Every time sweater weather rolls around, you may find yourself adding the same familiar temptations to your shopping list. Another cashmere crewneck, a chunky knit you’ll live in, a cardigan you’ve already mentally paired with everything in your closet. But if your fall wardrobe is feeling a little repetitive, a fresh neckline can make as much of a difference as a new color or print. A cozy rollneck brings a fresh feel to your usual jeans-and-boots outfit, while a V-neck gives you room to play with a crisp button-front, a favorite tee or a necklace worth showing off.
So, which necklines are having their moment? We tapped a team of stylists to weigh in on the sweater styles they expect to see everywhere on both men and women this fall. Ahead, discover six trending necklines ready to shake up your sweater rotation, plus plenty of shop-worthy picks.
Best women’s sweater necklines
Scarf details
A sweater that comes with its own scarf? Consider us sold. This two-in-one style takes the guesswork out of accessorizing and brings a little drama to your everyday knit. “We have been seeing ‘scarf-tops’ throughout summer, but I am excited about the translation to fall, which will provide more coverage and richer colors. The asymmetry and drape effect will be really flattering and create dynamic outfits, even when styled simply with denim,” says stylist Andie Sobrato.
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When shopping, look for a soft knit with a scarf long enough to play around with — half the fun is finding your favorite way to wear it. A fine-gauge version slips easily under a jacket, while a chunkier knit makes a cozy statement all on its own.
Rollneck
If your fall wardrobe had an MVP, it would be the cozy rollneck. With its plush feel and face-framing neckline, this throw-on-and-go favorite makes even your “I got dressed in five minutes” outfit look intentional, so it’s no wonder they’ve been taking over women’s closets and social media feeds.
“A dramatic rollneck is the ultimate cheat code for instant elegance,” says stylist Allie McKenna. “The high, structured necks draw the eye up and create a stunning frame for the face while keeping you cozy.”
Polo
Consider the polo knit your shortcut to looking like you have plans, even if you’re just picking up coffee. With its neat collar and preppy charm, it gives your fall rotation a little extra polish while keeping the ease of your favorite pullover.
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“I love a thin polo knit for fall because it’s so versatile. You can layer it over a button-down for a more polished look or simply pair it with denim and heels for dinner,” says stylist Rebecca Kahane Pankow. Go classic with navy or black, or choose a rich brown for a dressier autumnal feel.
Best men’s sweater necklines
V-neck
The V-neck deserves a spot in every man’s fall starting lineup. It’s an easy way to give your favorite crewneck a day off — and whatever you wear underneath a little time in the spotlight. A white tee keeps things relaxed, while a crisp button-down takes it into dinner-reservation territory.
“You can never go wrong with a V-neck because it’s flattering on pretty much everyone,” explains stylist Derek Warburton. “It creates an open space around the neck and collarbone. It visually lengthens the upper body, which is especially nice with some of fall’s heavier fabrics and oversized silhouettes.”
Quarter-zip
The quarter-zip is ready for a life beyond the back nine. With its stand-up collar and adjustable neckline, this sporty knit brings a little country-club charm to your everyday wardrobe — no tee time required. “I love that they feel classic and effortless, but still very put together,” says Pankow. Zip it up when the temperature drops, or leave it open to show off a favorite tee and give the look a more relaxed feel.
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Stylist Zoe Hennessey is also a fan, especially when you layer them. “You could have a thin turtleneck or tee underneath, so you see a little bit of every layer. It feels casual but still very styled.”
Turtleneck
A turtleneck has a way of making your whole outfit feel a little more considered and a lot more elegant. “Turtlenecks are big this fall and it’s easy to see why,” says Warburton. “They’re the easiest option if you want to look put together with zero effort.” The classic knit brings instant polish to denim and trousers and gives your favorite suit a fresh feel when you swap it in for a button-down.
For a style you’ll reach for on repeat, look for a soft, fine-gauge knit that slips comfortably under a jacket. If your fall plans lean more toward leaf-peeping than power lunches, go for a chunky knit version with straight-leg jeans and boots — the same effortless elegance, with a little extra cozy.
