Ditch All-Black This Winter & Try These 6 Light, Affordable Sweaters Instead

Light Neutral Affordable Sweaters for Winter

Do you tend to gravitate toward darker colors during the winter like black, gray, and navy? While that can be very elongating, slimming, and simple, it can also feel a little boring as the winter months start to drag on. This is why incorporating different colors and lighter neutrals into your wardrobe is a really easy way to change it up, try something fresh and new, and lighten up your winter outfits. In this post, I’m sharing six affordable sweaters that are all in lighter hues and will instantly breathe new life into your closet. Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for more pieces to complete your winter wardrobe, don’t forget that we have a shoppable winter capsule wardrobe with plenty of options here!

#1) Mango Fair Isle Sweater

This is a really simple winter outfit idea in lighter, brighter, neutral tones. I’m wearing a Fair Isle sweater by Mango. It has a mock neck and is a little bit heavier, which is a consideration if you tend to run hot. Even with the thickness, it could easily layer underneath a coat or jacket. It’s shorter (but not cropped), which isn’t great for anyone with a long torso but it’s perfect on me (I’m 5’4”) and could work for anyone taller with a pair of high-rise jeans. I’m wearing a size small and it runs true to size. This is the most affordable sweater on the list at $59.99!

I paired the sweater with some white jeans by Mother that you’ll see throughout this post. I have these in multiple washes and really love the flattering fit (TTS). They have an 11” rise, a 27” inseam, and a raw hem. On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of waterproof Chelsea booties by Sorel. This is a go-to brand for weatherproof shoes to keep my feet dry and warm during the winter. This pair has a chunky lug sole that gives them a cool, sporty feel. They run a little large. I would consider sizing down 1/2 size.

If you love the look of Fair Isle sweaters and want to see more, make sure you check out this post next.

#2) ASTR The Label Pointelle Sweater

In this look, I’m wearing an ASTR The Label sweater with the prettiest pointelle knit fabric. I love the geometric details of the fabric, higher turtleneck, and cool extended shoulders. The shoulders do have some padding, which exaggerates the shoulder more and is a consideration if you have broader shoulders. It runs true to size but does have a shorter hemline, which works perfectly with the high-rise white Mother jeans. It’s also only $69! On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of western-inspired Marc Fisher booties in a beautiful light brown suede. I love the western details mixed with the modern look of the cone-shaped heel too.

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#3) Mango Mixed Stitch Sweater

This is another neutral sweater by Mango and is very affordable. It’s simple, but still has some interesting details… like the texture, which creates a cool stripe effect. I also love the puff shoulders, and mock neck. It runs true to size. I’m wearing it with the same Mother jeans but swapped the booties for a pair of ivory stiletto booties by Schutz. They are currently sold out in this color, but we linked some more white and ivory bootie options for you below. Erin completed the look with a cute, fun cable knit baseball cap that keeps going in and out of stock but we linked some other neutral baseball caps below.

#4) DKNY Extended Shoulder Sweater

Next up is this DKNY sweater that has a few subtle details I really appreciate. It’s a v-neckline, which is very flattering and elongating on all body shapes and bust sizes. The shoulder detail squares off the shoulder without adding any bulk. It doesn’t have any padding or pleating like #2 did…it just has a thicker piece of fabric on the shoulder, which is such a lovely detail. I also love the subtle texture and lighter fabric. This would be a wonderful option if you run hot because it’s super lightweight. It’s also a great length so you can tuck it in, half-tuck it, or tuck it under. It runs true to size and is currently on sale for under $80!

Tip: Some of you may worry about this color washing you out, which is valid. I would say that this isn’t the best color for me…not like pink, red, green, or blue which typically make my eyes pop and brighten my face. BUT when you want to wear neutral colors like this, just add the pop with your makeup like I did with a pink lip and subtle cat eyes. You can still brighten your face when you’re wearing these lighter neutrals.

#5) Free People Textured Sweater

This Free People sweater is so fun and funky. It has a wide turtleneck so it’s not highlighting anything underneath the chin or too tight on the neck. I really love the amazing texture of this sweater that adds depth to the all-white look. It’s cropped, boxy, and oversized, which looks great with the more streamlined Mother jeans. For a boxier sweater like this, I like to size down. So it does run true to size, but I’m wearing an extra small instead of my usual small to get a less boxy fit. I completed the look with the same Marc Fisher western booties.

#6) Joe’s Striped Sweater

Light gray is another beautiful, versatile neutral color that can sometimes be ignored during the winter months. This Joe’s sweater is very lightweight and breathable. I love the blouson sleeves and fitted cuffs up to the elbows that give a little drama to the sweater. The horizontal ivory stripes and ribbed texture add some pizazz. And the cropped length is perfect so I don’t have to worry about tucking it. This is the most expensive in this sweater roundup but it’s very high-quality (and everything else is under $130)! Because the body and arms are a little more oversized, I ordered an extra small so if you are between sizes, I would consider sizing down.

Which of these sweaters is your favorite for brightening up your dark winter wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below…we love to hear from you!

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