These women’s fair isle sweaters make for the most festive style for Christmas and beyond. I like to call fashion like this “Home Alone chic” and I usually add at least one new fair isle knit item to my very preppy, classic and traditional wardrobe each holiday season.
But, the pattern can also be worn both before and after Christmas, particularly if it bears neutral colors.
This post discusses exactly what fair isle pattern is, where to buy it, and featured picks to shop.
The Fair Isle Pattern: Explained
Fair isle pattern is traditional cotton or wool knit named after one of the Shetland islands of the same name. It became popular when the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) wore it in public in 1921. It is made with a traditional knitting technique to create bands of geometric figures with multiple colors.
Today, it’s a popular pattern for classic and traditional holiday style.
(Sources: 1; 2; 3)
Because it’s such a bold print, fair isle pairs best with neutrals and solids, like black leggings or a navy wool skirt. It also looks great with denim. Pair it with Winter boots as well for the perfect snow bunny vibes.
Where to Buy Fair Isle Sweaters for Women
Below are the top retailers where I like to shop for women’s fair isle sweaters year after year.
- Ann Taylor
- Ann Taylor Loft
- Draper James
- J.Crew
- J.Crew Factory
- Lands’ End
- L.L. Bean
- Macy’s
- Madewell
- Ralph Lauren
- Talbots
- Vineyard Vines
Shop the Best Fair Isle Sweaters for Women
This year, there are SO many absolutely stunning fair isle sweaters for women. More than I’ve ever seen before! Below are some of my favorite options.
The puff sleeve on this sweater from Tuckernuck makes it look so stylish and luxurious.
I love the bold red and pink tones on this J.Crew Factory sweater.
This cardigan sweater screams classic Americana.
And this cashmere turtleneck sweater is perfect for Christmas. I’d wear it with black velvet leggings.
This blue snowflake sweater is my absolute favorite pick this year because it reminds me of a snowy day. It’s on my wish list for sure.
This turtleneck sweater is so neutral and classic. This L.L. Bean crewneck sweater is another great neutral option.
You can wear this bright red and pink sweater straight through Valentine’s Day.
This red cardigan sweater has that “ugly Christmas sweater” look.
I have a sweater similar to this sweater and I LOVE it. It feel so classically Fall.
This sweater has a unique colorway that feels youthful and feminine.
Lastly, this colorful Gap sweater hearkens back to the height of its popularity in the late 1990s.
Scroll and click through the pictures to shop these and more fair isle sweaters for women:
Related Classic Style Posts
If you liked this post about fair isle sweaters for women, you will love these classic style posts: