Bert and Ernie 13e2f

13 Sweaters That Will Make You Feel Like You’re Back In The Womb This Winter

by Francesca Volpe

The gray days are here! You know, that time of year when a gray sky means it’s daytime. When the air is so cold and dry, walking outside feels like a slap in the face. As temperatures drop, my sartorial choices are based solely on warmth. Any degree below 50 means I need to be the most comfortable I’ve ever been in my life. All I can think about it outsmarting the weather.

From November to March, my style can be described as hibernation dressing. I will wear anything that could have been a blanket at some point. Who wouldn’t want to be swaddled in a cashmere adult onsie? Or one of your grandma’s afghan blankets that she crocheted herself? But even though I want to feel like I’ve been in bed all day, I don’t necessarily want to look like it.

Luckily, many people seem to share these sentiments considering the oversized sweater trend never gets old, like this pic of Lenny Kravitz or Lenny Kravitz himself. Maybe at the end of the day we all want to feel like adult babies, so here are some options that go maximum on comfort but don’t skimp on style.

il 570xN.848173147 rxxr bcbaeOff White Asymmetrical Sweater in Ivory by FloAtlelier, $45.50, XS-XXL, etsy.com 

This beauty is handmade in Bulgaria. The asymmetry elegantly offsets the roominess of the sweater and the sleeves are to die for. The cut affords you to get creative with layering and proportions.

il 570xN.1638000322 ji97 60e12Vintage Teddy Jacket in Navy by ThePinacoladaShop, $35, One Size, etsy.com 

I want to live in this sweater/jacket/cocoon for the rest of my life. Perfect for running errands, I’m getting overwhelmed just thinking of all the things I’d accomplish in this wearable cushion.

000003660017 4259123f 82ba 4848 accc 83318624197d 2000x ea5c8Julliard Mohair Sweater in Multi Stripe by Ganni, $440, XS-M, lisasaysgah.com 

If it looks like cotton candy, I want it in my closet. Love how this sweater is styled with a chiffon maxi skirt and lacquered pumps.

red sweater b9d65Micha Turtleneck in Crimson by Ulla Johnson, $485, P-L, ullajohnson.com 

Ohh, one can dream. They’re not cheap, but Ulla Johnson makes the most glorious knits. The orange-red color reminds me of a Renaissance painting. I’d wear this to the Met Ball with a long, high-waisted skirt, and then after, I’d change into some high-waisted denim flares and go back in time to Studio 54. Yes, one can dream.

1086886 023 1 775bePuff Sleeve Sweater in Red by Eloquii, $69.90,14-28, eloquii.com 

One can also purchase the more moderately priced lookalike. We’ve got the same gorgeous color with the same statement sleeves. Only difference is you can purchase all three of the colors it comes in for a third of the price of its more expensive counterpart.

il 570xN.1644191334 fby3 f1ca3High Neck Cozy Knit Sweater in Beige by BLUEBLUEUS, $54.88, One Size, etsy.com 

This color and cut screams minimalism of the late ’90s. When you mashup Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Donna Karan, Ally McBeal, Calvin Klein, and Gwyneth Paltrow, you get this sweater.

p02rk102504w 02c33 Extreme Tassel Jumper in Gray by Neon Rose, £45,14-26, simplybe.co.uk 

The tassel details provide just the right amount of festivity without crossing over into Christmas sweater territory. The loose, rolled-over neckline and trending balloon sleeves make for optimal burrowing.

green sweater 84a11Fluffy Fine Knit Cardigan in Forest Green by Curves, £19.99, 18-28, newlook.com 

This cardigan is so soft and fluffy, you won’t be missing out on warmth. But it’s still lightweight enough for layering and transitioning temperatures. Pair it with some high-waisted jeans and a plain tee and sneakers for a day of errands, or layer it over a cocktail dress to add some edge to a classic ensemble.

il 570xN.1664091833 kblz 825e7Knit Tunic in Black by BLUEBLUEUS, $55.12, One Size, etsy.com 

The perfect sweater for the person who looks like animated birds help them get dressed each morning. The person who fancies an afternoon of bookstores and museums before returning to their pied à tère with a spiral staircase. The scalloped edges are so romantic in contrast with the classic shape.

il 570xN.1637774380 gnvl 5258eOpen Front Teddy Coat Jacket Cardigan in Army Green by AChicMinimalist, $27, XS-L, etsy.com 

A reinvention of the day-to-evening look. You can take this sweater from your bed to your job interview by throwing on some black jeans and those red pumps you keep under your desk for such occasions.

KULE d5001The Remus Sweater in Sand by KULE, $498, XS-L, kule.com 

With a range of silhouettes and color combinations reminiscent of the ’70s, KULE is a stripe lovers’ paradise. I like to call these investment stripes, as KULE is definitely on the pricey side. But the website is definitely worth perusing, whether you’re an avid collector or stripe rookie. This 100% cashmere cardigan would make Bert and Ernie proud. 

10103408 color and character cardigan blue multi MAIN 7a75aColor and Character Cardigan by ModCloth, $59, XXS- 4X, modcloth.com

Business in the cut and party in the fit, this cardigan marries comfort and party attire with its rich, navy hue and playful multi-color stripes. Pair it with some ankle-length black pants and gold heels for your office’s holiday party.

image 1ca740b8 a53e 421d b0d6 1e0c667dd86f 900x 8d3e9Crop Turtleneck Sweater in Lapis by First Rite, $286, S-L, shopnanin.com

There’s something so theatrical about a billowy sleeve. The rich color and thick hoops really amp up the drama. All that’s missing is a bold lip.

Header photo, Sesame Street, PBS

More from BUST

5 Jumpsuits That Will Turn You Into A One-Piece Wonder

Embrace Fall Colors With These Ten ’70s-Inspired Accessories 

Fanny Packs Are Back—Here Are 5 Of Our Favorites  

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.