How to Wear a Cute Sweater With Jeans Like a Fashion Pro This Winter

Winter just wouldn’t be the same without a cute sweater. Their versatility and practicality makes them the foundation of almost every cold-weather look, both formal and casual. It’s easy to fall in love with their softness and warmth, and even easier to combine them with a trendy pant for a stylish outfit that doesn’t require much effort. They’re a constant, simply put.

From classic cashmere to the highest of turtleneck designs, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort or protection from the elements with a cute sweater. That said, the predictability of a crewneck knit and jeans can start to feel stale as the season goes on. Don’t lose confidence in the combo, though: There are infinite ways to elevate all your sweaters and pants.

This season, street style looks have been combining straight-leg jeans and sweaters with all the fall and winter trends to great success. Go for a monochromatic palette, for example, or try a preppy vibe with mix-and-match plaid prints. Heels and skinny jeans align with an executive dress code, or you can go more casual with Ugg boots and your favorite flannel tied around the waist.

Keep reading for more ways to style cute sweaters and jeans this winter.

Preppy meets punk with an argyle sweater

Since preppy fashion and “librarian chic” aesthetics are both in style, as is the grandpa look, you really can’t go wrong with an argyle sweater right now. They’ve left behind their boring reputation and school-uniform associations to become a key player in the closets of the most stylish women we know. We recommend pairing them with dark wash jeans to play up the classic feel of the sweater, while warm Ugg boots and a flannel tied around the waist add a more casual, slightly punky touch of style.

A V-neck sweater for polished minimalism

As seen in the street style look above, a V-neck sweater becomes an excellent addition to the layering game when styled with a long black coat. Keep the polished minimalist vibes going with classic pieces like a pair of 90’s blue jeans, sleek pumps, and silver hoops to create a look where elegance meets sophisticated comfort.

Casual elegance in a brown sweater

The most elegant blouses this season have come in the trendiest color of the moment: brown. Whether it’s in a chunky knit sweater or a simple crewneck, the tone adds a special extra-something to any look. Best of all, you can easily find them at most retailers in affordable prices. Combine them with winter white denim and the outfit becomes all the more interesting. It’s the perfect option for a sophisticated, slightly formal—yes, even with sneakers—look that’s still warm and comfortable.

Chic monochromatic layering

It’s official: Turtlenecks are here to stay. (As if you had any doubt.) This year we saw them on the runway at Burberry and Christian Dior, thought it was street style where we took the most inspiration. As seen above, a turtleneck sweater is particularly chic when layered underneath a half-zip in a similar tone. It’s a combination that’s as practical as it is modern. A pair of high-waisted straight-leg jeans with a folded hem add to the timeless effect and an oversized wool coat gives a finishing touch to the styling.

A fresh and bright cardigan sweater

Winter fashion, and those who know the most about style, will never give up on a classic button-down cardigan, a signature piece in any capsule closet. They’re so easy to wear with T-shirts and blouses and layered underneath coats as furry and warm as you like. Find one in a bold color for a look that challenges the gloomy weather outside and contrast it with a more muted, light-wash jean to really let your sweater shine.

A version of this article was previously published in Vogue Mexico & Latin America.