The Classic Sweater Style Every Woman Should Own

When it comes to basics, the reality is that they’re often just that: basic. However, as with everything, there can be certain exceptions to this trope. Take the topic of today’s post, the striped sweater, as an example. There’s no denying it’s a classic, and it definitely has its place in every woman’s wardrobe, yet somehow it seems to feel like a standout piece too—and that’s why we love it. Whether in a bright multicolor pattern or in muted tones, classic silhouettes or updated cuts, the staple can not only be found in countless forms but also styled so many ways.

On that note, as you probably could have guessed, today we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to wear striped sweaters this fall and beyond. Of course, we’re also bringing you six of them to shop, all of which are under $30—and you can thank our very own Who What Wear Collection for that. To see the outfit inspiration for yourself then get shopping, simply continue on below.

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(Image credit: Timur Emek/Getty Images)

What doesn’t look good with leather pants and a fuzzy coat?

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(Image credit: Acielle/Style du Monde
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Eva Chen knows how to keep it classic and cool.

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(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

You can add “pairs well with statement jeans” to the list.

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(Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

Stripes on stripes done right!

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(Image credit: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images)

Net-a-Porter Fashion Director Lisa Aiken knows a thing or two about classics.

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(Image credit: @kendall.keith by @clairehuntsberger)

Our very own sweater in action.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Add a bright belt bag and you’re a street style star.

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(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Ideal for achieving that model-off-duty look.

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/GC Images)

There’s something I love about the combination of a miniskirt and sweater.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

When winter rolls around, use it as your base layer.

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(Image credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

Perfect with pencil skirts, too.

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(Image credit: Acielle/Style du Monde
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Leave it to Lucy Williams to find the perfect color combo.

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(Image credit: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images)

Easily emulate Chiara Ferragni’s fashion week look with our Striped 3/4 Sleeve Shoulder Frill Crew.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Last but not least, a bucket-hat moment even I can get behind.

Shop our affordable striped sweaters:

Up next: the coolest under-$45 street style trends from NYFW.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.