I love sweater season, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate! Fall rolls around, I’m dreaming about cozy knits and boots, but it’s still sometimes 80 degrees outside.

That’s why I love the lighter sweaters you can wear starting early in fall. Short-sleeve sweaters are especially big this year, along with sporty polos, cardigan jackets, sweater blazers, and classic cable knits. Here are 7 fall sweater styles I’m loving for 2026.

1. Short-Sleeve Sweaters

Short-sleeve sweaters are my favorite way to fake fall when it’s still warm outside. They look more fall-ish than a T-shirt, but you’re not going to melt by lunchtime!

lace sweater | Quince wide leg jeans | ballet flats

I’m seeing lots of fine crewnecks – often with some kind of embellishment like lace. There are collared sweaters, ribbed knits, and modern textured styles. I especially like a sleeve that comes down a little farther on the arm. It feels more flattering and grown-up than a tiny cap sleeve.

Chocolate brown is gorgeous right now, but burgundy, olive, and dark navy blue are also beautiful choices. Add your favorite jeans, and you’re officially dressed for fall, even if the air conditioning is still running.

2. Polo & Johnny-Collar Sweaters

Have you noticed all the collars lately? Polo sweaters are back, but these aren’t the stiff, sporty polos you may be picturing.

polo sweater | jeans | loafers ( similar) | bag (similar)

The ones I like have softer collars and more relaxed necklines. Johnny collars, which have an open V-neck without buttons, are especially flattering because they open up the neckline and frame your face nicely.

They’re sporty, a little preppy, and just different enough from all those crewnecks already sitting in your closet.

3. Cardigan Jackets

This is what happens when a cardigan decides to dress up!

short sleeve cardigan jacket | Quince wide leg jeans | animal print loafer | bag (similar)

Cardigan jackets have a little more shape than a regular cardigan but still feel soft and comfortable. You’ll see pretty buttons, patch pockets, contrast trim, and textured knits that give them that classic ladylike look.

This cute little short-sleeve cardigan jacket is feminine and full of charm.

I love it with these black wide-leg jeans because they make this casual outfit feel a touch dressy. You can wear a cardigan jacket open over a simple top or button it up, as I have, and wear it on its own.

4. Sweater Blazers

I love a blazer, but some days I don’t want to feel quite so…blazered!

sweater blazer | knit patch pocket jeans | cashmere print sweater | loafers

That’s where a sweater blazer comes in. It has the lapels and shape of a jacket, but it’s soft, stretchy, and much easier to move around in.

The best ones have enough structure to hold their shape without being stiff. Just be careful with anything too long and floppy. You want sweater blazer, not bathrobe!

This is a great piece to throw on with jeans and a simple top when you want to look a little more pulled together but still be comfortable.

5. Striped & Rugby Sweaters

Stripes always seem to find their way back into my fall wardrobe, but this year they’re looking a little sportier.

striped roll neck sweater| jeans | suede bag (similar)

I’m seeing wider rugby stripes, contrasting collars, and bolder color combinations mixed in with the classic striped sweaters we all know and love. They have that fun, preppy feel without looking too precious.

If bold rugby stripes feel like too much, try a classic stripe in one of fall’s richer colors. I just bought this gorgeous lightweight sweater, and I love the way the rich fall shades play off each other. The chic roll neck adds a touch of elegance, while the crisp stripes give it a fresh, sporty feel. It’s a lovely nod to the rugby trend, but softer, more feminine, and a little more sophisticated.

6. Cable Knit Sweaters

Is it really fall without at least one cable-knit sweater?

They’re cozy, classic, and have that wonderful fall texture that makes you want to grab a cup of tea and find a fireplace somewhere.

Fine cableknit sweater | jeans | loafers

My only word of caution? Watch how chunky you go. Those big, oversized cable knits can add a lot of bulk, especially around the bust and tummy. I prefer a finer cable knit that still gives you that cozy look without making you feel like you’re wearing a comforter! I also think the finer knits look a little more modern, as well as some of the cute short-sleeved versions.

Cream is always a classic, but I also love cable knits in chocolate brown, burgundy, camel, navy, and green.

7. Lightweight Mock-Neck & Turtleneck Sweaters

I love the look of a turtleneck, but I don’t need three inches of wool wrapped around my neck when fall weather is still rolling in.

mock neck sweater | wide leg trousers | bag (similar)

A lightweight turtleneck or mock neck is much easier to wear early in the season. Fine-gauge knits aren’t bulky, and they’re fabulous for layering once it actually gets cold.

If regular turtlenecks make you feel strangled, or trigger a dreaded hot flash, try a mock neck. You still get that chic, cozy look, but with a little more breathing room.

What Other Sweaters Are in Style for 2026? – I Love these too!

Of course, I couldn’t stop at seven! Once I started writing this post, I realized there are more on-trend sweaters I’ve picked up that wanted to share.

A Pretty Pink Cotton Sweater

pink mouline sweater | slim leg jeans | loafers | suede bag (similar)

I love this pretty pink mouline sweater from Tommy Bahama! It’s 100% cotton, so it’s great for warmer fall days, and a few touches of burgundy give it a fresh, modern fall feel. I like to pair this sweater with natural-colored or light-colored jeans before the leaves start to change color, but it looks just as cute with dark denim anytime.

A Cute Short-Sleeve Cable Knit

cable knit sweater | jeans | bag | earrings

Here’s another way to get that cozy fall look without all the bulk! I love the texture of a cable knit, but sometimes a chunky sweater can feel like a lot. This short-sleeve version gives you all that lovely texture in a lighter, more feminine style. It’s a great little sweater for those days when you’re ready for fall, but the weather isn’t!

A Fresh Pop of Yellow

Color is probably the easiest way I’ll update my sweaters this year. Brown is calling my name, along with burgundy, rich blue, and olive, but there’s an unexpected color making waves too.

Yellow belted sweater | wide-leg jeans | suede slingbacks

I’ve been seeing quite a bit of soft yellow this fall, which is surprising because we usually think of yellow as a spring color. I couldn’t resist this gorgeous yellow sweater with the cool belt detail. It’s cheerful, feminine, and such a refreshing change from the darker colors we typically see this time of year.

Ready for Sweater Weather?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve already started wearing my fall sweaters, even if Mother Nature hasn’t quite caught up! That’s what I love about these lighter knits. You can enjoy sweater season now and save the chunky, cozy styles for when there’s a real chill in the air.

If you’re still figuring out what to wear between seasons, take a peek at my tips for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall and my fall capsule wardrobe for more outfit ideas.

Once the temperatures drop, you might also enjoy my favorite fall sweater dresses and cashmere sweaters for women over 50. And if cardigan jackets caught your eye, I’ve got more tips on how to wear a sweater jacket. Not a turtleneck fan? Check out these flattering turtleneck alternatives for women over 40.

Now I’m curious. Which of these fall sweater styles is your favorite? Are you loving the short sleeves, or are you holding out for the cozy cable knits?