Top Fair Isle Sweaters: Cozy Up in Style
Maybe it’s a result of all of the Britbox I’ve been watching lately, but since the weather turned cool, I’ve been hankering for a Fair Isle sweater. Today I’m sharing one I found, and a couple of ways I styled it, as well as a few more good-looking Fair Isle sweaters for women (and other family members).
All’s Fair (Isle)
Fair Isle sweaters are a perennial, and conjure images of aprés ski, a walk in the woods, and a warm drink by a cozy fire. They’re also part of the current “Heritage” trend (un-trend?), which means that there’s a great selection this season. While some Fair Isle patterns can skew a bit twee (animals, holiday motifs), I’m seeing lots of options with a more modern-but-timeless look. Like this one:
My sizes: Coat – Petite Small, Sweater – XS, Jeans – 27
I’d been eyeing this cashmere Fair Isle sweater online, but wasn’t sure of the fit and sizing. Over the weekend I popped into the local J.Crew store for an “early Black Friday” event and saw it on a display table. I think it’s even better looking in person, and the first size I tried (XS) was a good fit. It has a relaxed fit, but isn’t too bulky to fit under a jacket or coat.
This sweater is also available in a pretty light blue (good for you Summers) in sizes Small to 3X. (Smaller sizes currently sold out, but may be restocked.)
You could also dress it up a bit for a casual holiday look…
Here I styled it with my trusty coated denim trousers. They’re a little more dressed up than jeans, but just enough. I added some simple jewelry from my stash, and this little Quince leather pouch.
More Fair Isle sweaters for women (& the rest of the family)
Talbot’s Spirited Crew Neck – $99.50
Black and ivory is a sophisticated choice. Best for you Winters. This one’s available Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.
(Note: this is the regular price, but keep an eye out for discounts.)
Marine Layer Quarter Zip sweater – $168
Marine Layer is known for their soft fabrics, but I also love the zip neck you can adjust for comfort. This colorway is good for Springs and Autumns. Sizes X-Small to X-Large.
Lands’ End Cozy Lofty Fair Isle – $89.95
Summers, this one’s in your palette! Offered in Regular, Petite, and Plus sizes.
(Another brand that offers frequent discounts!)
LL Bean Signature Merino Fair Isle – $149
This one reminds me a lot of the Dale of Norway sweaters one sees around the firepit at the ski lodge. Sizes X-Small to X-Large
Alex Mill Jamie Fair Isle – $195
If you prefer a more subtle look, this grey pullover is a nice option. (Also available in Cranberry red, good for Winters.) I think Alex Mill does a great job with the “heritage, not stuffy” aesthetic.
Talbot’s Split-Neck Sweater – $99.50
The neckline and colorway give this one a more feminine look. I think Springs and most Summers could wear this well.
Alex Mill Ashwood Fair Isle Cardigan – $245
Here’s another one with that vintage vibe. This will look great with jeans! In sizes XS-XL.
Marine Layer Archive Shasta Fair Isle – $158
And this one feels festive, without being too holiday-specific. Colors are good for Springs and Autumns. In sizes X-Small to X-Large
Fair Isle for Everyone
J.Crew Men’s Fair Isle Wool Pullover – $138
Here’s a subtle but good-looking option for the guys. It’s 100% wool.
Currently 40% off with code SHOPEARLY
Banana Republic Factory Fair Isle Pullover – $45
A budget-friendly option. If he’s sensitive to wool, this one’s a cotton blend with only 5% wool.
Boden Fair Isle Kids’ Crewneck – $65
Lots of fun and vibrant colors and patterns to choose from! Save 15% on new kids’ styles with code S3Z8 .
Loft Fair Isle Dog Sweater – $26.97
And finally, let’s not forget Fido! (Or Bella.) This cute dog sweater will keep her warm on those chilly morning walks. Bella’s 15 lbs. and wearing size Medium.
Do you have a favorite Fair Isle sweater in your wardrobe? What patterns and colors do you like the best?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
As a Summer, I have this Fairisle cardigan in my Woolovers basket. I prefer a cardigan as it is easier to regulate my body temperature and my preferred neck style is Vneck or scoop or a loose cowl. Crew neck tops and jumpers do me no favours! I wear Kettlewell Colours scarves as a first layer to keep my neck warm in winter. This is machine washable merino.
https://www.woolovers.com/womens/cardigan/all-over-fairisle-cardigan-multi-30568
(I’m a long-time lurker and have learned a lot through your styling tips).
Woolovers
The sweater looks great on you. I have been wondering if this style would draw attention to my bust, which I prefer to minimize?
Hi Marilyn, I’m a 32DDD, but don’t think the sweater draws attention there.
Loved the Happy ending with Bella! Made me really smile. Love her ears, looks like she has a Little “hair-do”. Thanks for the uplift early this morning.
I just love Bella’s sweater. Because it’s very cold here in Wisconsin I’m going to buy one for my small grand dog. He also weighs 15 lbs. and gets very cold especially when it snows.
Thanks for sharing these sweaters for everyone.
Love your new sweater! I actually love buying sweaters, but living in Florida makes it quite impractical, so I usually buy just one at this time of the year, and sometimes one more when they go on sale in the early spring!
Browns being in style make me even more tempted!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your readers!
My question/concern is the same as Marilyn’s. As an autumn I love the JCrew sweater you’re modeling, but also have an ample bust and think this style, while beautiful, won’t do me any favors ?
Hi Nancy, thanks! I also have an ample bust (32DDD) but I don’t think the sweater emphasizes it overmuch.
I love your hair—cut and color!
Thanks so much, Ann!
Susan, Love all the selections. The second one looks more elevated than I would normally think of for a Fair Isle sweater. Nice to be able to go either way. Thank you for the wonderful & uplifting photo of Bella !! Would you say she is a Spring? (like her mama) : )))
Thanks, Janice! With her fur color, either Spring or Autumn colors look good on her. 😉
These sweaters are very popular, I know. But they take me back to my childhood too much. Even though I had a nice childhood. But it looks good on you. And on Bella for sure.
Greetje
Love the “who wore it best competition”!
😀
New to and now following your blog….love your style, input on color and how to accessorize. IMHO your very talented.
Thanks very much, Robin, and welcome!
I love a Fair Isle sweater, too! Nikki in Silent Witness has worn some nice ones, as have just about all the characters in Shetland, of course. I have a cotton blend styled as a vest that’s 40 years old! Gets worn perhaps once a year? Last year, I got a cashmere blend on sale that’s an ethereal white with silver–love it, but in our mild winter weather (Florida), I only wore it a few times. But it’s ready for this winter! Thanks for the great selection. PS I thought of you & the readers here when jacquielawson.com (beautiful, artistic ecards from the UK)
released her 2024 Advent E-Calendar and it is in PARIS! Great easy e-gift to send.
Looks so pretty on you -both dressed up and more casual look.
And Bella is well….belle!
Susan, you look fabulous in the second photo. I love everything about it–colors are perfect, your hair is great, and your smile brings it all together. Makes me want to invite you to have lunch with me at some fancy spot. Too bad I’m hundreds of miles away.
Thanks for sorting through all the sweaters for us. I’m going to take a closer look at some of them.
Thanks so much, Susan W!
I love that you included the ‘little furry ones’ in your post. She looks amazing by the way! Bless her, she looked a little worse for wear when you got her, but she has just thrived with you. It makes me happy to see that!
Thanks so much, Eva! She is such a wonderful and loving companion.
I just got one from J. Jill that I’m happy with
Living in the climate I do (Canada and a snow belt region) and once being a skier have a number of Fair Isle sweaters mostly in Nordic patterns in a mix of blends (wool/alpaca/cashmere/mohair) with some being twenty-years old plus, that with proper care still look like new so am happy they are on trend for casual and street wear. Also do love yours. -Brenda-
Care — Appliance gentle cycle/netted laundry bag/cold water wash/detergent for woolens/air dry lay flat or gently drape over clothes hanger. Storage — Folded/inside out/out of season in cotton zippered bedding pillow protectors.
Thank you, Susan, for so nicely surfacing this beloved sweater species! A British transplant to LA, I long for chilly days to properly enjoy the Fair Isle vibe. My current favorite is the sturdy Fjallraven Ovic – an authentic look in lots of colorways: https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/tops/sweaters-knitwear/ovik-knit-sweater-w/
How fun to see Fair Isle sweaters back in a big way! Here in the Midwest, we’ll be wearing them often as the cooler weather approaches.