Fair Isle Sweaters: Cozy Classics With Timeless Winter Style
There are certain pieces of clothing I think of as “comfort food,” and Fair Isle sweaters definitely fall into that category. Maybe it’s all the BritBox and European crime dramas I’ve been watching (with their mismatched detectives solving murders in cold but scenic places), but patterned knits have been on my style radar lately.
Fair Isle and other patterned knits also bring back fond memories of cozy après-ski evenings with le Monsieur. On our ski trips, we had a little tradition we called the “Lobby Crawl.” Instead of a sit-down dinner, we’d spend an evening wandering from one gorgeous resort hotel lobby to the next, enjoying drinks, appetizers or small bites, and finishing with dessert. (Thank goodness for the free shuttle buses!) I remember admiring the other patrons’ beautiful Fair Isle, Nordic, and patterned sweaters, always so chic and winter-perfect.
What Makes a Fair Isle Sweater a Classic
(Note: you can click on any text in red to go to product page and shop.)
The original Fair Isle sweaters were hand knitted on a small island off the coast of Scotland, and popularized by the British Royals in the 1920’s. Today, the “Fair Isle” designation is now loosely applied to a range of geometric patterned sweaters in a variety of styles and materials. A classic Fair Isle sweater is a style perennial, and this year the selection is especially good!
What I’m Wearing
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Jeans – 28
I actively stalked this gorgeous cardigan from Frame until it was marked down in the Black Friday sales. It’s medium weight, 100% cashmere, and the navy and warm brown colors go with everything in my wardrobe!
Fair Isle Sweaters I’m Loving This Season
Budget-friendly Fair Isle – $73.50
This cute cardigan has a similar look to the one I’m wearing above, and is available in sizes XXS-XXL.
Après-ski Chic – $448
This cashere sweater from Vince is perfect your next ski trip, or winter city jaunts.
Here’s a similar, but more budget-friendly option from L.L. Bean.
Organic Cotton Blend – $148
For those who are sensitive to wool, here’s a pretty option in subtle shades.
Pretty in blue – $198
I think this color combination is such a knockout! Wool & mohair blend knit.
Festive Red – $74.99
This 100% cotton sweater is available in 4 color combos, in Misses, Petite, & Plus sizes! (This cool red is good for you Winters & Summers.)
The Half-Zip – $198
If you prefer a more minimalist take on Fair Isle patterns, you might like this one from Varley. (Wool-free.)
Classic allover Fair Isle – $228
If a smaller print is more your style, this wool blend pullover from Seasalt Cornwall is available in three colorways.
Wool-Cashmere Blend Cardigan – $368*
This pretty cardigan is 25% off for a limited time. (Summers, this is a good one for you!)
*price before discount
More Fair Isle Accessories
Don’t forget Fido – $80
This stylish dog sweater from Barbour comes with a matching beanie for his or her human!
For the noggin – $78
If a small dose of Fair Isle is more your speed, look to accessories. This beanie is a Merino-Alpaca blend.
(If you prefer something brighter, take a look at this one, or this one.)
Fair Isle sweaters always feel like a small dose of winter magic: cozy, classic, and endlessly wearable. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your cold-weather wardrobe, this year’s selection is especially good. Let me know in the comments: are you team bold pattern, subtle neutrals, or just admiring from afar?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I have been eyeing the Alex Mill sweater since it came out. And the Madewell boot. Unfortunately the boot is sold out but I will keep an eye out for my size.
I’ve always loved Fair Isle and nordic prints, especially now that I’m circling back to my more preppy/classic roots. (OMG had a ruffle next oxford shirt in high school!) Just picked up the navy/red/white cardi from J Crew and I’m scouring resale sites for vintage LL Bean. One issue I have with some of the patterns is the mix of warm and cool colors in some of the patterns . Nothing wrong with it, but it’s not harmonious to my eye. I saw the Varley sweater yesterday @ Anthro and it’s really nice.
I wasn’t super preppy in college but I’m finding a toned down preppy always works. I’m from the southeast so our preppy was quite bold.
I loved a good fair isle sweater back in the day. They fell off my radar for a long time, but in the past year I’ve acquired 4! When I was younger I liked bold patterns and vivid color combos, but now I lean toward the softer look.
My grandmother grew up in the Scottish Highlands, and knitted beautiful Fair Isle sweaters for us. So glad to see updates colors and styles! Thanks.
I love FI sweaters, and I guess this is the year to buy one. You’ve featured some lovely examples, thank you. I’ve always worn Aran Island sweaters b/c I’m Irish American, and my mother knit the most amazing ones. Also, Aran sweaters are a single color and focus on the intricacy and meaning of the design. They aren’t fashion statements but a workhorse in my closet — meant to be worn with jeans for outside work / activities.
That cardi suits you really well.
Greetje
Thank you, Greetje! It’s a new favorite in my wardrobe.
Love the hotel lobby hopping idea – our downtown is fairly compact, so this would be a fun way to see the holiday decorations, which are always spectacular, while enjoying a festive evening out!
I’m a big fan of Fair Isle sweaters too! I remember when Milwaukee got our first Benetton, back in the late 80’s – it was a BIG DEAL! I scrimped and saved until I could afford my favorite sweater – a beautiful blue, black and cream wool Fair Isle – and I still have it (and it still fits) today!
I’m right back in college, Susan! Pearls and Shetland sweaters — cozy and comfy.