A Fair Isle Sweater, one of the most traditional sweaters ever, suddenly looks fresh and cool. Fair Isle vests, cardigans, and turtlenecks, usually associated with Après-Ski, are showing up in street style.

Instead of looking like a dated, momsy classic, the Fair Isle sweater had a makeover and there are lots of new ways to wear it. It’s being worn with everything from baggy cargo pants to brightly colored puffer coats, edgy leather, white pants,  and even full-length tulle party dresses.

Talbots has a great selection of Fair Isle sweaters! I like this one they sent me because it looks casual and modern.

The reimagined Fair Isle sweater is part of fashion’s love affair with this year’s preppy trend. I’m calling this new look, Playful Preppy.

How do you get a Playful Preppy look with a Fair Isle Sweater? Here are some style pointers.

 

1. Go For Bright Colors

If you read my post about fall trends, you know that there is a new optimism after months of nothing too exciting happening in fashion. Color has burst onto the scene, showing up in even the most traditional places, including the Fair Isle sweater. Fair Isle sweaters in neutral shades or conventional colors like red, blue, and green are always in style, but this year we’re also seeing fresh, bright, and unexpected color combinations.

For example, this cute Talbots Fair Isle Mockneck Pullover is a creative mix of yellow, pink, terra cotta, green, and more. Mixing colors you usually don’t see together can create a more playful, artsy look.

2. Layer Your Fair Isle Sweater

Layering is the most fashion-forward way to wear anything in Fair Isle right now. Try a Fair Isle vest over a dress or shirt, or wear it under a tailored jacket like this colorful Shetland Blazer (similar) for a modern, preppy look.

3. Mix Fair Isle with a Print or Pattern

With its many colorful rows of stitching, a Fair Isle sweater might seem rather busy, so it’s OK to wear it as a pop of color with something neutral. However, pairing it with another pattern can make it look artsy. For example, I’ve mixed my Fair Isle sweater with this lively check jacket.

The trick to mixing patterns is that both items, the jacket and the sweater, should share similar colors. My coat has pink and green in it, which picks up on the pink and green in my shirt. Also, the check pattern is much smaller than the larger Fair Isle pattern on the sweater. This difference in scale also makes the look work.

4. Wear Your Fair Isle Sweater with Modern Pieces

Right now, straight-leg and skinny jeans in a dark wash, plus leather, cargo, and even drawstring jogger pants, are trending. They all pair well with a Fair Isle sweater.

 

 

5. Accessorize with a Loafer

An easy way to step into the Fair Isle look is to wear loafers. Loafers are the “it shoe” right now and pair perfectly with this preppy look. My green loafers give my outfit a polished, casual look with a touch of quirk. You can also go quieter by pairing this outfit with a classy, neutral tan or black loafer.

As for jewelry, I wear these Braided Huggie Hoop earrings with just about everything. They’re from my favorite jewelry designer, Dean Davidson.

 

Another cute, modern Fair Isle sweater pairs red and pink for a fresh pop.

Do you have other ideas for how to style a Fair Isle sweater? I’d love to know.