A sweater is a fall staple like a swim suit is a summer staple. You can’t nearly get through the season without a few in your closet. I like sweaters that carry from fall into winter and then right into spring. That being said, I prefer comfort over chic or dressy. But I like to mix it up as well. Thank goodness the weather is finally cooling down at night and in the mornings to wear sweaters.

This season and year, it’s been about the oversized look and that’s no different this fall with sweaters. A sweater is a good staple piece under a jacket or blazer. But also a topper over a button-up blouse or tank top. A good sweater will stand a few seasons and look like was a new add to the closet. Now is the perfect time to embrace sweater weather. So I am sharing my favorite sweater must have for every closet. 

Fall Sweaters Your Closet Needs

Fall sweaters are my favorite to shop for. And here’s a few of my favorites this season along with a few ways to style them. You may notice several of the same style or color or multiple ways to wear a sweater as I like to have a fall capsule wardrobe that can be worn many ways. A sweater is a great layering piece and so essential for fall into winter fashion. 

Cable Sweater

This classic keeps coming back around year after year with a refresh for the season. I do have a few of these cable sweaters from a few years ago. And I think the cable part keeps getting chunkier and chunkier each year. Either way, you can style them for fall all the way through spring and possibly summer on those cooler nights. These sweaters come in all cuts, shapes, and sizes. And also look good on almost all body types. They are a great layering piece either over a long sleeve top/tee, or under a jacket or vest. My personal favorite way to wear a cable sweater is oversized. And even grab the mens line before oversized became so trendy this year. I love to wear them with a pair of skinny jeans and tall boots. Or sneakers depending on the look I’m going for.

Cozy Sweater

I probably have the most of this sweater in my closet. There’s something about a cozy, soft, knit sweater that makes me feel all warm inside, literally and figuratively! My favorite lines of cozy sweaters are from Free People and Barefoot Dreams. Both of these have higher price tags. But when you get them on, it feels like heaven, it’s so soft! I always find when I wear specific sweaters from these two brands, my hubby snuggles up much more than usual. (Hint to the ladies and guys there!)

The cozy sweaters I have have a bit of a longer sleeve that billows making them extra warm for my hands and wrists. These sweaters come in all sizes, shapes, and I have even seen a few color block sweaters in the cozy material – you know when you see it it’s going to be soft and cozy – so these are perfect for every body. This type of sweater can be thin, or can be very thick, making them perfect for fall and winter.

Chunky Sweaters

Chunky Sweaters are the ones I feel like pop up most often in a Google search. When cold weather hits, these are the ones I reach for most often because they are perfect as a top layer or under a vest. I do love a good turtleneck chunky sweater even if I did make fun of my mom growing up and into my 20’s for wearing them all the time! The difference is, the oversized part. Oversized wasn’t a thing until late last year, early this year. So the oversize chunky sweater might be something you recently or have yet to add to your closet.

Another great way to wear this style is as a chunky sweater cardigan. Both options come in almost every color, come cropped. And are great for all sizes and shapes. Because you can always add a belt around the waist to give yourself a waist if you want.

Knit Sweater

When I think of knit sweaters, I always think of the cute sweaters that don’t do much on the warmth side, or the other extreme where you sweat to death! I am sure a chunky knit can be in the middle, but I’ve yet to find one. When I lived in Indiana, these were all I wore because I don’t do well in winter or cold. Because of this, I still want to wear the super warm chunky knit here in AZ, but always sweat to death. I usually have a lighter knit that I throw a t shirt underneath in case I still get too warm.

Knits make great versatile pieces for layering and you can sometimes find a turtleneck sweater that is a tunic length and make it into a dress. The oversized knit sweaters I like to wear with leggings or skinny jeans to give some sort of shape to my body, even if it’s impossible to tell on my upper half that I do have a shape. As with all the other sweater types, this one too comes in every shape, size, color, and pattern you could imagine.

Cardigan Sweater

Another one of my favorite ways to wear a sweater and have two different outfits with the same sweater is with a cardigan sweater. My favorite are the ones with buttons or snaps as these easily convert to a sweater dress with leggings if you need some extra warmth! Many times, when you think of a cardigan sweater, you think of Grandpa’s sweater with the lower buttons and the longer V neckline.

Those are some of the best-oversized sweaters around, but I also love the ones that can be used as a dress. Very similar to the kimono, where it’s multi-functional in the wardrobe. A cardigan sweater can be shorter, cropped, full length, with or without buttons, and also cross over to the athleisure space. These are staples and I have at least 5 of these in my closet that range in warmth level to very little to extreme warmth, in as many colors too.

Distressed Sweater

The amount of distressing in a sweater determines if it will provide actual warmth, or if you can wear it in fall in Arizona! I love these sweaters because they stay so hot in Arizona for so long into the fall that sweaters are quite difficult to wear without sweating to death. The fall season here doesn’t usually start until October when temps actually drop at night, but this year, we didn’t get below 90 degrees until November. A distressed sweater is a sign of relief for us desert dwellers because it allows us to still have fall wardrobe essentials while keeping cool. These sweaters are always great for layering with a cami under or over a summer dress you want to take into fall. They also work great for those cooler nights in summer when a sweater is needed.

I have seen distressed sweaters with a chunky knit, in a cozy material, off-the-shoulder, cropped, cable, basically, they come in every style and with as little or as much distressing as you can get while still holding the sweater together. I prefer sweaters that are distressed around the neckline and the bottom hem to be able to wear them more ways but have worn super distressed sweaters on occasion. These are the perfect sweaters for fall because of their style.

Cropped Sweater

This is probably the least worn sweater I have in my closet, mostly because it’s new to me. I have always struggled with loving my stomach and waistline, so I don’t often shop for this type. However, these do make cute fall sweaters that help me keep cooler than usual in a sweater here in Arizona. I often find myself reaching for this type of sweater when I’m wearing leggings or athleisure when it’s chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon. These also work really well with high-waisted jeans with a little front tuck and sometimes a long blazer jacket over top. These are great for anyone wanting to show a little skin, or not have so much bulk when wearing a sweater. The weight of these can range from super lightweight to very warm, and they come in all sizes and color patterns.

Off the Shoulder Sweater

If you are looking for a cute sweater that’s good for date night and girls’ nights, look to the Off the Shoulder Sweater. When I, and maybe you, think of a sweater, I tend to think everything is covered and no skin is showing. I want warmth when I wear a sweater. With off-the-shoulder though, you get to bring back a little bit of sexiness into an otherwise very conservative option. This cute sweater works so well to bring in a hint of bare skin that we all can use when other areas of our figure are hidden.

An off-the-shoulder sweater comes in any color, in most fabrics, and is even popular in the athleisure space. I believe it’s always good to have an off-the-shoulder sweater in your closet for those times when you want to feel a little fancy. Off the shoulder are also great options to use as a cover-up for a maxi dress or other summer dresses to transition to fall.

Here are a few of the different types of women’s sweaters I love along with where you can grab them besides the ones listed above.

Each of the photos is an affiliate link, so if you use them, I get a little bit of commission that helps me continue doing this for you! <3

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Hey, it’s getting cooler out! Time to bust out the sweaters. But not just any old sweaters. This is fall, so we need sweaters that will keep us warm and look good too.

I’ve been looking around and I’ve found some great sweaters for this season. For instance, I found this really cool cashmere sweater. It comes in a range of colors, so you can mix and match with different outfits. And it’s high quality, so it’ll last through a lot of wear and tear.

Another great option is a sweater vest. They’re perfect for layering and they come in lots of different styles. You can find them in knit, wool, or even faux fur! So there’s definitely something for everyone.

And don’t forget about trench coats! They’re perfect for those fall days when the weather isn’t quite sure what it wants to do. They’ll keep you warm and they come in lots of different colors and styles too.

So go ahead and stock up on sweaters for this fall! You won’t regret it.

Yes, I said invest because when I buy something, I want it to stay around a long time and have multiple uses out of it. A kimono is one of the pieces you can wear year round, and with multiple outfits, so I consider them a major closet staple and investment piece. They are super easy to layer and add to an outfit as a statement, even in the fall and winter.

How to Style a Kimono

What is a kimono?

If you are unfamiliar with what a kimono is, here’s a little background on it. The kimono is a traditional piece of clothing in Japanese culture that is a T shape. It is flat and has square sleeves and a rectangle body. Think of the attire Sumo Wrestlers wear – this is a Kimono robe. This traditional Japanese garment is meant to be worn with a belt, but in modern times, they are flowy and often worn unbelted and open. There are many different length kimonos, and they come in any type of fabric. Earning them the title of: great layering pieces. I generally think of them as a boho piece of clothing, not as much as I relate them to Japanese culture. Below, we’ll talk about the different ways you can wear a kimono if you are new to this clothing trend.

Are Kimonos Still Fashionable

The short answer? YES! Kimonos are in this season (for both men and women!), and if the fashion experts have predicted correctly, they will be in style for a least a couple more years. Fashion is fluid, but Kimonos are here to stay for a while.

And no wonder, because they are comfy and stylish all at once. Although the traditional Japanese Kimono is meant to be worn on special occasions like weddings and tea ceremonies, Western culture has adapted this style and continues to pay homage to this unique look..

Ways to style a kimono

The first and probably most used way I wear a kimono is as a swim cover up. Living in Arizona where it’s hot more than it’s cold, having a few to rotate is best. On the cooler days and nights, a graphic tee, a pair of ankle high leather boots, and a kimono with jeans is perfect!

But, of course, the girls always want to have a swim day. So I want to focus on some summer outfits that you can add a kimono too. And in summer, anything more than a light cover up kimono and swimmie will cause severe sweating! 

As A Kimono Swim Cover Up

This goes for one piece suits as well as bikinis. I like to pack extra kimonos when I travel because they usually double as a cover up and towel, as many have fabric which can tie into a bow/knot.

Sometimes, as a mom, I don’t always get to wear the kimono, because a child gets cold, or needs head cover, so they work well in this case. I do love to have a variety of lengths for a cover up depending on where we are. I generally wear maxi kimonos because they usually are pretty and can double for a dress.

As A Kimono Wrap Dress

It may seem like a theme here, but we have to get creative when the heat comes in summer. A traditional kimono is a cover up dress. Therefore, many kimonos are thicker, have enough fabric and a belt to tie, or something similar that makes a dress.

An easy way to make a dress out of a kimono is to wrap one side of the opening across your body to the other and close the open side to make it a wrap dress and secure closed with a belt. These work the best with long kimonos, but if you are brave and want to try it with a shorter one, go for it! Generally, I wear a bandeau top or a bralette and bikini undies in case an accidental wardrobe malfunction happened 🤪

As A Kimono Jacket

When the temps are warm outside but cooler inside, or vice versa in the spring/fall a lightweight kimono is a perfect layer to keep you warm or cool without being too much. If you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time and want to add an additional layer to protect from the sun, a kimono is a great jacket since it generally covers a large portion of your body.

As I mentioned a bit ago, these also work great for when you go to dinner and need a sweater or jacket to throw or on your bag for warmth or sun blocking. You can find short and long sleeved kimonos to make it work for almost any weather.

Best Kimonos

Here are a few of my favorite types of Kimonos. While they’re not the exact one’s I’ve featured in the outfits below, they are all really similar!

Dreamy Island Vibes Chiffon Kimono

I love this Kimono from Windsor. The light and flowy material means you can wear this on your next brunch outing, as your next bathing suit cover up, or even an adorable nightgown that makes you feel beautiful and confident. You can find Windsor products online, or at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. More on my favorite places to shop in Scottsdale, here.

Floral Print Chainjoy Kimono

This Kimono is perfect for Summer and Spring, overtop any white tank top or t-shirt. But, don’t count it out for Fall and Winter just yet. Throw this floral kimono over a long-sleeve top of any floral color, then add your leggings and knee-high boots and you’ve got the perfect outfit for the cooler weather.

Black Bsubseach Kimono

Now here is a kimono that can go anywhere and do anything. From a beach coverup to a cardigan to a dress, this black Kimono is a super versatile peice. One you want to add to your wardrobe asap, because it makes creating outfits that much easier.

Black Tie-Dye Bsubseach Kimono

Here’s another kimono from Bsubseach because it just love the length and style of these. Not to mention, they come at a great price! Black and white are such classic colors, it makes it even easier to pair this Kimono with your other wardrobe staples. For an added pop of color, add a colored belt to your Kimono outfit. Think pink, baby blue, yellow, or red.

Vintage Floral SweatyRocks Kimono

I love the almost tribal print look of this Kimono. Not only is it super cute, but its warm and its the perfect mix of Fall colors. Pair with high-waisted white jeans and your favorite matching top for a perfect Fall outfit. Now theres an outfit fit for anything from errands to your next family gathering.

Kimono Outfit Ideas

Now that you know my favorite ways to wear and style a kimono, let’s take a look at what those ideas look like as an actual outfit. Don’t be afraid to wear your kimono as a street style, with a pair of skinny jeans or denim shorts, or as a kimono jacket. You literally can’t go wrong with a kimono!

Get summer-ready! Add a kimono to your style ASAP!

Well, there you have it – my top tips for styling a kimono!

Whether you’re dressing it up for a special occasion or throwing it on over jeans and a t-shirt for a casual day out, a kimono is a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe. I hope these ideas have inspired you to experiment with your own kimono outfits and find new ways to make this classic piece your own.