullovers Sexy Jumper Tops
Brand: Visit the Langwyqu Store
Price: 29.98 USD
Rating: 4 Total reviews: 141
Fabric type: 49%viscose,28%polyester,23%nylon
Care instructions: Machine Wash
Origin: Imported
Closure type: Pull On
Features:
1. STYLISH DESIGN – Our womens long sleeve sweater tops feature a trendy cold shoulder design, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your outfit. Stay warm and chic with the classic turtleneck style of our sweaters it provides extra warmth for those chilly autumn days
2. PREMIUM MATERIAL – Crafted with attention to detail, our mock turtleneck sweater are made from high-quality materials for durability and comfort, our knit tops for women casual fall ensures a cozy and warm experience throughout the day
3. PERFECT FIT – Whether you prefer a loose or fitted look, our batwing cable knit sweater women offers a flattering silhouette for every body type. Its provides a relaxed and comfortable fit, allowing you to move freely without compromising style
4. PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION – With its cable blend rib knitted details, this soft sweaters for women stands out from the crowd. The intricate pattern adds a sophisticated and stylish element to our sexy sweaters, making them a perfect choice for any occasion
5. GARMENT CARE – The loose fitting cold shoulder sweaters for women 2024 are easy to care for and can be machine washed with a laundry bag or hand washed cold. Do not bleach
Top Review from US: “I love the style of this sweater and the way it fits. I went with my regular size according to the size chart after reading the reviews. It isn’t a form fitting sweater but it’s not a baggy sweater… just slightly loose fitting and stretchy. I’m 5’ 6” and 145 lbs so I ordered a Medium and it fits perfectly. The shoulder cutouts make this look very elegant. I ordered the Burgundy color and it is perfect for the holidays and looks just like the photo. This sweater is very dressy looking but will also go well with a nice pair of jeans or leggings. Very good quality and worth the price but I got mine during a lightening deal. I highly recommend this sweater.”
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2. **Chunky Cable-Knit Sweaters**: The chunky cable-knit sweater was once the quintessential symbol of autumn comfort, perfect for cozy evenings and pairing effortlessly with skinny jeans or layering over dresses. For a period, these oversized knits defined stylish coziness, but as fashion trends have evolved towards more fitted and refined options, the substantial bulk of cable-knit sweaters now feels more cumbersome than chic. They were a beloved staple for capturing that hygge feeling.
I do appreciate well-crafted knitwear, but these particularly bulky cable-knit designs can easily overwhelm the body and complicate layering, which is a significant challenge in a city where both space and practicality are paramount. My current preference is for lighter knit fabrics with subtle textures or understated patterns that provide warmth without adding excessive visual weight, striking a better balance between comfort and clean aesthetics.
Product on Amazon: NIUBIA Men’s Slim Fit Crewneck Pullover Sweater Winter Casual Chunky Cable Knit Comfort Heavy Long Sleeve Sweaters
Brand: Visit the NIUBIA Store
Price: 36.99 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 204
Fabric type: ACRYLIC 47%;PBT 30%;NYLON 23%
Care instructions: Machine Wash
Closure type: Pull On
Weave type: Rib
Features:
1. This men’s sweater is made of high-quality skin-friendly fabrics, soft and comfortable, but also able to provide warmth in the cold winter
2. Features: Men’s winter casual sweater/long-sleeved/rough knit/cable/rib, classic style, fashionable and durable, suitable for spring, autumn and winter
3. Matching: very easy to match with jackets, down jackets, jeans, boots, etc.
4. Occasion: This men’s solid color casual sweater is suitable for daily wear, outing activities, work, business, sports, walking, lounge, campus
5. Washing instructions: machine washable, hang to dry
Top Review from US: “Exactly as described , looks like it will fit my hubby well -seems to be correct size (XL). It’s beautiful and soft, without any itchy spots. For size reference my hubby is like 170ish lbs and 6ft 1””
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3. **Open-Knit Sweaters**: These sweaters, once celebrated as a breezy choice for transitional weather, offered opportunities for creative layering and a subtle hint of skin, adding a playful touch to outfits. While they were ideal for bridging the gap between seasons, their appeal has diminished as fashion’s focus has shifted towards more structured and intentionally layered pieces that offer a more polished look.
The open-knit trend, which often required a lot of effort to style (hello, endless debates about what to wear underneath), feels impractical for today’s streamlined wardrobes. I’ve fallen for alternatives like ribbed sweaters or slim-fitting cardigans that offer the same versatile layering potential without the hassle. Goodbye to the constant tugging and pulling at base layers under open-knit sweaters — it’s time for a more fuss-free approach.
4. **Sweaters with Embellishments**: Sparkly beads, sequins, and other decorative elements on sweaters used to signal festive flair and add a touch of glamour to cozy outfits, making them a popular choice for holiday gatherings or elevating casual ensembles. However, these embellished pieces now strike me as excessive and, frankly, a bit outdated in an era that increasingly values understated elegance and subtle sophistication.
While there’s always a time and place for festive clothing, contemporary fashion trends tend to favor sleek designs and high-quality fabrics to make an impact, moving away from an abundance of embellishments towards a more refined aesthetic. I’m bidding farewell to these sparkly sweaters in favor of sophisticated pieces that still turn heads but do so with a more subtle and sustainable approach, like luxurious cashmere or merino wool in rich, deep colors that are effortlessly chic.
5. **Animal-Print Sweaters**: Leopard, tiger, zebra — you name it, animal prints have had their fair share of the spotlight. A few years ago, animal-print sweaters were a bold statement piece that added edge and personality to any outfit. However, like any trend that burns brightly, it eventually fades, and these once-dominant patterns now feel more overwhelming than exciting.
In their place, I’ve adopted sweaters in neutral or monochrome tones that still offer visual interest through textured weaves or intricate stitching details. These new additions feel more mature and versatile, integrating seamlessly into my existing wardrobe while maintaining an air of sophistication and timeless style.
Product on Amazon: Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Long-Sleeve V-Neck Tunic Sweater (Available in Plus Size)
Brand: Visit the Amazon Essentials Store
Price: 19 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 10463
Fabric type: 55% Cotton, 25% Modal, 20% Polyester
Care instructions: Machine Wash Cold, Dry Flat
Origin: Imported
Closure type: Pull On
Features:
1. REGULAR FIT: Close but comfortable fit through chest, waist, and hips.
2. COTTON BLEND LIGHTWEIGHT SWEATER YARN: Soft, lightweight sweater yarn with beautiful drape.
3. TUNIC SWEATER: A modern, classic layering piece, perfect for both a polished and casual look.
4. DETAILS: Features a classic v-neck, tunic length for ease and versatile styling, and long sleeves with ribbing at cuffs, and hem.
Top Review from US: “I’ll be honest—I was extremely skeptical about grabbing an Amazon Basics sweater. At such a reasonable price, I just assumed something would be off—whether sizing, material, or fit. But I couldn’t have been happier to be proven wrong! This sweater is a total win. It’s a v-neck, which is hands down my most flattering neckline, and the v isn’t too deep (no indecency here!). As someone with a fuller bust, I can wear it comfortably to work without a camisole underneath—total game-changer for ease. The material is nice and soft, too: not cashmere-level plush, but way nicer than I expected from a $20 sweater. It holds up well in the wash, too—I’ve laundered it a few times now with zero shrinkage (full disclosure: I air-dry my sweaters instead of putting them in the dryer, which probably helps!). After 2-3 washes, there’s a tiny bit of pilling under the arms where the fabric rubs together, but it’s minimal and barely noticeable. The sweater is also pretty long—while I don’t think I’d rock it as a tunic with leggings, it pairs perfectly with skinny jeans…”
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