Curving at the shoulders and cutting a straight line down to the sternum, the humble V-neck jumper has swiftly become one of the most dominant knitwear trends today. Once associated with elderly grandfathers who paired chunky versions with khaki chinos and New Balance sneakers, the sweater has since shed any connotations with geriatric wardrobes and emerged as the chicest thing one could layer up in this winter.
Despite it being a true essential style across every generation, this season in particular, the V-neck has been given a much-needed makeover. Like how Emerald Fennell always paints her world with a vampy lens, the designer cohort pioneering the trend has rendered the shape in a more sultry, albeit still sophisticated, format.
At Prada, lightweight sweaters curved inward toward the navel, revealing a high-octane bralette underneath. At Tory Burch, they were decorated with chintzy embroidery and styled with sleek pencil skirts, creating a sort of CBK-inspired secretarial silhouette that appeals to any woman who wants to spice up their corporate grey office attire. At Toteme, they were cut close to the body and cropped high above the waist to show off the candy-striped shirting layered underneath.
With the style offering up prime real estate across your décolletage, the question is not whether you should wear one, but rather how to wear a V-neck jumper. The sweater’s exposure across the chest offers many possibilities; you could choose to layer it on top of a crisp white T-shirt, style it back with a classic crew neck or even pair it on top of a polo à la Mica Argañaraz in Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s debut collection for Loewe. (And that’s not even mentioning the way Olivia Coleman wore it with a midi skirt and leather jacket for Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2027 show.)
So, with many options up your sleeve, both proverbially and literally, Who What Wear has chosen to spotlight three simple ways of wearing it for the season ahead. Entirely unfussy, the triangular motif does a lot of the hard work in making you appear more put together, so it’s usually a matter of deciding how much skin you want to reveal.
A suitable companion for trusted denim, polished trousers and decorative skirts alike, this is a style you’ll want to wrap up in for years to come. (Hence the aforementioned reference to how beloved it is amongst elder relatives.)
For the most trend-forward, continue adding dimension through your accessories by drawing the eye to the area with a torque necklace or an ornate shawl. After all, what’s not to love about a knit with so much potential?
How To Wear a V-Neck Jumper? 3 Ways To Style It For Winter 2026
1. V-Neck Jumper + Black Trousers + Heeled Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: One of the most understated elements of wearing a V-neck is how sensual the style can be. Forfeit wearing anything underneath for a look that’s incredibly evening-appropriate. Dining over small plates and sipping cocktails on Saturday evening has never seemed more desirable when wrapped up in a sumptuous knit that just ever so slightly hints at a plunging neckline.
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The deeper the V-neck, the chicer the look.
Featuring a sleek, cummerbund-effect waistband, these balloon-shape trousers skim at the ankle and sit high at the wai
With an elasticated effect and a knife-like point, these micro heels can elevate even the most elementary outfit.
2. V-Neck Jumper + White Jeans + Gathered Loafers
Style Notes: Wearing a V-neck jumper is a masterclass in effortless layering. Embrace a neutral colour palette to allow the contrast between your knit and T-shirt to stand out even further. Vanilla shades of denim feel completely in keeping with the frosty winter that awaits us, whilst the khaki coloured trench coat grounds it all in a soft, muted tone. Top it all off with a pair of gathered loafers for a look that will make you look considered, even if your plans for the day are just to nip to your local high street.
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As far as editor-approved knitwear goes, Rise & Fall's soft as butter merino style is truly one of the most highly sought-after styles.
Flittering between a city ease and a country elegance, this delicate-looking pair of white jeans will see you through any occasion.
The definition of expensive-looking high-street.
3. V-Neck Jumper + Pencil Skirt + Heels
Style Notes:
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The slightly marbled colouring brings a preppy sensibility that's undeniably polished.
Fling over your shoulders or wear as is, the choice is yours.
Gold is having a moment—thanks to Saint Laurent—and this small embellished detail is such a suave way of wearing this trend.
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Looking both cosy and chic need not be separate desires with this style.
For less than an average meal in London, this deal is too good to resist.
Uniqlo has some of the most accessible cashmere on the high street.
Escape to the Cotswolds have never been more enticing with this.
Knitwear and denim are a heavenly combination.
The chunky, ribbed hemline is such a elevated motif.
Get in quick, this style is already selling out.
Since launching in the UK, Quince has enamoured tastemakers and editor