Photo: Su Mustecaplioglu / Gorunway.com / Courtesy of Altuzarra
All items highlighted in Vogue are chosen independently by our editorial team. However, we can earn revenue from purchases made through the links in this article.
Clothing can convey necessity or whimsy, and some garments encapsulate an entire atmosphere. The Fair Isle sweater captures a vibe. It’s a tangible representation of snug weekends spent in rustic farmhouses and cozy lodges; it’s the sartorial equivalent of warm cocoa—comfortably familiar yet pleasantly uncomplicated.
The popularity of Fair Isle knits began in the 1920s, thanks to an earlier Prince of Wales (who would later be known as Edward VIII) and has since been a staple among the sporty royal family from Britain. The renowned late Princess Diana was often spotted in a quintessentially ’80s variant in bold hues of neon pink and green, complemented with understated corduroy trousers, showing that this traditional style cannot be confined to one aesthetic.
Vogue’s Preferred Fair Isle Sweaters:
Items Featured in This Piece
This season, designers such as Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra are presenting a reinvented take on this autumn favorite. For a chic look that seamlessly moves from rural landscapes to urban environments, style Altuzarra’s spacious Fair Isle turtleneck with a sleek midiskirt, thigh-high riding boots, and a striking leather belt.
Dôen’s chunky cardigan emerges as another essential piece for the season, ideally styled with warm corduroy trousers, a barn jacket suitable for Balmoral, and plush suede loafers. On the minimalist end, Róhe’s double-toned Fair Isle crewneck and High Sport’s cropped turtleneck embody understated luxury—perfect for everything from gallery visits on the weekends to stylish commutes. Extra style points are awarded for layering it underneath a sophisticated wrap coat or a relaxed leather bomber jacket.
For additional outfit inspiration for your Fair Isle selection, look towards style icons such as Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes, who both have incorporated it as a staple in their urban autumn wardrobes. Whether you opt for Bieber’s micro mini skirt paired with a patent smoking loafer, or Holmes’ wide-leg cargo pant with sneakers, a Fair Isle sweater is an absolute essential for fall/winter 2025—one you’ll want to carry forward into future seasons! Check out our top picks below, featuring everything from crewnecks to cardigans and chic vests.
Now, several designers, including Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra, are offering novel takes on this autumn classic. Consider adopting styling inspirations from the former, which involves pairing Altuzarra’s oversized Fair Isle turtleneck with a stylish midi skirt, knee-high boots, and a striking leather belt for a look that elegantly transitions from the pastoral to urban environments.
The chunky cardigan from Dôen is another essential for the season, ideally paired with cozy corduroy pants, a barn-style jacket, and luxurious suede loafers. For a minimalist approach, Róhe’s dual-tone Fair Isle crewneck and High Sport’s cropped turtleneck showcase understated sophistication—perfect options designed for gallery weekends or stylish commuting. Style points go to those who choose to layer these under a chic wrap coat or a relaxed leather bomber.
For additional ensemble ideas featuring your Fair Isle selection, look no further than style influencers like Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes, who have made these knits a pillar in their urban fall fashion. Whether you style yours like Bieber with a daring micro mini skirt and patent loafers or Holmes with relaxed cargo trousers paired with sneakers, a Fair Isle sweater becomes a key autumn-winter staple for 2025—and beyond! Dive into our curated selection below, featuring everything from classic crewnecks to cardigans and charming vests.
This season, designers such as Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra are presenting a reinvented take on this autumn classic. For chic looks that seamlessly traverse from nature to the cityscape, style Altuzarra’s roomy Fair Isle turtleneck with a contemporary midi skirt, knee-high boots, and a bold leather belt.
Dôen’s chunky cardigan emerges as another essential piece, ideally worn with warm corduroy trousers, a barn-style jacket, and luxurious suede loafers. On the minimalist scale, Róhe’s double-tone Fair Isle crewneck and High Sport’s cropped turtleneck showcase understated elegance—ideal for a weekend art stroll or an upscale commute. Layer with a wrap coat or a casual leather bomber for added flair.
For more styling tips on how to showcase your Fair Isle picks, draw inspiration from celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes, both of whom have incorporated these knits into their lookbook for the urban fall season. Whether styled like Bieber with a playful mini skirt and patent loafers or Holmes with cargo pants and sneakers, the Fair Isle sweater is an unbeatable staple for this fall and winter season—a must-add to your wardrobe! Check out our favorite styles below, from classic crewnecks to cardigans and chic vests.
<a aria-hidden="true" data-event-click='{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://cna.st/p/8MtTDYkRzKk4NMpfJ4TqzuCMxo11wWfZQgoDcPD5uVnXLBf3cwWFDnYgKVTC9SSy18sqnqnT4gMpdfiig8hqttXyJGakreub8adaeJ6Kx1m2kKB8ZiiA1CjwSTdGP8tACEHsCAafnXNygKva6sKMnkaVnXnfdJA14hdv5PAQVZPRTCSmpmsYygzfUXhPCs6fyAy1QhdLaZBm6LuTKEk9v5EE4RpMTrDF4ukh2snwdqPWD8QoSAgxLNNQgDL6C3K3pdTngcf6Fqu4hsupSUotSjZqz6CwwtQzVvTFFjwrGiaZuU48LjEe3QUccEh4Jez997bfJtmcZfXMwFV2GUEPE4M7rpZWv2TH1ErfrVzcBQG1vtT6DPjSgXxgDJLB2AzkZxUnknQKBH2uu5f5dnLtKuXihJBsjnWAVVKKQnqVJz38zfXLQuktXpBktSAtbWHwBfzmoZ7P9s5FF4BoZpsbH2xv1oZtiQdcJeeCtQRnGTXtjf1XpfZejg7V4Mqzr3LeGAYztRxDFDiuxkei1KWvEWbUoo4mgBugA4j"}' data-offer-retailer="NET-A-PORTER" data-offer-url="https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/altuzarra/clothing/polo/cecie-fair-isle-wool-blend-turtleneck-sweater/46376663162865815" href="https://cna.st/p/8MtTDYkRzKk4NMpfJ4TqzuCMxo11wWfZQgoDcPD5uVnXLBf3cwWFDnYgKVTC9SSy18sqnqnT4gMpdfiig8hqttXyJGakreub8adaeJ6Kx1m2kKB8ZiiA1CjwSTdGP8tACEHsCAafnXNygKva6sKMnkaVnXnfdJA14hdv5PAQVZPRTCSmpmsYygzfUXhPCs6fyAy1QhdLaZBm6LuTKEk9v5EE4RpMTrDF4ukh2snwdqPWD8QoSAgxLNNQgDL6C3K3pdTngcf6Fqu4hsupSUotSjZqz6CwwtQzVvTFFjwrGiaZuU48LjEe3QUccEh4Jez997bfJtmcZfXMwFV2GUEPE4M7rpZWv2TH1ErfrVzcBQG1vtT6DPjSgXxgDJLB2AzkZxUnknQKBH2uu5f5dnLtKuXihJBsjnWAVVKKQnqVJz38zfXLQuktXpBktSAtbWHwBfzmoZ7P9
